Overview
At PsychBright Health in Los Angeles, we understand that addiction is a complex disease that often requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to treatment. One evidence-based method that has shown significant success in helping individuals overcome addiction is Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT. In this article, we’ll explore what MAT is, how it works, and why it may be the right choice for you or your loved one.
Medication-Assisted Treatment is an approach to addiction treatment that combines the use of FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT is designed to provide a “whole-patient” approach to treatment, addressing not only the physical aspects of addiction but also the psychological and social factors that contribute to substance use disorders.
MAT is primarily used to treat addiction to opioids (such as heroin and prescription pain relievers) and alcohol. However, it can also be effective in treating addiction to other substances, such as nicotine.
What makes MAT different from other approaches?
Unlike traditional addiction treatment methods that focus solely on abstinence, MAT acknowledges that addiction is a chronic brain disease that often requires long-term management. By using medications to reduce cravings and normalize brain chemistry, individuals in MAT are better able to focus on the counseling and behavioral therapies that address the root causes of their addiction.
Symptoms and Causes
The symptoms of addiction that MAT targets include intense cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the inability to control substance use despite negative consequences. By addressing these symptoms, MAT helps to break the cycle of addiction and reduces the risk of relapse.
How does MAT address withdrawal and cravings?
MAT works by using medications that bind to the same receptors in the brain as the addictive substance, thereby reducing cravings and alleviating withdrawal symptoms. This allows individuals to focus on their recovery without the constant distraction of physical and emotional distress.
What are the causes of addiction that MAT can help manage?
Addiction is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. MAT can help manage these causes by normalizing brain chemistry, reducing the physical and emotional distress of withdrawal, and providing a supportive framework for long-term recovery.
What risk factors make someone a candidate for MAT?
Risk factors that may make someone a good candidate for MAT include a history of chronic substance abuse, previous unsuccessful attempts at traditional abstinence-based treatment, and co-occurring mental health disorders. However, each individual’s situation is unique, and the decision to pursue MAT should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.
What are the potential complications of untreated addiction without MAT?
Untreated addiction can lead to a range of serious complications, including physical health problems, mental health disorders, relationship difficulties, legal issues, and financial instability. By addressing the root causes of addiction and providing a comprehensive treatment plan, MAT can help prevent these complications and improve overall quality of life.
Diagnosis and Tests
Before beginning MAT, providers at PsychBright Health conduct a thorough assessment to determine if an individual is a good candidate for this approach. This assessment includes a physical exam, a review of medical and substance use history, and a discussion of treatment goals and expectations.
What assessments, evaluations, or tests are performed before starting MAT?
In some cases, additional tests or evaluations may be necessary to ensure that MAT is the most appropriate and safe treatment option. These may include blood tests, urine screens, or other diagnostic tools to assess liver function, kidney function, and other health factors that may impact the safety and efficacy of MAT medications.
Management and Treatment
MAT is administered by licensed medical professionals who specialize in addiction treatment. The specific medications used in MAT vary depending on the substance of addiction and the individual’s unique needs, but may include:
- Opioid Use Disorder: Methadone, Buprenorphine (Suboxone), Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Alcohol Use Disorder: Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Disulfiram
- Nicotine Addiction: Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Bupropion, Varenicline
How medications work to reduce cravings and withdrawal
These medications work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery without the constant distraction of physical and emotional distress. For example, methadone and buprenorphine bind to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, reducing cravings and preventing withdrawal symptoms, while naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol, reducing the incentive to use these substances.
Combining MAT with counseling and behavioral therapy
In addition to medication, MAT also includes counseling and behavioral therapies that address the psychological and social factors contributing to addiction. This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals have the tools and support they need to achieve lasting recovery. Counseling may include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and other evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI).
Addressing misconceptions about MAT (“replacing one drug with another”)
One common misconception about MAT is that it simply replaces one addictive substance with another. However, this is not the case. MAT medications are carefully chosen and dosed to normalize brain chemistry and reduce cravings without producing the euphoric effects of the addictive substance. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapy, MAT can be a safe and effective way to achieve lasting recovery.
Outlook / Prognosis
The outlook for people who receive MAT is generally positive, with research showing that MAT can significantly improve long-term recovery outcomes. Success rates vary depending on the specific substance of addiction and the individual’s unique circumstances, but overall, MAT has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse and improve overall quality of life.
How effective is MAT in long-term recovery?
Studies have shown that MAT can significantly improve long-term recovery outcomes, with success rates ranging from 50-80% depending on the specific medication and treatment program. For example, research has shown that methadone maintenance therapy can reduce opioid use by 50-80%, while buprenorphine has been shown to reduce opioid use by 40-60%. Similarly, naltrexone has been shown to reduce alcohol use by 25-50% when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Success rates and real-world outcomes
In addition to these research findings, real-world outcomes also support the effectiveness of MAT. For example, a study of over 30,000 patients in New York City’s public hospital system found that those who received MAT for opioid use disorder had a 50% lower risk of death compared to those who did not receive MAT. Similarly, a study of over 1,000 patients in a large health system found that those who received MAT for alcohol use disorder had a 30% lower risk of hospitalization compared to those who did not receive MAT.
Prevention
One of the key benefits of MAT is its ability to help prevent relapse. By reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, MAT makes it easier for individuals to stay engaged in their recovery and resist the temptation to return to substance use.
How MAT helps prevent relapse
MAT helps prevent relapse by reducing the physical and emotional distress of withdrawal and cravings, which are two of the primary triggers for relapse. By providing a stable, long-acting medication that normalizes brain chemistry, MAT allows individuals to focus on their recovery and develop the skills and support systems they need to maintain sobriety over the long term.
Role of continued therapy and lifestyle changes
In addition to medication, continued therapy and lifestyle changes are crucial to preventing relapse and maintaining long-term recovery. At PsychBright Health, we work closely with our patients to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan that includes regular check-ins, continued therapy, and access to support groups and other resources. This may include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and other evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI).
Importance of long-term monitoring and support
Long-term monitoring and support are essential to ensuring the success of MAT and preventing relapse. At PsychBright Health, we provide ongoing monitoring and support to help our patients maintain their recovery over the long term. This may include regular check-ins with a healthcare provider, continued therapy, and access to support groups and other resources. By providing a supportive framework for long-term recovery, we help our patients achieve lasting sobriety and improve their overall quality of life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to get help. Contact PsychBright Health today to learn more about our Medication-Assisted Treatment options and how we can help you achieve lasting recovery. Our compassionate, experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.
Contact PsychBright Health in Los Angeles today for a confidential consultation about our MAT program and start your journey to recovery.