MAT – Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication Assisted Treatment is the use of certain medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a unique “Whole-patient” approach to the treatment of Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders. Medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and MAT programs at Embark Recovery are clinically driven and tailored to meet individual patient needs.

MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids like heroin and prescription pain meds that contain opiates. The medication prescribed to the patient in the MAT therapy operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opiates, relieve psychological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance used.

Incorporating MAT in your journey can make a world of difference in the long-term. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance used.
Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people who continue to struggle with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery. MAT can also be used to prevent or reduce opioid overdose.

The FDA has approved several different medications to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders MAT medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. Medications used for MAT are evidence-based treatment options and do not just substitute one drug for another.

According to SAMHSA, in 2018, an estimated 2 million people had an opioid use disorder which includes prescription pain medication containing opiates and heroin.

MAT has proved to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services for these individuals. MAT provides a more comprehensive, individually tailored program of medication and behavioral therapy that address the needs of most patients.

The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach has been shown to:

Research also shows that these medications and therapies can contribute to lowering a person’s risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C by reducing the potential for relapse. Learn more about substance misuse and how it relates to HIV, AIDS, and Viral Hepatitis.

First, you’ll start by meeting with our Admission team to undergo a prescreening and complete any necessary documents before progressing to the medical team. Comprised of nurses and doctors, the medical team will conduct both drug and health screenings, culminating in the creation of a tailored treatment plan for each individual. This personalized approach ensures that every aspect of the plan is specifically catered to the individual’s needs.

During this process, the medical team will discuss various medication options such as Suboxone, Vivitrol shot, or Naloxone, carefully explaining their effects and potential side effects, as well as what results can be expected. Following this, a schedule for appointments with the doctor will be established, which may vary depending on the individual’s requirements, ranging from twice a month to once a month.

The overarching objective is to facilitate the individual’s return to their normal life and routine. Through the aid of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which effectively curbs cravings and reduces the likelihood of relapse, individuals are provided with the optimal conditions for success post-treatment. This holistic approach aims to support individuals in overcoming addiction and achieving sustained recovery.

According to the FDA website, Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and can help some people to sustain recovery.

More must be done to facilitate treatment options and the development of therapies to address OUD as a chronic disease with long-lasting effects. This means helping more people secure MAT, which requires us to break the stigma often associated with some of the medications used to treat OUD. It also requires us to find new and more effective ways to advance the use of medical therapy for the treatment of OUD.

There are three drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid dependence: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. All three of these treatments have been demonstrated to be safe and effective in combination with counseling and psychosocial support. Everyone who seeks treatment for an OUD should be offered access to all three options as this allows providers to work with patients to select the treatment best suited to an individual’s needs.

Due to the chronic nature of OUD, the need for continuing MAT should be re‐evaluated periodically. There is no maximum recommended duration of maintenance treatment, and for some patients, treatment may continue indefinitely.

FDA-approved buprenorphine products approved for the treatment of opioid dependence include:

FDA-approved methadone products approved for the treatment of opioid dependence include:

FDA-approved naltrexone products approved for the treatment of opioid dependence include:

First, you’ll start by meeting with our Admission team to undergo a prescreening and complete any necessary documents before progressing to the medical team. Comprised of nurses and doctors, the medical team will conduct both drug and health screenings, culminating in the creation of a tailored treatment plan for each individual. This personalized approach ensures that every aspect of the plan is specifically catered to the individual’s needs.

During this process, the medical team will discuss various medication options such as Suboxone, Vivitrol shot, or Naloxone, carefully explaining their effects and potential side effects, as well as what results can be expected. Following this, a schedule for appointments with the doctor will be established, which may vary depending on the individual’s requirements, ranging from twice a month to once a month.

The overarching objective is to facilitate the individual’s return to their normal life and routine. Through the aid of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which effectively curbs cravings and reduces the likelihood of relapse, individuals are provided with the optimal conditions for success post-treatment. This holistic approach aims to support individuals in overcoming addiction and achieving sustained recovery.