Did you know substance use disorder (SUD) is a severe public health issue in the United States? In 2020, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH ) reported an alarming 40.3 million US citizens aged 12 or over had misused illicit drugs or alcohol in the past year. This data highlights the urgent need for effective treatment options to help SUD patients.
Fortunately, this health concern is treatable, and one such treatment option is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT combines evidence-based pharmacological therapies with counseling and other behavioral therapies to support individuals in recovery. MAT has been proven effective in treating SUDs, including opioid addiction and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Online MAT service is now gaining popularity as many people seek convenient, flexible treatment options. An example of an online MAT service provider is Confidant Health. Which is an app where patients can also access the same quality of service they would receive in a physical clinic without leaving their homes. The app connects you with a licensed provider, and you will receive the necessary care.
So, what can you expect when getting medication-assisted treatment? During an MAT session, patients will work with a provider to discuss the best treatment plan tailored to their needs. MAT experts will assess and diagnose the patient’s substance use disorder and develop a comprehensive treatment plan incorporating medications, counseling, and other supportive services.
Let’s break down what is involved in each of these components.
1. Medication
As mentioned, MAT combines medications and behavioral therapies to treat SUDs. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the substance used and individual needs. For instance, medications such as buprenorphine and methadone can treat opioid addiction, while naltrexone may be used for alcohol addiction. Gabapentin, acamprosate, and disulfiram are also the other common medications used in MAT. Let’s discuss each medication for reference:
Buprenorphine
A medical practitioner may prescribe this medication to reduce the craving and withdrawal symptoms of opioid use disorder. It is a partial opioid agonist that can help stabilize the patient’s opioid cravings and lower the intensity of withdrawal.
Methadone
This is a full opioid agonist that helps restore balance in the brain by activating opioid receptors. It’s usually combined with buprenorphine and other medications to manage opioid addiction.
Naltrexone
This medication blocks the effects of opioids, alcohol, and other drugs by preventing them from binding to opioid receptors in the brain. It is an effective medication for alcohol use disorder and can be used alongside counseling and other therapies.
Gabapentin
This medication prevents convulsions and seizures during withdrawal and relieves anxiety caused by opioid withdrawal. MAT specialists could use this drug to treat insomnia, headaches, and other symptoms of substance use disorder.
Acamprosate
Patients who take acamprosate can overcome their drinking problems. This medication helps restore the chemical imbalance in the brain caused by alcohol abuse and restores normal functioning. It modulates the glutamate system in the brain, which is responsible for reward-seeking behavior.
Disulfiram
The efficacy of disulfiram in treating AUD has been proven in clinical studies. It works by making the body unable to metabolize alcohol, thus causing unpleasant effects such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches when the patient consumes alcohol.
2. Behavioral Therapies
It’s no secret that addiction can be a complex disorder, so appropriate counseling and other behavioral therapies are essential for a successful recovery. MAT professionals help patients build skills to cope with triggers and cravings and also provide support to help them stay on track.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
This therapy focuses on identifying triggers and healthy coping with them. It helps patients recognize and replace maladaptive behaviors with more constructive ones.
Motivational interviewing (MI)
This therapy helps patients to explore and resolve any ambivalence they may have toward changing their behavior. It also helps to increase motivation and engagement in treatment.
Contingency management (CM)
This strategy rewards positive behavior and punishes negative behavior. Patients are rewarded for meeting goals such as abstaining from drugs or attending counseling sessions.
Many other types of therapies are available, such as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, and Group Therapy. The treatment choice will depend on the patient’s unique needs and preferences.
3. Counseling
Don’t be confused with behavioral and counseling therapy; these are two different things. Counseling is a form of psychotherapy that involves talking, listening, and working with a trained counselor to identify problems, find solutions, and make positive changes.
Counseling therapy can help people to understand the psychological forces that may be driving their addiction or other self-concerns, address difficult emotions and behaviors in a safe environment, and develop new coping skills. It can also provide emotional support and help people to access other resources. That means they provide referrals to other professionals who can help you with your recovery, such as doctors or psychiatrists.
4. Recovery Support Services
Recovery support services are essential to MAT, providing the support and resources needed for a successful recovery. These services include peer support, family therapy, educational programs, employment, and financial assistance.
Peer support
Peer support is an integral part of recovery, as it helps patients develop a solid network to provide support and motivation during their recovery journey.
Family therapy
Family therapy allows family members to learn about the disease of addiction and how it affects those around them. It also helps foster communication and understanding within the family.
Educational programs
Educational programs provide patients with the knowledge and skills to prevent relapse and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusion
MAT is a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorder. It combines medication with counseling, other therapies, and recovery support services to provide the best possible outcome for the patient. With proper treatment and guidance, patients can overcome addiction and lead healthy and productive life.