What is MAT? A Complete Guide to Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment, often shortened to MAT, means using medication alongside appropriate behavioral and recovery support to treat a substance use disorder. Many clinicians now use the more specific terms medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD).

Medication is an active treatment. Depending on the drug, it can address withdrawal, cravings, or the reinforcing effects of substance use. It does not guarantee recovery. SAMHSA: Treatment options for substance use disorders

If you're dealing with addiction, there are many different treatment options available. Read on to learn more about this treatment and why it might be a good option for you.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment, also known as MAT, involves the use of specific medications to minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings and to help people with a substance use disorder stay in recovery.

In addition to being prescribed these medications, many people involved in MAT also work with counselors and attend support group meetings. The purpose of these sessions is to get support, work on habit change, and learn healthy ways to cope with stress and triggers.

MAT can be part of a larger addiction treatment option, such as inpatient or outpatient treatment. The choice depends on a person's history, preferences, prior response, health, and access to care.

Types of Addiction Medication

There are several different medications one might be prescribed while they're involved in MAT.

The following are some of the most widely used medications:

Suboxone

Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that can reduce opioid withdrawal and cravings. The goal of prescribed treatment is stability, not intoxication. Buprenorphine can still cause sedation and carries overdose risk, particularly with other sedating substances. FDA Suboxone prescribing information

Methadone is another medication for opioid use disorder. It is a full opioid agonist that also reduces withdrawal and cravings. In the United States, ongoing methadone treatment for opioid use disorder is generally provided through a certified opioid treatment program, while a buprenorphine prescription can be picked up from a pharmacy.

Vivitrol

Vivitrol is a brand name for naltrexone. This drug is used for both alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder.

For alcohol, naltrexone works by blocking the receptors in the brain that are responsible for the pleasurable effects brought on by drinking. It can help reduce drinking and alcohol cravings. It may also cause side effects like nausea and headaches.

For opioids, naltrexone blocks opioid receptors. Extended-release injectable naltrexone is an option after an appropriate opioid-free interval. Starting too soon can cause severe withdrawal. CDC: Treating Opioid Use Disorder SAMHSA: Naltrexone

Antabuse

Antabuse is another medication for people with alcohol use disorder. Antabuse is the brand name for disulfiram.

Disulfiram was the first medication approved to treat alcohol problems.

Disulfiram causes an unpleasant, potentially dangerous reaction when alcohol is consumed, and it requires careful counseling and planning.

It helps to deter one from drinking so that they can avoid feeling sick as a result.

Campral

Campral is the brand name for acamprosate.

This drug helps to minimize the emotional and physical distress that often occurs when one gives up alcohol.

Many people begin taking acamprosate after they've finished detoxing. It supports maintenance of abstinence.

Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are the FDA-approved options for alcohol use disorder. They work differently and are not interchangeable. SAMHSA: Treatment options for substance use disorders

These medicines do not replace medical management of dangerous alcohol withdrawal. Someone who drinks heavily and regularly should seek advice before abruptly stopping. NIAAA: Cutting down or quitting alcohol

Benefits of MAT

There are lots of reasons why someone might want to use these medications as part of their recovery. The following are some of the most well-known benefits of MAT:

Fewer Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the main benefits of MAT is the fact that it can help to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even deadly in some cases.

When withdrawal symptoms are managed, people are more likely to stay on track with their recovery and continue to participate in other parts of their treatment.

Fewer Cravings

When you're using medications like those listed above, you may experience fewer cravings for drugs or alcohol. The desire to drink or use drugs might not go away altogether. For many people it becomes easier to manage.

Reduction in Overdose-Related Deaths

As soon as one stops using drugs or alcohol, the body begins recalibrating itself. When this happens, you're more likely to overdose if you relapse and use again.

This is true even if you take the same amount that you used to take when you were using regularly.

MAT can help to reduce the likelihood that you will experience a fatal overdose should you relapse.

Better Patient Outcomes

Last, but certainly not least, research shows that medication-assisted treatment can lead to better patient outcomes.

It's especially well established for people with opioid use disorder.

Counseling can help with coping skills, relationships, trauma, and mental health needs. For buprenorphine, SAMHSA advises that being unable to obtain counseling, or declining it, should not prevent prescribing. SAMHSA: Waiver elimination

Ideal Candidates for MAT

Clearly, there are lots of benefits that result from medication-assisted treatment. It's not the right option for everyone, though.

The following people are generally considered to be candidates for MAT:

• Those who have received a diagnosis of opioid or alcohol use disorder
• Those who are willing to follow prescription instructions
• Those who are in relatively good health and don't have symptoms that would be made worse by the medication

Having a history of medication misuse, another substance use disorder, or depression does not automatically make someone ineligible for medication treatment. These details affect the treatment plan and the level of monitoring. A person does not need to demonstrate perfect motivation before seeking an assessment.

Before you decide to try MAT, it's important to have a discussion with a doctor about your options and your current health. Expect questions about recent substance use, previous treatment, current medicines, medical conditions, and your goals. Your doctor will let you know whether they think MAT will be beneficial for you.

Learn More About MAT Today

Medication-assisted treatment can be a good option for people with opioid or alcohol use disorder.

It can minimize withdrawal symptoms and cravings and help people stay in treatment.

Now that you know more about MAT, do you think it's a good fit for you?

Ask any practice which medications and services it offers directly and which need a separate provider. Recovery Delivered offers online Suboxone treatment for opioid use disorder. Alcohol treatment is not bookable at Recovery Delivered yet. If you need help with drinking now, the Alcohol Treatment Navigator can help you find care.

Start Suboxone treatment online. Our online Suboxone doctors see patients by video visit. The first visit is $89. Follow-up visits are $50 weekly, $75 every two weeks or $89 monthly. Visits are cash pay, and medication is priced separately.