Overcoming addiction isn’t an easy thing to do, but there are many treatment options available that can help clients detox safely, complete treatment, and prevent relapse in the future. For addictions to opioids and/or alcohol, two of the most common types of substances use disorders, an approach called medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often used. Medication-assisted treatment combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to help people heal from addiction.
In this article, you will learn:
- What medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is
- What medications are used in MAT
- How MAT programs work
- Where to find MAT in Albuquerque
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): A Comprehensive Approach to Recovery
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive, integrated addiction treatment approach that utilizes traditional techniques like counseling and behavioral therapy alongside FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone to treat substance use disorders. By addressing the physical, physiological, and psychosocial aspects of addiction, MAT is thought to provide a whole-person approach to recovery.
MAT is not simply replacing one substance with another; it is an evidence-based treatment approach that has clinically-proven benefits.[1] MAT has been shown to:
- Improve treatment outcomes
- Boost treatment retention
- Reduce crime and illegal activities associated with substance abuse
- Reduce the need for inpatient detox services
- Improve birth outcomes for expectant mothers who are struggling with addiction
During MAT programs in Albuquerque, clients attend regular treatment sessions and have daily, weekly, or monthly check-ins with their prescribing physician. By alleviating cravings and withdrawal symptoms while treating the root causes of addiction, MAT can increase patients’ ability to stay sober.
Medications Used in Addiction Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). The type of medication used may vary based on the type of addiction.[2]
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
The medications used to treat opioid addiction work by activating or blocking opioid receptors. This results in reduced cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, and Sublocade) – Partially activates opioid receptors, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing a euphoric high
- Methadone (Methadose) – Activates opioid receptors to a lesser extent than heroin or other opioids, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings while blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol) – Blocks the effects of opioids by binding to opioid receptors, preventing the euphoric effects of opioids and reducing cravings.
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
The medications used to treat alcohol use disorder work in various ways.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) – Causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed, discouraging drinking.
- Naltrexone (ReVia or Vivitrol) – Blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol, reducing cravings.
- Acamprosate (Campral) – Helps restore the chemical balance in the brain disrupted by alcohol dependence, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Services in Albuquerque
At Ascend Recovery Centers, medications may be used as part of addiction treatment. Medication therapy is always combined with counseling and behavioral therapy approaches. Our opioid treatment programs (OTPs) and medication-assisted treatment options include:
- Individualized medication management
- One-on-one clinical care
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Medically-supervised detox
- Inpatient treatment options
- Convenient outpatient rehab
- Community referrals
- Long-term community support
Separate housing is provided for those attending our MAT program. Reach out to us today to find out if our MAT program in Albuquerque is right for you.
Individualized Counseling and Behavioral Therapy
Counseling and behavioral therapy are the keys to effective treatment. All MAT medications are most effective when combined with them as they treat the root causes of addiction and teach healthy coping mechanisms. Types of therapy used in substance use disorder treatment include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Contingency management (CM)
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Holistic therapies
Therapy is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. It should also address any underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Much Does MAT Cost?
The cost of treatment can vary based on the program, level of care, and type of medication. However, like other addiction treatments, MAT is covered by health insurance. Compared to the financial and social costs of addiction, MAT is a low-cost treatment option that is associated with reduced relapse rates in people struggling with alcohol use disorder or opioid dependence.
Find out if our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program in Albuquerque is Right for You
Ascend Recovery Centers – New Mexico offers MAT and addiction recovery services in Albuquerque and surrounding areas including North Valley, South Valley, and Rio Rancho. Our dedicated team of addiction specialists is committed to providing each client with an individualized treatment experience with every aspect of care tailored to their unique needs. To learn more about medication-assisted treatment or about our Albuquerque addiction treatment facility, please contact us today.
References:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Medications for Substance Use Disorders
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Medications, Counseling, and Related Conditions
