Finding a suitable substance abuse recovery plan is an integral part of beating your addiction.
For some, that means choosing a medication-assisted treatment program, or MAT. Below, we look at what MAT is, how it works, and what could make it the right recovery plan for your needs. Keep reading to learn more, or give us a call at (855) 906-4088 for a free consultation any time.
What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
A medication-assisted treatment plan is exactly what it sounds like – a plan for substance abuse recovery treatment that includes medication. The reason that medication is used in these plans is to help residents deal with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
In one study, 61% of patients coming off of antidepressants reported some degree of withdrawal effects, and 44% of these described the effects as ‘severe.’ Imagine this situation with more intense substances and a stronger dependence on those.
Withdrawal symptoms and cravings are the two leading causes of relapse. The reasoning is that if these become less severe, it will be easier to avoid relapse and stick to your care plan. Depending on the type of addiction you’ve been experiencing, it could be just what you need to heal.
What Are the Examples of Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Example 1. A patient may come in for the opioid treatment program and receive MAT during detox. Their doctor administers an extended-release injection of naltrexone. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects and is long-acting to deter the patient from relapsing in the treatment of opioid dependence.
Example 2. During a detox for alcoholism, a patient is experiencing intense cravings. To suppress these, their doctor uses Acamprosate. This medication reduces cravings and works to restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that alcohol can disrupt (GABA and glutamate).
What medications are prescribed for MAT?
Doctors may prescribe several evidence-based medications for a MAT patient. This is a list that includes:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- And others
The specific medication used in your case will depend on the treatment center you choose and their preference. The substance that you’ve been abusing and the severity of your addiction can also play roles in your doctor’s decision-making process.
Who needs MAT?
MAT is most commonly prescribed to people who are in recovery to treat opioid use disorders (OUD). If you previously abused heroin or prescription pain relievers, MAT may be one of the treatment options for you. It can also sometimes be a fit for those recovering from alcohol use disorders.
That being said, you don’t necessarily have to choose a MAT plan if you’re dealing with one of these types of substance addiction. MAT is typically an option that you can choose if you’re concerned about the withdrawals and cravings you may experience – especially during the early phases of the healing journey. In MAT, your doctor can prescribe medication that helps prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
What other treatments are offered with medication?
Therapy
Therapy is the cornerstone of every substance abuse recovery plan – including medically-assisted treatment programs. It involves meeting individually with someone who specializes in substance abuse and addiction.
Your therapist will help you explore the root causes of your addiction and identify your triggers. Then, you’ll work together to develop healthier strategies for coping with life’s challenges. Your time in therapy will give you a solid base that you can continue building on to achieve lasting sobriety.
Group Work
You will also likely spend some time working on your recovery in a group setting with others in the same place as you. Group work can include 12-step and non-12-step meetings and group therapy.
The purpose of this is twofold. First, group work allows you to build a support network by getting to know the other people participating in the same rehab program. This can benefit your recovery by giving you someone to talk about your challenges with who understands what you’re experiencing.
Group work also gives you the chance to learn from others. The people in your program may have learned different things from their addiction and recovery than you have. Working with them in a group setting where those lessons are talked about can help you achieve a lasting recovery.
Holistic Therapies
Finally, treatment facilities like Harmony Junction Recovery in Southern California offer holistic treatments in addiction to medication, therapy, and group work. Holistic treatments can include:
- Meditation and yoga classes
- Nutrition and fitness work
- Outdoor activities
- Equine therapy
- Art therapy
- And more
The purpose of these treatments is to help you align your mind, body, and spirit behind your recovery efforts. These therapies help you feel better in your body and mind, making it easier to stick to your long-term healing plan.
Are there any downsides to MAT?
The main downside of MAT is the potential to form a dependency on the medication that you’re prescribed. Some people view this style of treatment as replacing one addiction with another. But that’s not entirely accurate.
When MAT is administered responsibly, it can be very safe. That’s why Harmony Junction Recovery uses a tapering process when the time comes to begin moving away from medication in the treatment process.
Tapering allows us to prescribe you the medication that you need to make it through the difficult early stages of recovery and then gradually transition to a non-medication healing plan.
Will my insurance cover an MAT program?
Yes, there’s a good chance that you’ll have at least some insurance coverage for MAT. Insurance companies are legally required to treat substance abuse recovery treatment the same way they treat other forms of necessary care.
This means that if your doctor prescribes MAT, you probably won’t need to pay for it entirely out of your pocket if you have health insurance. However, your percentage of coverage and whether you have to meet any deductibles or copays before it kicks in can vary based on your plan.
Get Started with MAT at Harmony Junction Recovery in Southern California
If you’re interested in pursuing MAT, there’s no reason to wait. Harmony Junction can answer your questions, listen to your situation, and make a personalized care recommendation to let you know whether this form of treatment is right for you.
We can also verify your insurance for you. Just give one of our addiction specialists a call and they’ll communicate with your insurance company to let you know how much coverage you would have if you chose us. And we’ll do it all for free to ensure you get access to the right form of care as quickly as possible.
So why wait? Give us a call at (855) 906-4088 today to get started.
