Medication-Assisted Treatment

MAT (medication-assisted treatment) is a clinically proven approach for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, especially those related to alcohol and opioids.

By combining FDA-approved medications with evidence-based behavioral therapies, MAT offers a comprehensive pathway to recovery that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. Read on to learn more about initiating sustained recovery with MAT in Southern California.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based intervention that combines pharmacological treatments with counseling and behavioral therapies to address substance use disorders (addictions). This integrated approach is particularly effective for alcohol use disorders and opioid use disorders, providing individuals with a more comprehensive recovery framework than either medications or therapy alone.

The principle underpinning MAT is addressing the neurobiological components of addiction while simultaneously supporting psychological healing through therapeutic interventions. This dual-focused strategy helps people manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and develop healthier coping mechanisms, setting a stable foundation for long-term recovery.

How MAT Works in the Recovery Process

MAT works on several clinical levels to support individuals in recovery:

• Neurobiological stabilization: FDA-approved medications help normalize brain chemistry disrupted by substance use, reducing the physical discomfort of withdrawal.
• Craving reduction: Targeted medications diminish the intense cravings that often lead to relapse, allowing people to focus on therapeutic work without being derailed by uncontrollable urges.
• Blocking euphoric effects: Some MAT medications block the rewarding effects of substances, reducing the reinforcement cycle that perpetuates addiction.
• Psychological support: Concurrent counseling addresses the behavioral patterns, emotional triggers, and underlying psychological factors contributing to substance use.

When properly implemented, MAT creates a therapeutic environment where people can engage meaningfully in recovery without being overwhelmed by physical withdrawal or persistent cravings. This integrated approach delivers superior treatment outcomes compared to medication or behavioral interventions used independently.

Evidence-Based Medications Used in MAT

MAT is proven effective for treating alcohol and opioid addictions.

Medications for alcohol use disorder

The FDA has approved several medications specifically for treating alcohol use disorder:

1. Acamprosate (Campral): This medication helps restore balance to neurotransmitter systems disrupted by chronic alcohol consumption. Clinical studies show that acamprosate reduces post-acute withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. These are common triggers for relapse during early recovery. Individuals typically take acamprosate three times daily, with optimal effectiveness occurring when treatment begins shortly after alcohol detoxification.
2. Disulfiram (Antabuse): Disulfiram is a deterrent medication that creates an unpleasant physiological reaction when combined with alcohol. When a person taking disulfiram consumes alcohol, they experience symptoms including nausea, flushing, and heart palpitations. This aversive response helps reinforce abstinence through negative conditioning. Medical providers typically recommend that individuals should be alcohol-free for at least 12 hours before initiating disulfiram therapy.
3. Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol): Available in oral and injectable forms, naltrexone blocks opioid receptors involved in alcohol’s rewarding effects. Research indicates that naltrexone significantly reduces heavy drinking and helps maintain abstinence by diminishing the pleasurable sensations associated with alcohol consumption. The injectable version (Vivitrol) offers the advantage of monthly dosing, improving medication adherence.

Medications for opioid use disorder

The FDA also approves several medications for managing opioid use disorder:

1. Methadone: As a long-acting full opioid agonist, methadone occupies the same receptors as other opioids but with a gradual onset and extended duration. This pharmacological profile alleviates withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing euphoria when adequately dosed. Due to its potential for misuse, methadone for opioid addiction is typically dispensed through specially licensed clinics with structured monitoring protocols. Studies consistently show that methadone maintenance treatment reduces illicit opioid use, infectious disease transmission, and overdose mortality.
2. Buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone): This partial opioid agonist produces sufficient receptor activity to prevent withdrawal while creating a ceiling effect that limits euphoria and respiratory depression. Buprenorphine formulations often include naloxone to deter misuse. Unlike methadone, qualified physicians can prescribe buprenorphine in office-based settings, increasing treatment accessibility. Research demonstrates buprenorphine’s effectiveness in reducing illicit opioid use and improving treatment retention.
3. Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol): For opioid use disorder, naltrexone works as an opioid antagonist, completely blocking opioid receptors and preventing any euphoric effects from opioid use. The injectable extended-release formulation (Vivitrol) provides 28 days of continuous blockade, addressing the adherence challenges often seen with daily oral medication. Individuals must be fully detoxified from opioids before starting naltrexone to avoid triggering withdrawal.

The Comprehensive MAT Approach

Effective MAT begins with a thorough clinical assessment conducted by qualified healthcare professionals. This evaluation typically includes:

• Comprehensive substance use history.
• Medical and psychiatric evaluation.
• Assessment of withdrawal risk.
• Evaluation of social support systems.
• Identification of concurrent health conditions.

Based on this assessment, healthcare providers develop individualized treatment plans that specify appropriate medications, therapeutic interventions, and recovery support services. This personalized approach ensures treatment addresses each person’s needs, circumstances, and recovery goals.

While medications address the neurobiological aspects of addiction, behavioral therapies focus on:

• Developing effective coping strategies.
• Identifying and managing triggers.
• Building motivation for change.
• Addressing co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Improving interpersonal relationships.
• Creating sustainable recovery plans.

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches commonly integrated with MAT include:

• CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).
• Motivational interviewing.
• Contingency management.
• Family therapy.
• Group support programs.

Research illustrates that combining medication with these therapeutic interventions delivers better treatment outcomes than either approach alone.

Benefits and Considerations of MAT

Research-supported benefits of medication-assisted treatment include:

• Reduced risk of fatal overdose.
• Decreased rates of infectious disease transmission.
• Improved treatment retention.
• Reduced criminal activity associated with substance seeking.
• Better employment outcomes.
• Improved birth outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders.
• Enhanced quality of life and social functioning.

These benefits rippled beyond the individual to families and communities affected by substance use disorders.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Despite strong evidence supporting MAT, several misconceptions persist:

• Misconception #1: MAT substitutes one addiction for another.
• Reality: FDA-approved medications used in MAT are provided at doses that normalize brain function without producing euphoria when taken as prescribed. These medications help people function normally while engaging in recovery activities.

• Misconception #2: MAT is only a short-term solution.
• Reality: For many, particularly those with opioid use disorders, a longer duration of MAT correlates with better outcomes. Treatment duration should be clinically determined based on individual needs rather than arbitrary time limits.

• Misconception #3: Abstinence-only approaches are more effective.
• Reality: Comparative studies consistently show that MAT produces better outcomes than abstinence-only approaches for alcohol and opioid use disorders, with significantly lower relapse rates and mortality.

Accessing MAT Services

Individuals seeking MAT can locate appropriate services through:

• Primary care physician referrals.
• Substance use treatment locator services.
• Community mental health centers.
• Hospital-based addiction programs.
• Online provider directories specific to MAT services.

When selecting a provider, consider factors such as:

• Provider credentials and experience with MAT.
• Available medication options.
• Integration of counseling services.
• Insurance acceptance.
• Accessibility of location and hours.
• Availability of comprehensive support services.

Insurance Coverage and Financial Considerations

Since the implementation of the ACA (Affordable Care Act) and the MHPAEA (Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act), most insurance plans provide coverage for evidence-based addiction treatments, including MAT. Additionally, many treatment facilities offer:

• Sliding scale payment options.
• Payment plans.
• Scholarship programs.
• Connection to state-funded treatment resources.

Individuals concerned about affordability should discuss financial options directly with potential providers, as many programs are committed to ensuring treatment accessibility.

Get Medication-Assisted Treatment at a Premier California Rehab

If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance use, consider consulting healthcare professionals about whether MAT might be appropriate. With proper medical supervision and therapeutic support, MAT can be a valuable component of a comprehensive recovery journey.

We can help you move from active addiction to sustained recovery with medication-assisted treatment at Anchored Recovery Community. Kickstart your recovery right away with supervised detox and ongoing treatment by calling (844) 429-5554.