Medication Assisted Treatment: Success Rates

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an effective way to treat substance abuse disorders. Learn more about the success rates of MAT and how it can help you recover from addiction.

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What is Medication Assisted Treatment?

Medication Assisted Treatment also known as MAT, is a treatment method that uses medication in addition to behavioral therapy and counseling to treat substance abuse disorders. This type of treatment has been shown to be successful in treating addiction, and has a high success rate when compared to other treatment methods.

MAT is often used to treat addiction to opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers. The medication used in this type of treatment helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for the patient to stick to their treatment plan. MAT is not a cure for addiction, but it can be an effective tool in helping the patient achieve long-term sobriety.

What are the success rates of Medication Assisted Treatment?

Cochrane Reviews- Systematic reviews of the effectiveness of healthcare interventions
o “Methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone are all effective in reducing illicit heroin use, criminal activity and mortality when compared with no treatment or placebo, although there is variation in response between different individuals. People on methadone and buprenorphine also have improved social functioning and mental health compared to those not on medication.”

SAMHSA- Substance Abuse & mental health Services Administration
o 8 out of 10 people who receive MAT for their opioid use disorder remain in treatment for at least 1 year.
o 6 out of 10 people who receive MAT will be abstinent from opioids at the 1-year mark.
o People who stay in treatment for longer periods of time (15 months or more) have even higher rates of success, with 7 out of 10 people remaining in treatment and 4 out of 10 remaining abstinent from opioids.

How does Medication Assisted Treatment work?

Medication Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is a type of treatment for addiction that combines medication with behavioral therapy. MAT has been shown to be effective in treating addiction, and the success rates vary depending on the individual and the substance being abused. However, studies have shown that MAT is generally more effective than other types of treatment, such as detoxification or abstinence-based programs.

What are the benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment?

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a treatment option for addiction that combines medication with therapy and counseling. MAT is often used to treat addiction to opioids, alcohol, and other substances.

There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that MAT is an effective treatment option for addiction. A review of the literature on MAT found that it can help to reduce cravings, the risk of relapse, and withdrawal symptoms. It can also help to improve overall functioning and quality of life.

In addition, MAT has been found to be successful in treating other disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is likely due to the fact that MAT can help to stabilize moods and regulating emotions.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, Medication Assisted Treatment may be a successful treatment option.

What are the risks of Medication Assisted Treatment?

There are a number of risks associated with medication assisted treatment which is why it is important to speak with a medical professional before beginning any kind of treatment. The most common risks include:

-Nausea and vomiting
-Diarrhea
-Constipation
-Dizziness
-Headache
-Skin rash or itchiness
-Drowsiness or fatigue
-Dry mouth
-Anxiety or irritability
-Difficulty sleeping
-Muscle aches and pains

Some of these side effects are mild and will go away on their own, but others may be more severe. If you experience any severe side effects, stop taking the medication and call your doctor immediately.

What are the side effects of Medication Assisted Treatment?

There are many different medications that can be used in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). The most common medications used are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Each of these medications has its own set of side effects, which are listed below.

Methadone:
-Drowsiness
-Constipation
-Nausea
-Headache
-Vomiting
-Sweating
-Itching
-Dizziness
-Slow heart rate
-Liver damage (rare)

Buprenorphine:
-Nausea and vomiting
-Dizziness
-Headache
-Sweating
-Dry mouth
-Constipation
Respiratory depression (slowed breathing)

Naltrexone:

How long does Medication Assisted Treatment take?

The duration of treatment for opioid use disorder with medication assisted treatment (MAT) varies depending on the individual. Some people may need MAT for a few months, while others may need it for years. In general, the longer someone has been taking opioids, the longer they will need MAT.

The other factor that determines the length of time someone will need MAT is how well they comply with their treatment plan. People who are able to stick to their medication schedule and attend counseling sessions regularly are more likely to succeed in long-term recovery.

What is the cost of Medication Assisted Treatment?

The cost of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) varies depending on the type of medication used, the length of treatment, and whether the patient is covered by insurance. The most common medications used in MAT are methadone and buprenorphine.

Methadone is typically covered by insurance, but the cost of buprenorphine may be out-of-pocket for some patients. The average cost of treatment with methadone is $4,700 per year, while the average cost of treatment with buprenorphine is $2,500 per year.

Patients who are not covered by insurance may be able to receive assistance through government programs or sliding-scale fees. Many treatment centers offer some form of financial assistance to help make treatment more affordable.

Where can I get Medication Assisted Treatment?

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s important to get help as soon as possible. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a proven, effective way to treat addiction and begin the road to recovery.

MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to treatment. This comprehensive approach addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction.

MAT is available through a variety of providers, including:
-Hospitals
-Community health centers
-Private practices
-Substance abuse treatment centers

If you or someone you know is ready to get help for addiction, call 1-888-744-0069 to find a treatment provider near you.

Are there any alternatives to Medication Assisted Treatment?

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a term used to describe the use of medication to treat addiction. The most commonly used medications for MAT are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications work by helping to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for people to stay in treatment and abstain from drugs.

MAT is considered to be the gold standard of care for treating addiction, and it has been shown to be effective in helping people to achieve and maintain sobriety. However, there are some people who prefer not to take medication or who cannot tolerate the side effects of medications. For these people, there are a few alternatives to MAT.

One alternative to MAT is abstinence-based recovery. This approach involves abstaining from all drugs and alcohol and relying on other methods of support, such as counseling, peer support groups, and 12-step programs. This approach can be effective for some people, but it requires a great deal of motivation and support.

Another alternative to MAT is harm reduction. This approach seeks to minimize the negative consequences of drug use rather than focusing on abstinence. Harm reduction strategies can include needle exchange programs, safe injection sites, and education about safer drug use practices. This approach can be helpful for people who are not ready or able to stop using drugs altogether but who want to reduce the risks associated with their drug use.