What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medication combined with counseling to provide a comprehensive treatment plan for prescription opioid and heroin addiction.
Medication can be an essential tool in addiction treatment, uniquely helpful for managing cravings and triggers. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is just one of the evidence-based, modern approaches to treating chemical dependence that we practice at Lighthouse Recovery Institute with our patient-centered care.
Pharmacotherapy is an advancement in the addiction science arena, offering encouraging results for many struggling with co-occurring disorders and mental illness.
During the early stages of recovery, cravings for drugs and alcohol can be severe. Our collaborative team of licensed counselors and doctors integrate pharmacotherapy to help reduce the desire to use and create intervention strategies that result in a more effective treatment model for many of our patients.
Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment
Several medications can be utilized within the addiction treatment episode and effective at reducing cravings for various substance use disorders.
The most common medications often used in drug and alcohol rehabs are Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Campral, which help treat addiction and withdrawal. Campral is very effective, specifically for treating alcoholism and managing dependence. Naltrexone blocks receptors in the brain by blocking the effects and decreases the desire to use them.
These medications begin after an individual has completed medical detox and has already started an inpatient rehab or outpatient rehab program.
Effectiveness of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Roughly 2 million people had an opioid use disorder (OUD) in 2018. MAT has proved to be clinically effective and significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services for these individuals. It provides patients with a comprehensive and personalized program that can address the needs of opioid dependency when paired with behavioral therapy.
- MAT has shown to be helpful inL
- Improving patient survival rates
- Increase retention in treatments for opioid abuse
- Decrease illicit opiate use
- Increase a patient’s ability to gain and maintain employment after treatment
- Improve birth outcomes of pregnant women with opioid addiction
Suboxone and Methadone Maintenance Programs
Certain medications are used during the detoxification process to assist with the post-acute withdrawal symptoms experienced from long-term opiate addiction or heroin addiction. These medications include Methadone, Suboxone, and Subutex.
Methadone has a long history of drug treatment programs, and many facilities now use Suboxone as a less addictive alternative. Consultation with a doctor is required before the use of these medications. The most effective combinations of these medications are in conjunction with behavioral treatment programs.
In the United States, there are different medications used in MAT to treat various disorders.
Alcohol use disorder medications: Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. While they don’t cure the disorder, they are part of treatment options for alcohol addiction.
Opioid dependency medications: Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid use disorders to short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. Naloxone is a medication used to treat and reverse the toxic effects of opioid overdose.
The treatment of opioid dependence needs to be paired with counseling and behavioral therapies to yield the best results. Medication-assisted treatment for opioid abuse alone won’t be sufficient.
Learn More About Addiction Treatment
Rehab is a very personal experience, and the length of rehab depends on factors such as the severity of the addiction, how quickly someone makes progress, and other factors. For those with severe drug or alcohol dependencies and those with co-occurring mental illness, treatment may be longer.
Are all programs the same?
No. Our addiction treatment programs are designed and personalized to match your individual needs and your addiction.
Is alcohol rehab the same?
No. While the structure might be similar, alcohol addiction affects the brain differently, and we follow specific therapies and treatment programs designed to help those with alcohol use disorder.
Is family involved in treatment?
If possible. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, we believe family inclusion in treatment is critical for long-term recovery. Whenever possible, we’ll do our best to incorporate family members into the treatment process. We’ll also assist family members who might be challenging to cope with their loved ones being in rehab. People in recovery need the support of family and friends to make progress, so we often invite family members to form support groups during therapy.
Do you use medications?
If needed. For specific addictions, a medication-assisted treatment program might be beneficial, particularly during the early recovery stages. Medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms, control cravings, and make the recovery process easier on those in treatment.
How long is the treatment?
It depends. Our rehab programs are personalized to address your needs. However, most of our programs range in the 60- to 90-day, with many choosing continuum care after leaving rehab.
Is detox mandatory?
Most of our patients come to our rehab center after completing our drug and alcohol detox program. Someone must be no longer using substances to start a rehab program. Otherwise, withdrawal symptoms can interfere with treatment and make progress too challenging.
There is one significant distinction between the MAT services offered at Lighthouse Recovery Institute and those provided by other facilities or models of care. In some cases, patients are on long-term opioid replacement drugs, which can be habit-forming, as a part of MAT programs. We do not use these medications, as they can result in the development of a secondary addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for us refers to the use of non-narcotic, non-addictive medicines that are approved and recommended for reducing cravings. Some of these medications will block the effects of alcohol and drugs, reducing the incentive to use in the first place. We have found that many patients benefit from the additional accountability provided by these types of medication.
Our Comprehensive MAT Approach
Early recovery and treatment can be a delicate time, during which any help with managing cravings can mean the difference between success and relapse.
MAT is a method to ensure that patients have the best possible foundation for success by giving them time to stabilize without the added stress of cravings for drugs or alcohol. During this time, patients can learn coping skills for long-term relapse prevention to serve them throughout their recovery.
Medications commonly used include Naltrexone and Vivitrol. Naltrexone is a non-narcotic which reduces opioid and alcohol cravings and prevents patients from experiencing any euphoric effect if they relapse. Vivitrol is a long-acting form of naltrexone that can help prevent relapse and reduce cravings for up to a month.
When combined with intensive psychotherapy, community support, and a daily recovery program, these medications can help individuals overcome many challenges. Integrating MAT provides an extra layer of accountability and support, which allows our patients to focus their energy on the vital work of addiction treatment and therapy.
With the help of anti-craving medications, we can help develop the core elements of a robust recovery program for every individual that walks in our door.
Does Insurance Cover Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Insurance plans will cover some or all the costs of inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs. Individual insurance companies are now requiring the use of MAT in long-term treatment episodes. If you or a loved one are considering entering drug or alcohol treatment, and looking to obtain detailed information about your insurance plan call our trained staff today.
South Florida Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
Some people oppose the idea of medication-assisted treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. However, extensive research suggests that by using medications alongside therapy and traditional addiction treatment, the chances of recovery and long-term sobriety are higher. During the early stages of recovery, cravings for drugs and alcohol can be severe. Our collaborative team of licensed counselors and doctors integrate pharmacotherapy to help reduce the desire to use and create intervention strategies that result in a more effective treatment model for many of our patients. Integrating MAT provides an extra layer of accountability and support, which allows our patients to focus their energy on the vital work of addiction treatment and therapy.We are here to support you during your time of need and help you make the best decision for yourself or your loved one.