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Medication management and Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) use different medications to help patients during the recovery process. Cravings are common among most individuals, and the medication prescribed in MAT helps with a patient’s discomfort. These also allow our doctors to decrease the side effects of abused substances. For instance, if we have a severely addicted individual, certain medications can lower the potential of overdose. MAT is often used in the beginning stages of recovery, especially during the detox process. Medication can also be administered at any point in treatment if the patient is struggling with recovery. Our physicians at Purposes recovery try to avoid MAT but will recommend it if they deem it necessary.

How Does Medication Management and Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT) Help?

Medication management and Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) help patients who are struggling to combat their cravings. Because some patients have abused a substance for a long time, it can be extremely difficult to stop. Certain substances have painful withdrawal symptoms and are highly addictive, such as meth and heroin. For drugs like these, medication is sometimes necessary to get patients to a comfortable state. Once the medication does its job, doctors can take patients off so they can recover organically.

What Types of Medication Are Used in MAT?

Here at Purposes recovery, we have the ability to prescribe many different types of medication for MAT. Some work better than others for certain types of substances. Some of the different types of medication we administer can include:

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is an opioid antagonist. Individuals addicted to opioids can take this type of medication to reduce their cravings. It is also the first medication to be prescribed in doctor’s offices.

However, buprenorphine is known to be a potentially addictive substance. When using this medication, patients take the risk of becoming addicted to it as well. Potential side effects of this treatment include:

• Fevers
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Difficulty sleeping

Naltrexone

Like buprenorphine, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. This medication helps patients disassociate opioids with the positive feelings they have under the influence. It prevents the euphoric sensation from happening in the first place and reduces cravings altogether. It can be taken in pill form or injected into a vein through a syringe.

Naltrexone has not been known to be an addictive medication used in medication-assisted treatment. It can, however, decrease an individual’s tolerance to opioids. If patients start using again after taking naltrexone, they’re at risk for a potential overdose. Some other side effects of naltrexone include:

• Heightened blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Nervousness
• Stomach pain
• Mood changes or depression development

Methadone

Methadone is another opioid antagonist that reduces cravings. It reacts to the body similarly to opioids but has milder effects. It is used mostly to treat patients who are addicted to heroin and painkillers. One dose of methadone has been proven to prevent cravings for almost 48 hours.

Methadone is strictly administered because it is known to have similar side effects to opioids. It can be highly addictive if not monitored closely. Some of the side effects patients using Methadone in MAT treatment may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Little to no sex drive
• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Prolonged headaches
• Dry mouth

Acamprosate

Acamprosate is the most commonly used substance to treat alcohol dependency. During a prolonged alcohol addiction, the brain gets used to having it constantly present. Because alcoholism can lead to changes to the neurological system, acamprosate is used to balance this. It helps lessen the effects of alcohol detox and prevents relapse.

Acamprosate is normally prescribed after the alcohol detox is complete. It is typically administered up to a year after alcohol addiction treatment ends. Like most other MAT medications, it comes with potential side effects. Some of these can include:

• Fainting
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Development of depression
• Difficulty concentrating

Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Right for Me?

Medication-assisted treatment is not always the right fit for every patient. It is important to consider all viable options before turning to MAT. In most cases, our staff normally uses it as a last resort.

MAT Protocol

Before entering our program at Purposes recovery, you will undergo an extensive evaluation process. This will determine the severity of your addiction, what treatments are necessary, and how long you should expect to stay. If our staff believes you will need MAT, we will determine what dosage of medication you should receive. Our licensed physicians will monitor this medication and only prescribe it if necessary.

Should I Consider Medication-Assisted Treatment?

There are many instances when MAT is not necessary to complete substance abuse treatment. Our staff at Purposes recovery normally does not recommend MAT for those with mild addictions. We also don’t recommend it to those struggling with other coexisting health disorders.

MAT is used for our patients who have developed severe addictions. We will administer medication for those who cannot manage their pain or cravings on their own. Our staff understands that sometimes medication is necessary. However, before turning to MAT, we usually try multiple other resources and routes. 

Alternative Types of Treatment

Although MAT is a reliable treatment, we try to focus on other types that don’t require medication. There are endless combinations and possibilities to try before administering MAT. These can range from one-on-one sessions to recreational therapies. Some of these can include:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy focuses on each patient’s needs during their recovery. By exploring a patient’s thoughts and feelings, our therapists develop close bonds with each one. During these sessions, our therapists use it as a way to get to the root of why addiction has happened. 

Patients open up in ways they probably haven’t done before. They will also work on problem-solving skills, as well as coping techniques. These one-on-one sessions will allow the patient to speak out without feeling judged.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a great way to treat addiction because it involves every party. Addictive factors can be genetic, so it’s important to sit each member down and recognize them. These sessions also allow each person to relate to the other. 

This will allow the addict to teach their loved ones what they can do to help. It will also give family members a chance to explain how their loved one’s addiction has affected their relationship. All parties can mend ties they may not be able to otherwise.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Because addiction is normally a coping mechanism used to avoid past trauma and hardship, it is hard to overcome these habits. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used to teach patients how to think about difficult situations they face. CBT involves problem-solving techniques and allows patients to develop new ways of thinking. When CBT is used, it gives patients a different route to look for besides falling back into addiction.

Holistic Treatment

It is often believed that to heal physically, you have to heal mentally. Holistic treatments are used to mesh spiritual and physical health together. Different holistic treatments include acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and nutritional therapy. 

Most holistic types of therapy are said to release stress and reduce anxiety. Both of these are two common influences of addiction. You have a much lower chance of relapsing if you can help reduce these two factors.

How We Can Help At Purposes Recovery

At Purposes recovery, we are successful because we focus on each individual’s needs. We have found that customizing each treatment plan increases our success rate. If necessary, we will place our patients in medication-assisted treatment. We want to try to avoid it as much as possible so that they can experience other forms of therapy. We understand that sometimes it is the only way to help them recover fully.

Addiction disorders can take over a person’s life, and this is why we want to help. We want each of our patients to succeed and recover from their disorder. Do not hesitate to contact us by calling or messaging today. We are able to answer questions at any time of the day.

If you need FREE help please get in touch with the National Helpline about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, treatment, and recovery in English and Spanish.