One of the most significant threats to public health in modern times is opioid addiction. It has a grip over millions of people all over the world. The opioid crisis takes tens of thousands of lives every year in the United States alone. While some individuals managed to recover, many who are addicted to opioids need more thorough, medical treatments. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) involves using medicines along with behavior therapy to successfully treat substance use disorders.
What is Meant by Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
MAT, or Medication-Assisted Treatment, is the process of using medications (approved by FDA), along with therapy, to help people recover from opioid addiction. MAT mainly helps achieve long-term recovery from drug addiction, reduce the cravings and side effects from withdrawals and help patients regain their normal functioning.
MAT helps to stop the constant urge to seek drugs by controlling the signaling in the brain chemically. SAMHSA and NIDA endorse this method because it is supported by major health organizations.
Medications That Are Used in MAT
The main medicine options available in MAT are methadone, buprenorphine (used as Suboxone or Subutex) and naltrexone. The type of treatment a patient receives depends on their level of addiction, past health problems and the targets of treatment.
1. Methadone
Methadone resembles heroin or oxycodone by activating the same receptors in the brain, but this process is spread over a longer period. It helps reduce cravings and drug withdrawal without causing the high that is common in addiction.
For a long time, methadone has been administered in clinics to patients who are following opioid treatment programs. It works especially for people with a strong addiction to opioids who have not responded as hoped to other treatments. Visiting the clinic for their daily dose is usually required for patients at the beginning of therapy, but as they respond, doctors may allow them to receive the treatment medicine at home.
2. Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
Buprenorphine acts as a partial agonist on the opioid receptors located in the brain. As this drug boosts mood slightly but not to a high degree, it is less likely to become a problem for users.
Suboxone is a type of buprenorphine that is combined with naloxone in most cases. It helps reverse the effects of opioids by blocking their receptors. Injecting the drug must be avoided as it may lead to withdrawals.
Unlike methadone, patients can receive buprenorphine from a certified doctor and use it privately at home. Those suffering from moderate opioid dependence and having a steady family life can benefit the most.
3. Naltrexone
Naltrexone is completely non-addictive and all it does is block the opioid receptors in the brain. Because of this, opioids are unable to bring euphoria which no longer entices users to continue using. For this reason, people are required to go off opioid drugs for at least 1 week before naltrexone is offered or it could produce powerful withdrawal symptoms.
The drug is offered in pill form for daily usage or in the form of an extended-release injection that must be given once a month. Many people turn to it after detoxification to prevent a return to drug use.
How Counseling and Behavioral Therapy Helps
MAPPs are necessary for MAT, but psychological support makes them more useful. Patients who take part in behavioral therapy learn why they became addicted, find effective coping strategies, fix broken relationships and assemble a strong group to assist them in staying sober.
Common treatments used in MAT are:
CBT is a therapy that helps individuals become aware of their negative thoughts and actions and teaches them ways to improve them.
Contingency Management: Rewards people for attending counseling and not using drugs.
Motivational Interviewing: Ensures patients think about and understand why stopping opioids is important for them.
They work on helping an individual cope with emotions and lower the odds of them relapsing.
Results and Benefits of MAT
Several studies have demonstrated that MAT is a successful method for treating opioid addiction. This information is based on data from SAMHSA and the NIH.
Methadone assisted treatment can help decrease habitual opioid use, fatal opioid overdoses, crime and opportunities for disease spread such as HIV and hepatitis C.
Those receiving MAT are generally more likely to continue their treatment.
Undergoing MAT improves social activities such as working and being part of a family.
Moreover, MAT does not just involve switching out one type of drug for another. Managing a long-term illness in this way is like using insulin to help treat people with diabetes.
Dealing With Stigma Surrounding MAT
Despite its success, MAT is still criticised as an ineffective alternative to substance addiction. It is considered by some that the alternative medication given by MAT is just another form of addiction and doesn’t solve the problem of substance abuse. However, this is untrue. The medication given in MAT is not nearly as harmful as the actual drugs and it helps people greatly in overcoming addiction. It is important for us to spread awareness about this issue so that patients trying to recover do not have to face shame and stigma.
Is MAT for everyone?
Many patients of addiction disorders for various substances have seen great success with MAT. However, it may not be ideal for everyone. To decide if MAT is right for you or your loved one, you need to consider factors such as the nature of the substance being used, the stage of addiction, family and social background and support structures etc. It can be decided after a careful analysis by a trained professional like a doctor.
Conclusion
We are living in the midst of a deadly opioid crisis. Opioid addiction takes too many lives each year. It is important that we get ourselves or our loved ones dealing with addiction urgent and prompt help. Medication-Assisted Treatment or MAT uses medication to safely help people dealing with withdrawals and eventually recover from their addiction. The situation needs to be carefully and empathetically handled as it is a very sensitive one. We need to bust unscientific stigma against the use of MAT and spread awareness about its possibilities to help those dealing with addiction disorders.
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Meredith is a seasoned health and policy writer with a background in public health and journalism. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) and has over 8 years of experience covering substance use, legislation, and social impact. Her work is driven by a passion for informed reporting and public awareness. Meredith contributes regularly to StreetDrugs.org, focusing on drug trends, global news, and Finance.