Key Takeaways
- Medication assisted treatment involves the use of FDA-approved medications combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders.
- These specialized prescription medications help normalize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids.
- Medication assisted treatment is often used during detox and withdrawal management, as well as in residential treatment.
- MAT therapy has been shown to increase addiction treatment retention, improve survival rates, decrease illicit drug use, and more.
If you or your loved one is grappling with a drug or alcohol addiction, medication assisted treatment (MAT) offers a scientifically-backed and effective path to long-term recovery. Combining FDA-approved medications with evidence-based therapies, medication assisted therapy addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of your addiction.
From detox and withdrawal management to residential treatment and beyond, MAT treatment—combined with a holistic plan of care—can make all the difference in finally overcoming your addiction. That’s why we feature medication assisted treatment in our addiction treatment programs here at Sana at Stowe in Stowe, Vermont.
What is Medication Assisted Treatment?
Medication assisted treatment combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat the whole person when overcoming a substance use disorder. Consisting of specialized prescription medication, medication assisted therapy helps:
- Normalize brain chemistry
- Block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids
- Relieve physiological cravings
- Normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug
SOURCE: Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services
Medications used in MAT therapy fall into three primary, FDA-approved categories:
- Agonists (e.g., methadone): Mimic opioids to alleviate withdrawal symptoms without producing a high.
- Partial Agonists (e.g., buprenorphine): Provide a milder effect, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Antagonists (e.g., naltrexone): Block opioids from producing euphoric effects, discouraging misuse.
Medication assisted treatment is most commonly used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders, with extensive research supporting its efficacy. In Vermont, for example, easier access to MAT therapy helped Vermont’s Chittenden County reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by 50% in 2018, according to the SAFE Project. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also shares that research has shown that both medication and therapy can successfully treat addictions and even help sustain recovery.
It’s important to remember that medication assisted treatment is not a standalone treatment for a substance use disorder. There’s no magic pill out there that can cure your addiction after so many doses. Instead, medication assisted therapy is meant to be used in conjunction with other evidence-based therapies. It complements these therapies by addressing the physical challenges of withdrawal and early recovery. This integration is especially effective in creating a safer and more manageable detox and withdrawal management experience.
Why Withdrawal Management Is Essential
Withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance, but they often include nausea, sweating, anxiety, depression, muscle aches, and even seizures. For many, these symptoms can feel overwhelming, leading to relapse before treatment gets off the ground.
At Sana at Stowe, withdrawal management through medication-assisted therapy is designed to ease this process, making detox safer and more comfortable. The use of MAT helps reduce cravings, minimize withdrawal symptoms, and prevent potential medical complications.
How Does Medically Assisted Detox Work?
Medication assisted treatment plays a major role in many detox and withdrawal management programs. MAT targets specific withdrawal symptoms based on the substance used. Here’s a breakdown of how MAT supports detox:
- Alcohol Detox: Medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate are used to reduce cravings and alleviate symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
- Opioid Detox: Drugs like buprenorphine and methadone help reduce cravings and withdrawal discomfort without producing the euphoric effects of opioids.
- Other Substances: Depending on the substance, medications can be tailored to manage symptoms and support stabilization.
The medically assisted detox process is always overseen by medical professionals, including a doctor and nurse team. At Sana at Stowe, medically assisted detox ensures that you receive personalized care that keeps you physically and emotionally comfortable.
MAT in Residential Treatment and Beyond
While medication assisted treatment is common during detox, it doesn’t necessarily end once the detox phase is complete. In fact, medication duration will vary based on your individual addiction treatment plan. The decision to continue with medication is determined alongside your treatment team. For some, medication may only be part of the early stages of addiction treatment, while others may require longer medication maintenance.
As mentioned earlier, medication assisted therapy doesn’t consist of medications only. It is in residential treatment, as well as outpatient rehab, that these behavioral therapies within MAT are utilized. Evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), help you address the root causes of your addiction (often untreated past trauma) so you can actually achieve long-term recovery. At the same time, these behavioral therapies empower you with positive coping strategies and self-care practices to stay healthy long after treatment ends.
Overall Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment
Though a magic pill for sobriety doesn’t exist, medication assisted therapy has made a proven, substantial impact on addiction recovery. According to SAMHSA, MAT therapy has been shown to:
- Improve client survival rates
- Increase retention in substance use disorder treatment and recovery services
- Decrease illicit opiate use and other illicit activity among people with substance use disorders
- Increase clients’ ability to gain and maintain employment
- Improve birth outcomes among pregnant women who have substance use disorders
- Lower a person’s risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C by reducing the potential for relapse
Because MAT helps stabilize your recovery and lifestyle, you’re more likely to stick with treatment. And a more stable lifestyle combined with completed rehab means you’re less likely to overdose or relapse in the future. Consequently, you’re also less likely to commit crimes or illegally obtain drugs in the future as well.
What to Expect at Sana at Stowe
Medication assisted treatment is an integral aspect of addiction recovery. By combining medical intervention with therapeutic support, MAT offers you the chance to reclaim their lives and build a future free from addiction. That’s why a medication assisted treatment program is part of our comprehensive addiction treatment approach here at Sana at Stowe.
We specifically use medication assisted therapy during detox and throughout residential treatment to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. Some of the medications we prescribe include:
- Buprenorphine-naloxone (Suboxone)
- Naltrexone (RevVia and Vivitrol)
- Acamprosate (Campral)
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Beyond medications, we also incorporate other evidence-based therapies into our addiction treatment programming to address your addiction’s root causes and improve your overall well-being. These therapies include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Understanding the role of trauma in substance abuse, we also take a trauma-focused approach to addiction treatment. This involves creating a safe, serene environment where you can process your trauma, reclaim your inherent worth, and recover your awareness. By doing so, you can finally begin to heal what’s driving your addiction and achieve long-term recovery. To learn more about our addiction treatment programs, call us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these medications simply replace one substance with another?
No. Medications used in medication assisted therapy do not produce a high like opioids, for example. These medications have been proven safe and effective in treatment of substance use disorders alongside counseling and behavioral therapies. You can’t get addicted to these medications.
How do I know if MAT is right for me?
MAT is suitable for people experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, particularly when recovering from alcohol or opioid dependency. It is also a critical option for those with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which may exacerbate withdrawal challenges.
If you’re unsure if MAT is right for you, tools like our drug addiction quiz can help you learn if professional addiction treatment (including MAT) is a healthy next step in your recovery journey.
