Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating people with substance use disorders. It combines medication management and behavioral therapy to provide a holistic, evidence-based model of care. As a result, MAT provides beneficial services to help individuals achieve and maintain long-term recovery.
Royal Life Centers is proud to offer MAT services when clinically appropriate as part of our comprehensive treatment program. Before entering our program, it is important to know the ins and outs of MAT service offerings. This will help you make an informed decision about your own unique path to recovery.
What Is MAT Treatment?
At its core, MAT offers medication management services for opioid use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and other substances. In addition to medication, you will participate in a range of behavioral therapies and counseling. In doing so, you can experience the benefits of a comprehensive treatment approach during recovery from substance use disorders.
The purpose of MAT is to reduce cravings for addictive substances while also providing mental health services. As you begin MAT, you will receive help and support from addiction treatment professionals who understand the process of recovery.
Three Components of MAT
Medication-assisted treatment programs are incredibly effective in the treatment of substance use disorders when incorporating the three components of MAT. This is because, as an evidence-based practice, each component of MAT works together to support long-term recovery.
The three components of MAT include:
- Medication
- Counseling
- Behavioral therapy
By combining medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies, MAT services can help people in recovery fight cravings, learn healthy coping skills, and rebuild their self-worth.
MAT Medications
MAT programs often prescribe medications that reduce cravings for substances like opioids or alcohol. Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings that often result in relapse.
The most common medications used in MAT include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone)
- Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release)
- Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension)
The medications used in MAT programs have been extensively studied and proven effective at helping people manage their addictions over time. MAT medication management can help you focus on other aspects of your recovery instead of being distracted by substance cravings.
Counseling in Medication-Assisted Treatment
As part of MAT, you will also receive counseling services provided by licensed therapists or social workers. These professionals provide valuable guidance to help you identify your unique triggers and develop healthy coping skills. These coping skills are an essential part of recovery because they can be used during times of stress or temptation. Additionally, counseling helps to rebuild your sense of self-worth.
By encouraging you to explore the root causes of your addiction, MAT counseling helps you to understand how you can reach recovery goals. During counseling sessions, you and your therapist discuss your aspirations in recovery and develop plans for obtaining employment, housing, finances, and healthy relationships.
Behavioral Therapy Sessions
Behavioral therapy is another important component of MAT programs as it provides you with practical tools for managing relapse risk factors such as anxiety or boredom. During behavioral therapy sessions, you will learn about positive reinforcement techniques such as goal setting and celebrating successes in order to keep you motivated on the path toward recovery.
Behavioral therapists may also offer skills like mindfulness meditation or assertiveness training which can be integrated into your daily life outside of treatment sessions in order to maintain sobriety throughout the course of recovery.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment offers numerous benefits for those seeking help for substance use disorders at Royal Life Centers. Our MAT programs combine evidence-based medications with therapy to help manage withdrawal symptoms while healing your mind, body, and spirit.
Benefits of MAT include:
- Reduce cravings for drugs and alcohol
- Incorporate harm reduction and relapse prevention measures
- Address co-occurring mental health issues (if present)
- Reduce the risk of overdose or accidental death during detoxification
- Provide accountability throughout the recovery journey
Additionally, we believe that offering MAT services makes it easier for you to stay connected with our team of medical professionals who understand your condition and provide personalized care tailored specifically for you.
We understand that everyone walks their own unique path in life and deserves access to quality, individualized care. For this reason, we are proud to offer MAT services so our clients can get the care they need on their path toward long-term sobriety.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
During treatment for addiction, you may receive MAT for opioid addiction with methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications treat opioid use disorders to short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, in addition to semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. MAT for opioids can also be beneficial for those with an addiction to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.
MAT medications used to treat opioid addiction include:
- Methadone (Dolophine, Methadose)
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Probuphine, Sublocade)
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
In general, all medications during medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) assist in reducing cravings and drug-seeking behavior in an effort to prevent relapse and promote engagement during holistic treatments.
MAT programs often provide methadone for its ability to block the effects of opioids. Also, both methadone and buprenorphine affect the same part of the brain as an opioid such as heroin. However, unlike typical opioids, buprenorphine and methadone effectively reduce your withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids.
Once you successfully complete detox, the administration of naltrexone will block the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids in your brain’s opioid receptors. In effect, naltrexone prevents feelings of euphoria and removes your ability to get “high” from opioids.
Alternatively, you can receive MAT for opioid addiction with extended-release naltrexone. However, it is important to remember that medical detoxification must be completed before receiving MAT with naloxone. For this reason, opioid detox can be uncomfortable for those struggling with active opioid addiction. Even still, NIDA findings conclude that medication-assisted treatment programs using buprenorphine/naloxone and those solely using extended-release naltrexone are both effective in treating opioid addiction.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol
Currently, there are three FDA-approved medications available for people receiving medication-assisted treatment for alcohol addiction. These medications treat alcohol use disorders by affecting the way your brain processes and responds to alcohol. In doing so, MAT can successfully reduce your risk of relapse during and after detox.
MAT medications used to treat alcohol addiction include:
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Acamprosate (Campral)
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors that are involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and in the craving for alcohol. MAT using naltrexone typically reduces relapse in people who have a history of heavy drinking. While naltrexone can be a highly effective MAT treatment for alcohol in some people, it is important to note that genetics play a role in how successfully the drug works for you.
Acamprosate (Campral) may reduce symptoms of long-lasting withdrawal and can provide relief from symptoms including:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Dysphoria (general dissatisfaction)
Typically, acamprosate is most effective in the treatment of substance abuse in individuals with severe addiction.
During alcohol addiction treatment, MAT services using disulfiram (Antabuse) will alter your body’s absorption of alcohol. Following the administration of disulfiram, the chemical acetaldehyde builds up in your body if you relapse by drinking again.
As a deterrent from drinking, disulfiram triggers a series of unpleasant side effects including:
- Flushing (warmth and redness in the face)
- Nausea
- Irregular heartbeat
Knowing that disulfiram’s negative side effects will occur if you begin drinking alcohol, you may hesitate before entering this form of MAT service. That being said, MAT using disulfiram can help you prevent a relapse if you are highly motivated to quit drinking.
MAT Services at Royal Life Centers
At Royal Life Centers, we understand that everyone’s situation and needs are different when it comes to addiction recovery. That’s why we offer medication-assisted treatment as clinically appropriate. It’s part of our comprehensive care program for those struggling with substance use disorders.
Royal Life Centers’ MAT services include:
- Consultations with physicians specializing in addiction medicine
- Comprehensive assessments to determine which type of medication may be best suited for your individual needs
- Access to medications such as Vivitrol and Suboxone
- Counseling from certified counselors
- Continued care after completing detox and residential programs
- Education about the benefits of medication-assisted treatment and recovery
- Support groups where you can connect with others who are also receiving MAT services
- Referrals to additional resources if necessary
Our MAT services can be an important part of the overall recovery process because medication and therapy provide an additional layer of support while you work towards overcoming your substance use disorder. While the medicines reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, our therapists will work with you on healing from addiction.
Royal Life Centers offers MAT medications including:
- Naltrexone
- Vivitrol
- Suboxone
- Transportation for Sublocade
Royal Life Centers provides MAT services for Vivitrol, Suboxone, and naltrexone at our facilities. However, Royal Life Centers currently does not distribute Sublocade within our facility walls. With that being said, we provide transportation to MAT appointments for guests requiring Sublocade.
MAT Programs Near Me
If you’re looking for a MAT program near you, Royal offers these services in our facilities across the Pacific Northwest and Prescott Valley in Arizona.
Royal’s MAT programs in Prescott, Arizona:
We provide a full continuum of care for medication-assisted treatment programs in Prescott, Arizona. Our Arizona detox program is offered at Royal Life Detox. Following detox, male guests can continue their time in treatment during our male-only residential inpatient rehab center, Chapter 5. Similarly, female guests who complete medical detox can transition into residential care at our Seaglass facility.
Once our male and female guests finish our inpatient programs, they are encouraged to continue their recovery maintenance within our second Seaglass facility location to receive co-ed treatment through PHP, IOP, and OP.
Our full continuum of care for medication-assisted treatment is also offered in our facilities across the state of Washington.
MAT programs near me in Lacey, Washington:
Medically assisted treatment near me in Sumner, Washington:
MAT programs near Spokane, Washington:
Royal’s medication-assisted treatment programs in Lacey, Washington within our inpatient facility, The Haven, as well as our aftercare and outpatient facility, Sound Recovery. Our MAT program in Sumner, Washington provides medical detox and residential inpatient levels of care in our Puget Sound facility. MAT services near Spokane, Washington are offered at Royal’s inpatient facility, Spokane Heights, and our aftercare and outpatient facility, Cascade Heights.
MAT FAQ
According to SAMHSA, “Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.”
All medications used in MAT programs are FDA-approved and each service is provided within an individualized treatment plan.
During treatment at Royal Life Centers, the three main phases of MAT include:
- Induction (1-2 days)
- Stabilization (multiple weeks)
- Maintenance (varies)
Before you start treatment, your personal care team at Royal will discuss your treatment options and develop your personalized care plan. Throughout your time in our program, we continuously monitor your progress to ensure your safety and comfort during each portion of our MAT program.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) supports the use of MAT as an evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders.
While success rates can be difficult to quantify for addiction recovery, SAMHSA states that MAT “has proved to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services.”
Buprenorphine FAQ
Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved medication used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT). During MAT, buprenorphine suppresses and reduces your cravings for opioids.
Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist.
Buprenorphine is a Schedule III narcotic analgesic that has value as a medical treatment yet also presents a moderate risk of addiction.
Buprenorphine is not the same as Suboxone. It is, however, combined with naltrexone to create Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naltrexone).
Sublocade FAQ
Sublocade is the brand name for buprenorphine. Provided as a prescription medicine, Sublocade treats adults with moderate to severe opioid use disorders (OUDs) within an MAT program.
As a long-acting medication, the effects of Sublocade injections typically last around four weeks (28 to 30 days).
Yes, Sublocade is a Schedule III narcotic analgesic. Schedule III controlled substances have value as a medical treatment yet also present a moderate risk of addiction.
Yes, Sublocade has the potential risk for the development of physical and psychological dependence.
Naltrexone FAQ
Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) within an MAT program.
Physicians also utilize low doses of Naltrexone for off-label treatment of conditions including chronic pain, inflammation, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and mental health issues.
Common side effects of naltrexone may include:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sleepiness/sleeping issues
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Decreased appetite
- Joint pain
- Muscle cramps
- Cold symptoms
- Toothache
Serious side effects of naltrexone may include:
- Severe injection site reactions
- Liver damage or hepatitis is possible
- Serious allergic reactions
- Pneumonia
- Depressed mood
Unlike other medications used to treat opioid addiction, taking naltrexone will not make you feel high or euphoric. Instead, naltrexone is meant to make you feel naturally relaxed.
No, naltrexone is not an antidepressant. Naltrexone is a class of medications called opiate antagonists.
With that being said, research on Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) has produced positive outcomes in the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Vivtrol FAQ
Vivitrol, the brand name medication for naltrexone, is used to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) within an MAT program.
To qualify for Vivitrol you must be:
- 18 years or older
- In treatment for alcohol dependence
or
- In treatment for opioid dependence
- Completed acute stage of opioid withdrawal
or
- Completed acute stage of alcohol withdrawal
No, Vivitrol is not the same as Suboxone. Vivitrol is the brand name medication for naltrexone. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone.
However, both interact with opioid receptors in the brain to block the effects of opioids, manage cravings, and lessen symptoms of withdrawal.
No, Vivitrol is not the same as Narcan. Vivitrol is the brand name medication for naltrexone. Vivitrol interacts with the brain’s opioid receptors to block the effects of opioids, treat symptoms of withdrawal, and manage cravings.
Narcan is the brand name medication for Naloxone, which is a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids.
Suboxone Q&A
Suboxone is a prescription medication composed of buprenorphine and naltrexone. Suboxone blocks the side effects of opioids, lessens withdrawal symptoms, and reduces opioid cravings.
Yes, Suboxone is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. This means that Suboxone has value as a medical treatment yet also presents a moderate risk of addiction.
No, Suboxone is not the same as methadone. Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone. Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist used in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and chronic pain.
However, both are used in MAT programs to lessen symptoms of withdrawal and manage cravings.
Methadone Q&A
Methadone is an FDA-approved medication that is typically offered within a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program for opioid use disorders (OUDs).
As with all addictive substances, methadone can harm your body if you abuse the medication. Like other opioids, long-term use of methadone can result in damage to your liver, brain, and nerves.
Methadone is a safe treatment for opioid use disorder when prescribed within a MAT program. As a full opiate agonist, Methadone can keep people from getting high on other opioids, such as heroin or prescription painkillers. More importantly, methadone maintenance prevents relapse which minimizes the risk of overdose and death.
Entering MAT
We offer a wide range of therapies and activities to meet the needs of all our guests. If you’re ready, let us guide you into the path of sobriety. Recovery starts with the first call. We are available 24/7 at (877)-RECOVERY.
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