If the thought of facing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms has kept you away from starting treatment, then know that compassionate help is just around the corner. Regardless of the severity of your addiction, you can rest assured that our MAT program will help you achieve your goal of becoming clean again.
What Is Medication Assisted Addiction Treatment?
Medication Assisted Treatment is an addiction intervention approach that involves the use of medication along with behavioral counseling. This treatment option has seen high success rates even with addicts with a chronic history of drug and alcohol abuse.
MAT was primarily designed for the treatment of individuals addicted to opioids such as heroin and other opioid-based prescription painkillers. The main goal of MAT is to help the individual sustain recovery. The recommended medication works to stabilize the brain’s chemistry, shut off the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol, ease physiological cravings and stabilize body functions, without the adverse side effects of the abused substance.
What Medications Are Available For Treating Substance Abuse?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of different medications that have proved effective for the treatment of substance use disorder. These drugs help to decrease the discomforts of withdrawal, manage your cravings and reduce the chances of relapse. The following are FDA-approved medications used for treating opioid use disorder as well as other types of substance addiction:
Methadone: This medication mimics the physiological effects of the substance of addiction, leading the brain to assume it is still receiving the abused substance. This drug is completely safe as the patient does not get any “high” as a result, and is able to function normally
Buprenorphine: Similar to methadone, buprenorphine diminishes the patient’s cravings for the abuse medication. It is usually in the form of a pill or sublingual tablet placed underneath the tongue.
Naltrexone: Naltrexone’s effect is different from those of methadone and buprenorphine. If an abuser relapses after using naltrexone, the medication blocks the euphoric effects of the abused substance, releasing no ecstatic feelings in the user.
What Are Some Benefits Of Medication Assisted Treatment?
Scientific evidence shows that MAT, using buprenorphine, naloxone or methadone has proved clinically effective in helping patients recover from opioid use disorders. MAT medications have found favorable use because:
- They are safe
- Decrease overdose risks
- Improve treatment retention rates
- Increases the addict’s ability to gain and sustain employment
- Lead to better social integration and functioning
- Decrease tendencies for criminal activities
- Reduce risks of sexually transmitted disease such as HIV and hepatitis C
Studies have shown that MAT medications and therapies can actually assist in reducing an individual’s risk of contracting hepatitis C or HIV by decreasing the likelihood of relapse. Unfortunately, MAT’s usage is currently below the expected level, says SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration).
According to a SAMHSA study, the percentage of heroin-related admissions with therapy plans involving medication-assisted opioid treatment dropped from 35% in 2002 to 28% in 2010. This decline in the adoption of the evidence-based MAT option could be related to misconceptions about MAT’s modality of operation.
To learn more about how MAT can help you safely break free from opioid addiction, contact Garden State Treatment Center’s addiction helpline.
Are you searching for a Medical Assisted Treatment Program in New Jersey?
If you or a loved one has an opioid use disorder, call our toll-free helpline to speak with a compassionate interventionist. Garden State Treatment Center offers an evidence-based Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program at our treatment center located in New Jersey.
Getting into our MAT program takes only a few easy steps:
- You must be available and willing to participate fully in all levels of care
- Comply with the directives and recommendation of our clinical team
- Actively participate in all group support programs
- Use all medications recommended by our clinical staff
- Cooperate with onsite drug testing and monitoring activities
Our Medication Assisted Treatment program has been highly successful in managing even chronic cases of alcohol and drug addiction. Our expert team is always on hand to help you manage your withdrawal by applying FDA-approved medications, while you undergo an intensive therapy program. We implement our MAT program in a way that ensures your long-lasting recovery and takes cognizance of your particular need.
