Medication Assisted Treatment: The PDF Guide

This PDF guide covers everything you need to know about Medication Assisted Treatment for addiction.

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What is Medication Assisted Treatment?

Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is a specialized form of addiction treatment that combines behavioral therapy with medication in order to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery. MAT has been shown to be an effective treatment for addiction, and can help people to abstain from drug use, stay in treatment, and improve their overall health.

The Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is a combination of FDA-approved medications and counseling/behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders. It is a research-backed and effective approach to treating addiction that has been shown to decrease relapses, overdoses, and HIV/HCV transmission rates, improve retention in treatment, and increase abstinence from opioids.

MAT is an effective treatment for opioid use disorders because it:

– Decreases relapses: Medications used in MAT target the brain receptors affected by opioids, reduces cravings, and blocks the effects of opioids. This increases the likelihood of staying in treatment and decreases the chance of relapse.

– Decreases overdoses: Medications used in MAT can help stabilize patients who are struggling with addiction and at risk for overdose. Naloxone, an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid overdoses, is readily available and can be administered by loved ones or first responders in the case of an overdose.

– Increases retention in treatment: Patients who receive MAT are more likely to stay in treatment than those who do not receive MAT. This increased retention leads to better outcomes overall.

– Improves abstinence from opioids: Studies have shown that patients who receive MAT have improved abstinence rates from opioids when compared to those who do not receive MAT.

The Risks of Medication Assisted Treatment

There are a number of risks associated with Medication Assisted Treatment particularly when it comes to the use of opioids. Some of these risks include:

-Dependence: Medication Assisted Treatment can lead to dependence on the medication, particularly if it is used for a long period of time. This means that you may need to take higher doses of the medication to get the same effect, and you may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication.

-Addiction: medication assisted treatment can also lead to addiction, especially if you have a history of addiction. This means that you may be at risk of relapse if you stop taking the medication.

-Overdose: The use of medication assisted treatment can also increase your risk of overdose, especially if you take high doses of the medication or mix it with other substances.

The Different Types of Medication Assisted Treatment

There are three main types of medication assisted treatment: psychotherapy, behavioral therapies, and medications.

Psychotherapy is the most common form of treatment and can be delivered in individual or group settings. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors.

Behavioral therapies help patients change their behavior by breaking down activities into smaller goals and providing rewards for progress.

Medications are used to stabilize patients by reducing cravings and/or blocking the effects of drugs.

The Effectiveness of Medication Assisted Treatment

MAT is an evidence-based practice that combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders. Research demonstrates that MAT is associated with:
-Reduced illicit drug use
-Reduced criminal activity
-Increased employment rates and retention
-Improved birth outcomes among pregnant women

MAT is particularly effective when combined with individual and/or group counseling, as well as other support services such as housing and job assistance.

The Cost of Medication Assisted Treatment

The cost of medication assisted treatment (MAT) can vary depending on the type of medication used, the length of treatment, and the location of treatment. In general, MAT programs that use FDA-approved medications tend to be more expensive than those that use non-FDA approved medications. Additionally, MAT programs located in urban areas tend to be more expensive than those located in rural areas.

The most common FDA-approved medications used in MAT programs are methadone and buprenorphine. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is used to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that is used to treat opioid addiction. Both medications are dispensed by specially licensed clinics, and both require daily dosing.

The average cost of a methadone program is $5,000 per year. The average cost of a buprenorphine program is $2,500 per year. The average length of treatment for both methadone and buprenorphine is 12 months.

The Pros and Cons of Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. MAT is used to treat opioid addiction and is proven to be an effective way to manage this chronic disease.

There are many pros and cons to consider when deciding if MAT is right for you or your loved one. Pros include that MAT:
-Reduces drug cravings
-Blocks the effects of opioids
-Increases retention in treatment programs
-Helps people stay engaged in counseling and other behavioral therapies

The Success Rate of Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive, science-based approach that effectively treats people with opioid use disorders. It combines medication with behavioral therapy and other supportive services.

MAT has been shown to:

-Significantly reduce the risk of overdose and death
-Reduce criminal activity
– improve employment and housing stability
-Improve birth outcomes among pregnant women with opioid use disorders
-facilitate engagement in treatment and recovery

There is a great deal of research evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of MAT. In fact, MAT is associated with a 50% or greater reduction in mortality.

What to Expect from Medication Assisted Treatment

When you enter medication assisted treatment (MAT), you can expect to receive a combination of medication and behavioral therapy to help you overcome your addiction. MAT is an evidence-based approach that has been shown to be effective in treating substance use disorders.

MAT is not a “quick fix” or a “cure” for addiction, but it can help you recover from your illness and lead a productive life. Medication assisted treatment is often used in combination with other forms of treatment, such as individual and group therapy, 12-step programs, and sober living arrangements.

Before you begin MAT, your provider will complete a comprehensive assessment to determine if MAT is right for you. If it is determined that you would benefit from MAT, your provider will develop a personalized treatment plan that includes what medications you will take, how often you will take them, and what other forms of treatment you will receive.

You should expect to see your provider regularly during MAT so that they can monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your medication or treatment plan. Medication assisted treatment is not “one size fits all” – it is important that your treatment plan is tailored to meet your specific needs.

How to Find a Medication Assisted Treatment Program

While there are many ways to treat addiction, medication assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines behavioral therapy with medications to provide a “whole-patient” approach to care.

There are many benefits to MAT, including:

-Reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms
-Improved ability to participate in counseling and other behavioral therapies
-Decreased risk of overdose
-Improved retention in treatment programs

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, medication assisted treatment may be the right choice. But how do you find a program that meets your needs? Here are some tips:

1. Talk to your doctor or a Oral Health specialist. They can provide referrals or help you find a program that meets your needs.
2. Check with your insurance provider. Many insurance plans cover MAT, but coverage can vary depending on the plan.
3. Call your local Substance Abuse and mental health Services Administration (SAMHSA) office. SAMHSA provides free and confidential information on treatment facilities and can help you find a program in your area.
4. Use the SAMHSA Treatment Facility Locator tool. This online tool lets you search for MAT programs by location, type of service, payment options, and more.