Medication Assisted Programs
The Ness Center offers a comprehensive range of addiction and recovery services, including our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. We understand that every individual’s journey toward recovery is unique, so our MAT program is customized to meet each patient’s specific needs.
Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) aims to provide a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment, using both medications and counseling. It is mostly utilized for clients with Opioid Use Disorders (OUDs) but also benefits people with Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). Withdrawal symptoms and cravings can cause chemical imbalances in the body, so MAT takes an approach that helps tackle this problem, creating a better environment for clients to focus on their recovery.
Collaboration is an essential component in the development of substance-use MAT programs. These programs are designed by addiction and mental health care providers who consider the individual’s medical history, symptoms, needs, and goals for recovery. Medications and dosages are adjusted to provide the necessary support during recovery.
The medications utilized in these programs are FDA-approved and tailored to clients’ needs. They work by normalizing brain chemistry, blocking the effects of alcohol and opioids, reducing cravings, and treating withdrawal symptoms.
The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Studies have shown that addiction treatment medications effectively treat substance use disorders and aid in maintaining recovery. Additionally, medication can be critical in preventing or reducing overdoses, making it a crucial component for individuals struggling with substance use.
The medication-assisted treatment program is designed to help clients safely overcome withdrawal and fully recover, leading to a self-sufficient and fulfilling life. This approach has been shown to have many benefits.
Prevent Overdose and Adverse Outcomes
MAT programs aim to identify appropriate medications to alleviate substance cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient MAT programs provide round-the-clock supervision and a substance-free setting to prevent triggers. A study showed that 84% of participants abstained from opioids after one-year post-MAT enrollment, and 62% ceased using all illicit substances. FDA-approved medications like naltrexone, buprenorphine, and methadone can improve survival rates for opioid users. The World Health Organization recognizes Naloxone as an essential medication that can effectively reverse the toxic effects of OUD and prevent overdose. Using naloxone can support recovery and prevent fatal substance use outcomes. Healthcare professionals have deemed buprenorphine and methadone safe for pregnant women dealing with addiction to enhance birth outcomes.
Increase Retention in Treatment
Medications can ease withdrawal and improve treatment adherence, while MAT provides support from medical professionals and staff.
Factors of MAT that can contribute to optimal success include:
- Administration of appropriate medications at proper dosages and durations to support recovery.
- Counseling and peer support to manage emotional responses to treatment.
- Medical care coordination and supportive services, such as recovery coaches and navigators, to improve outcomes.
- Assistance with daily aspects of addiction and recovery, including housing, childcare, and transportation, to ensure consistent engagement in treatment.
Support Ongoing Recovery
Staying substance-free can be a lifelong commitment that requires ongoing support. Medications can aid in reducing cravings and preventing relapse. Combining medication with therapy and healthy coping mechanisms can be essential for long-term recovery. After MAT, some people can maintain employment and a healthy lifestyle without medical supervision.
Studies have shown that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can reduce a person’s chances of acquiring HIV or hepatitis C by reducing the risk of relapse. MAT is a complete program that addresses addiction on medical, psychological, and physical levels. The success of the treatment may increase when each component is adequately addressed.
How Medication-Assisted Treatment Works
There are three main factors of medication-assisted treatment — a medication-assisted treatment program evaluation to determine the severity of addiction, detoxification, and group and individual therapy. Professionals will also address any co-occurring mental or physical health problems you might have.
Diagnosis and Medical Evaluation
Upon arrival at a professional addiction treatment center, medical professionals will assess if medication-assisted treatment (MAT) suits you. This is a brief consultation where you will be asked about your personal circumstances, requirements, and experiences.
After the confidential assessment, they can tell you the best program and level of care for you. The proper treatment will depend on your specific situation, such as how long you’ve been taking substances, the amount used, and the severity of symptoms. Typically, a good candidate for MAT will meet the following conditions:
- An official diagnosis of addiction to alcohol or opioids
- Complete agreement to following prescribing instructions
- No physical health issues that could be impacted by medication
- Full understanding of alternative options
On the other hand, there are indicators that a MAT program may not be the appropriate treatment for you. MAT may not be suitable for certain individuals who have one or more of the following:
- A history of medication misuse
- An addiction that can’t be treated with FDA-approved medication
- A co-occurring substance addiction
- Lack of motivation to achieve sobriety.
- Severe physical conditions that may result in additional complications.
If experts deem MAT unsuitable, several other treatment alternatives can assist you. The Ness Center offers various treatments as alternatives to MAT. Maintaining sobriety can be difficult, but we are here to support you.
Detoxification
The next step in treating addiction is medically assisted detox, which is determined by the level of severity. This stage includes medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent cravings. Medical professionals will supervise you every step of the way to ensure the safest, most comfortable process.
The stages of recovery treatment are as follows:
- Beginning stage: The earliest stages of detox can begin as soon as a couple of hours after the last use of a substance. In some cases, it might take longer. The symptoms in the beginning stage may feel mild and controllable because the body is only starting to crave the drug it relies on. More intense effects can appear gradually.
- The peak: The peak stage of medically supervised withdrawal often occurs between days two and five after substance use has stopped, with withdrawal symptoms at their most severe. It might be challenging to function at this stage as the body attempts to recover and relearn operating without the substances and chemicals it has become accustomed to. The peak stage tends to be the most mentally and physically exhausting and painful, increasing a person’s risk of relapse. During this time, professionals will work with you to reduce symptoms, ease discomfort and monitor your physical condition.
- The new normal: After a few more days, you’ll notice gradual relief from the more intense withdrawal symptoms. Some people, such as those struggling with AUD, might begin the more severe symptoms at this stage. However, after a couple of weeks, most people gain mental clarity and can understand and receive the treatment offered. At this stage, professionals might start to reduce the use of medicines.
Therapy
After withdrawal, the actual work of overcoming addiction can begin. At this stage, the MAT programs will include the therapy component of addiction treatment. Clients begin counseling two weeks after entering MAT once withdrawal symptoms have lessened. In a treatment program, individuals can start the process of physical and emotional healing while being monitored by trained support staff.
Examples of therapy that are often included in comprehensive MAT programs include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment to address both substance addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Behavioral therapy is designed to identify and manage addiction triggers while developing new coping mechanisms.
- Group therapy facilitated by qualified mental health professionals, enabling patients to share their experiences and develop adaptive social skills.
- Family counseling involves the patient and their loved ones in the recovery process and may include education, therapy, or support groups.
- Fitness and nutrition support to help patients make physical and lifestyle changes that enhance their health and recovery.
Medical professionals can monitor and mitigate any lingering withdrawal symptoms, while therapists will provide various treatment modalities to help you overcome SUD. At this stage, treatment can also focus on any co-occurring conditions you might have, such as depression and anxiety. In therapy, you can learn how your feelings and emotions can contribute to substance use. You may also receive medication to relieve mental health symptoms.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) at The Ness Center is a testament to the comprehensive addiction treatment approach. We focus on medication and counseling support to augment the patient’s recovery journey. Our team comprises experienced and compassionate professionals identifying each patient’s unique needs to ensure a personalized, patient-centered approach to their care plan. We’ve seen the significant positive impact of our MAT program on countless patients who have successfully overcome addiction hurdles and live happier, healthier lives. If you or a loved one is seeking addiction treatment, we strongly urge you to contact The Ness Center and start your journey toward recovery with Medication Assisted Treatment.
