When it comes to addiction treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Countless evidence-based and holistic therapy programs are available to help someone turn their life around and live free from drugs and alcohol. One of the most common programs for those with serious substance use disorders is medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
MAT is a process that uses medications to help relieve withdrawal symptoms during detox or reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol while in treatment. Many find MAT a valuable component in treatment for issues with alcohol or prescription opioid medications due to the highly addictive nature of these substances.
At Aliya Health Group, our MAT opioid therapy programs provide clients with the solid foundation they need to end opioid dependence and prevent a future opioid overdose. Our clinical team is ready to help you turn your life around and realize a brighter future. We operate treatment centers across the country so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team today and learn more about our drug and alcohol rehab programs.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an addiction treatment strategy that integrates medications with behavioral therapies. This approach is evidence-based and plays a crucial role in diminishing cravings for drugs or alcohol. As a result, this form of treatment aids individuals in getting sober and avoiding relapse.
Moreover, MAT contributes to enhancing mental well-being by reducing feelings of anxiety and depression during treatment. It also promotes physical health by lowering the risks of overdose and infectious diseases for those addicted to drugs involving needles or pipes. This treatment modality empowers individuals to regain control over their lives, fosters healthier relationships, and helps them reintegrate into society in a healthy and productive way.
No one should have to wait to heal, which is why our specialists are available 24/7 to help guide you through the admissions process every step of the way.
Our approach to medication-assisted treatment uses its three main components to promote healing: medication, counseling, and behavior therapy. Working in conjunction with one another, these components help clients fight cravings, learn healthy coping skills, and rebuild their self-worth during drug and alcohol rehab. Ignoring one or more of the components of MAT could result in ineffective treatment and failure to reach sobriety. Our team of MAT counselors is available around the clock to ensure you’re following the process and taking the right steps toward recovery.
There are several FDA-approved medications available to assist in recovery. These medications work to minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms during the recovery process. At Aliya Health Group, we use only FDA-approved medications in our approach to treatment.
The most common medications used in our treatment programs include:
Please note that these are not the only medications available for medication-assisted treatment. However, they are the most commonly used in our programs for treating alcohol and opioid use disorders. Prescription opioids have unfortunately led to an opioid epidemic in this country and turning things around starts with medication for treating the disorder. When you participate in our MAT program, you will work with our opioid treatment team to determine what medications and support services will be best for your needs.
Counseling plays a vital role in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders. It offers valuable support and guidance to individuals on their journey to recovery. At Aliyah Health Group, we offer several counseling services across our network of treatment centers including:
Our treatment team works with you to make sure you are receiving the proper support and guidance through your counseling sessions. Our counselors provide compassionate care to each of our clients across our network of rehab facilities.
Behavioral therapy is another crucial component of medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders. Behavioral therapy empowers our clients with tools and strategies to tackle the root causes of their substance use. This includes unhealthy thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Some of the behavioral therapies we offer as part of our MAT program include:
Behavioral therapy can help anyone turn their life around. If you’d like to learn more about behavioral therapy, reach out to our admissions team today.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective approach for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. This form of treatment combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat the whole person, not just the addiction. MAT is particularly beneficial when traditional methods of recovery, such as abstinence or therapy alone, have not been successful or when the physical cravings are so intense that they significantly hinder recovery.
MAT is most appropriate for those who have made a committed decision to overcome their addiction but find that they cannot do so through willpower or therapy alone. It’s also vital for individuals who have experienced repeated relapses or those with co-occurring mental health disorders that exacerbate their substance use disorder. By addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction, medication-assisted treatment offers a more comprehensive and potentially more successful path to recovery.
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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse disorders, combining medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat the whole person. The medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are specifically tailored to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and restore normal brain functions.
When used under the supervision of medical professionals, these medications can play a critical role in helping individuals overcome addiction through a holistic approach that addresses physical dependence while also providing support for emotional and psychological healing. It’s important to note that these medications are most effective when combined with personalized counseling sessions, group therapy, lifestyle changes, and continuous support networks—all integral components of a comprehensive MAT program designed to foster long-term recovery.
For those grappling with opioid use disorder, MAT can be a lifeline. Opioids have a powerful grip on the brain’s chemistry, often leading to severe physical dependence that can make quitting a monumental challenge. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in MAT work by normalizing brain chemistry, blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, relieving physiological cravings, and stabilizing body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug.
The primary medications used in MAT for opioid addiction include:
Individuals suffering from alcohol use disorder can find relief through MAT. Medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD) can help reduce the desire to drink or mitigate the reward effect alcohol has on the brain. For someone who has struggled to maintain sobriety due to intense cravings or withdrawal symptoms, these medications can offer a crucial support system alongside other treatment efforts.
Medications that assist in the treatment of chronic alcohol dependence within an MAT framework include:
Before entering outpatient treatment for substance abuse, most people have a long list of questions and concerns. To help you gain a better understanding of what to expect during outpatient programs, we have compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a proven method for addressing substance use disorders. It integrates medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT has shown great effectiveness in treating both opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Of course, it can help treat other substance addictions as well.
There are three main phases of MAT, the first being the induction stage. This is when the person begins taking medication for addiction and is observed to find the right dosage for their symptoms. The goal of induction is to manage medications and doses to offer someone the most effective treatment possible.
The next phase of MAT is stabilization. This focuses on helping the person adjust to their medication and develop coping mechanisms for managing their cravings. During this phase, our clients will also begin to take part in behavioral therapy.
The final phase of MAT is the maintenance stage, which can last for as long as the person needs support from their medications. The goal of maintenance is to help our clients maintain their recovery and prevent relapse. During this phase, they continue their medication and behavioral therapy sessions. Over time, they will reduce their dosage and the frequency of their sessions.
Studies have found that medication-assisted treatment has a 50% successful retention rate among clients after 12 months. When combined with other forms of treatment and recovery support, MAT is even more successful. At Aliya Health Group, we believe in providing comprehensive treatment. We equip our clients with a full continuum of care to ensure they are receiving the best support possible to achieve long-term recovery.
MAT is an invaluable resource for any individuals facing substance use disorders, especially when it comes to alcohol and opioids. MAT medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone can alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This makes it easier to concentrate on other crucial elements of recovery, such as therapy and rebuilding your relationships.
Buprenorphine is a medication that diminishes opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It has the added benefit of a "ceiling effect" that restricts the euphoric effects of these drugs. This makes those recovering from opioid addiction using buprenorphine treatment less likely to experience relapse.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means that it works similarly to other opioids by activating opioid receptors in the brain but at a far lower degree than a full agonist. Its primary use is for pain relief, as well as treating those struggling with opioid addiction.
The DEA currently classifies buprenorphine as a Schedule III narcotic analgesic. This means that while it has an accepted medical application, it still poses a risk for abuse if not taken under medical supervision.
Buprenorphine is not the same as Suboxone. While Suboxone contains buprenorphine as one of its main active ingredients, it also contains naloxone. This means its effects and uses are different from buprenorphine treatment alone.
Sublocade is a medication prescribed to help people during an opioid treatment program. Its main active ingredient is buprenorphine. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms that arise when one stops using opioids. Its mechanism involves partially activating the brain receptors that opioids target but to a lesser degree. This causes reduced cravings for stronger opioids and eases withdrawal symptoms.
Sublocade remains active in your body for a duration of 43 to 60 days following each injection. Most people receive monthly Sublocade shots. This can minimize the chances of facing increased relapse risks and help them maintain their sobriety.
Yes, Sublocade is a narcotic. It falls under the category of Schedule III controlled substances, as classified by the DEA, and has a moderate potential for abuse. This is why it is important to only take this medication under medical supervision.
Sublocade is proven successful in decreasing opioid usage and improving treatment results. However, Sublocade is a regulated substance and has the potential for addiction. Individuals who misuse Sublocade may encounter withdrawal symptoms if they stop its usage. Our team of doctors will work with you to discuss your history and determine if Sublocade is the right medication for you.
Naltrexone is a medication prescribed to address alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Its mechanism of action varies depending on the substance. When used for AUD treatment, Naltrexone works by hindering the pleasurable effects of alcohol. This helps diminish cravings for this substance.
When used to treat OUDs, this medication blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids, such as heroin and morphine. This effectively reduces cravings and the motivation to use opioids as the individual will not be able to experience a high.
While generally well-tolerated, naltrexone does come with some potential side effects. Some of the most experienced unpleasant side effects of naltrexone include:
Experiencing any of these side effects while taking naltrexone can be detrimental to your recovery. If this is the case, our team of healthcare professionals will work with you to adjust your dosage or find a new medication that works for you.
When taken as directed, naltrexone will not produce a sense of euphoria or any other pleasant feelings. It is intended only to diminish and block the effects of alcohol and opioids, reducing the urge to use these substances. If not used properly, naltrexone can cause feelings of nausea and dizziness, as well as several other unpleasant side effects.
Some studies have found that naltrexone can help treat depression and other mood disorders. Despite these applications, it is not an antidepressant. Naltrexone is a narcotic blocker and opioid agonist that is only available through a prescription.
Vivitrol is the brand name for a medication known as naltrexone, which comes in pill and injectable forms. It is often used as part of a treatment plan for individuals with alcohol and opioid use disorder.
Individuals who currently fulfill the DSM criteria for alcohol or opioid dependence qualify for Vivitrol therapy. These individuals must have undergone recent detoxification from opioids and have remained opioid-free for at least 7 days to take this medication.
Vivitrol and Suboxone are both prescribed for opioid use disorder, but they differ in terms of their composition. Vivitrol only consists of naltrexone, while Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.
Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids, preventing euphoria and reducing cravings, while Suboxone partially activates opioid receptors, providing mild opioid-like effects that help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Although Vivitrol and Narcan are both medications used in addiction treatment, they serve distinct purposes. Narcan is a rapid-acting medication used to reverse an opioid overdose. This medication obstructs the impact of opioids on the brain and resuscitates the individual. It is often carried by first responders to assist those who are overdosing.
Vivitrol is a prolonged-acting medication employed to address opioid and alcohol use disorders. It blocks the pleasurable effects of these substances, reducing cravings and helping individuals maintain abstinence.
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. These medications work together to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Any medications containing buprenorphine, including Suboxone, are classified as a Schedule III narcotic under the Controlled Substances Act. This means it is only accessible with a prescription and should not be taken without doctor supervision.
Suboxone and methadone are both medications used to treat opioid use disorder, but they are not the same thing. Methadone is a full opioid agonist containing only methadone. This means it fully activates opioid receptors in the brain, providing similar effects to other opioids such as pain relief and euphoria.
On the other hand, Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. These work to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, creating a "ceiling effect" that prevents increasing dosages from causing stronger effects. Suboxone also blocks the effects of other opioids, discouraging misuse.
Methadone is used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to support individuals in reducing or stopping their dependence on opioids and opiates.
The long-term effects of using methadone are like those of any other opioid. They have the potential to alter the brain and can also harm vital organs such as the liver and nervous system. That is why it is important to only take this medication in controlled amounts and under the guidance of a medical professional.
There are several reasons why people might stay on methadone. It is important to remember that everyone's journey is unique, and motivations will vary. The main reason why someone may choose to keep using methadone is because of its ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It also helps prevent relapse, making it easier for them to focus on their life in recovery.
Our treatment centers accept most major health insurance providers on both a national and local level.
We currently work with the following insurance plans:
Long-term sobriety from addictions such as opioid abuse and alcohol abuse often requires a comprehensive and scientific approach to treatment. Incorporating medication-assisted treatments and behavioral therapy into the recovery process can be invaluable to reaching your goals.
At Aliya Health Group, we use medications that are proven safe and effective to help our clients effectively curb intense cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms as they navigate their recovery process.
By addressing these physical aspects, we help our clients concentrate on acquiring relapse prevention skills, healthy coping techniques, and life skills for creating a more fulfilling life in recovery. There’s no need to be preoccupied with cravings and withdrawal symptoms when help is available.
“I highly recommend this facility for anyone needing treatment. The staff isn’t just nice and genuine there but instead one big family. Whether it’s the owner, housing manager, or a bht you get the best down to earth genuine care. The material they teach in group is very helpful also.”
Aliya Health Group values the importance of specialized care, which is why we offer medication-assisted treatment across our network of rehabs in the United States. If you or a loved one is searching for medication-assisted treatment, we encourage you to reach out to learn more about our addiction treatment center locations.
We’re here to answer any of your questions about MAT near you. Give us a call today at 888-973-2078.
