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According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, extensive evidence shows that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective way to smooth the recovery path for people with substance use disorder (SUD). At Infinity Care, the team of leading addiction treatment specialists offers this evidence-based approach to recovery in their Louisville, Kentucky, office and through telehealth visits. Click the scheduling link or call the office to arrange your assessment now.
Medication Assisted Treatment Q & A
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
MAT is drug-based treatment for people with substance use disorder (SUD). While it might seem counter-intuitive to use drugs to guide recovery, it actually improves the chances of a full recovery and reduces the risk of relapse in the long term.
The Infinity Care team dispenses all drugs used in MAT, and they closely monitor you throughout treatment to make sure you’re safe. Only specially-trained medical providers, like those at Infinity Care, can prescribe and administer MAT.
Who needs medication-assisted treatment?
MAT is designed specifically for the needs of people with SUD. Two types of SUD, opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), are commonly treated with MAT.
So, you might benefit from MAT if you struggle with using opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, or heroin or if you can’t control your alcohol use.
How does medication-assisted treatment prevent substance use?
There are several different drugs used in MAT, and each works in a specific way.
OUD treatment
In OUD treatment, the most common drug used is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid that doesn’t cause the typical opioid high, but it tricks your brain into thinking you got a regular dose of opioids.
This prevents sweating, shaking, nausea, cramps, and other withdrawal effects. The other half of the drug, naloxone, is there as a safety feature. It cancels opioid effects if the drug is misused but doesn’t go into effect otherwise.
Another drug, naltrexone, is a non-opioid that works by blocking opioid effects. Essentially, it eliminates the pleasurable effects and decreases cravings.
AUD treatment
There are a few drugs to treat AUD. Currently, the most common is naltrexone, which works the same way as it does for OUD. Other AUD treatment options work by causing unpleasant effects if you drink alcohol.
Is medication-assisted treatment a form of medication management?
MAT is a type of medication management because it includes regular monitoring and prescription adjustments as needed. But typical medication management usually involves less monitoring than MAT.
With MAT, you’ll typically see the Infinity Care team at least twice a month for check-ins. Additionally, the team provides individual counseling, group therapy, mental health education, and other support to make your recovery journey a smooth one.
To learn how MAT can help your recovery, call Infinity Care or click the online link now.