What is a Medication-Assisted Treatment for Drug Addiction?

Did you know that in 2019 over 70,000 people have died from a drug overdose throughout the United States? Almost ¾ of all these deaths were related to opioid use. These statistics are staggering and alarming. They reveal a substantial amount regarding the drug epidemic running ramped in this country right now. 

The truth is that not all these people had to die. There are ways to get help for addiction that can prevent overdose and other drug-related deaths. One of the best options is medication-assisted treatment through a professional drug and alcohol rehab. Here at Blue Hills Recovery, we have this type of treatment and many others, too.

What is Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment

When drug and alcohol rehab programs use medication-assisted treatment (MAT), they use medications that are approved by the FDA. These medications are used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They can also be used to block effects by opioids, so if someone uses these drugs, they won’t get high from them. If you want more information about medication-assisted treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Blue Hills Recovery team today.

Will Medication-Assisted Treatment Actually Work

Many people who are struggling with a drug addiction want to know whether the treatments they are hearing about actually work or not – medication-assisted treatment does work. Studies show that this type of treatment is very effective and promising for most people who attend these programs. In fact, when compared to other programs, medication-assisted treatment has lower relapse rates amongst clients than most others. 

Do you have an addiction to opioids? If so, medication-assisted treatment could be just what you need to help you start overcoming this addiction. If you want to know more about the services offered in this type of treatment, let our team know today. 

More About MAT Medications 

When it comes to medication-assisted treatment, there are a few medications that are used – methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. 

Methadone is one of the medications used in this type of treatment. It is administered in many outpatient and inpatient treatment programs. There is a liquid, water and pill form. Methadone is a full agonist drug. This means it will stimulate the person’s brain receptors just like opioids would. Basically, methadone will convince the brain that it has gotten opioids. When people are taking methadone, they often have very few cravings and minimal withdrawal symptoms. This makes things easier when it comes to staying sober.

Buprenorphine is a medication that can be taken weekly or monthly. Oftentimes, patients are given this as a take-home dose. However, it is also received when attending inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. It is a partial agonist drug. This means it works sort of like the agonist above, but with effects that aren’t quite as strong. When someone takes buprenorphine daily, it can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for other drugs. 

Naltrexone is a medication that works like an antagonist. This means that it will block opioid effects on the patient’s brain. If someone relapses when they are taking this medication, they won’t feel any effects they would normally feel while taking opioids. Generally, doctors give naltrexone daily or monthly.

Do you want to know more about these medications? If so, don’t hesitate to let a member of our Blue Hills Recovery team know. We would be glad to discuss these medications and others that might help you to overcome your drug addiction. 

How Long Would Medication-Assisted Treatment Last

There isn’t an exact length of time that medication-asssited treatment will last. It varies based on the medication type that is used, the patient’s prior drug history and other needs they may have. If someone is receiving methadone, doctors might recommend that they go to therapy for a minimum of 1 year. After the first 3 months of treatment, the methadone dose would start reducing until the person is on a maintenance amount. In time, the patient may be able to get off methadone completely. 

When it comes to using buprenorphine, patients usually take it for a couple of months to many years. After the patient has been sober for a while, doctors may reduce their buprenorphine dose to a maintenance level just like with the methadone. Over time, they may taper off it until it they no longer need it.

Prescribers deal with Naltrexone a bit differently. Generally, people use this medication for about 12 weeks to help them get through the withdrawal process. You would work with the doctors and medical staff here at Blue Hills Recovery Center to figure out exactly how long you will need this medication. Since naltrexone works like an antagonist, all patients need to be careful about using it. They must avoid opioid use while on naltrexone.

Do you need to overcome an addiction to drugs? If so, medication-assisted treatment might be the route for you. Reach out to our Blue Hills Recovery team today to find out more about this type of treatment.

 

medication-assisted treatment

Will Insurance Pay for Medication-Assisted Treatment

There are different insurance plans that do pay for medication-assisted treatment. However, it does depend on the insurance provider you have and the state that you live in. It also depends on the exact insurance plan that you have. Most people don’t know that the federal law mandates health insurance companies to offer mental health service coverage and that includes coverage for substance abuse programs.

Even if your insurance company will cover this type of treatment, the amount they cover may vary from that of the next person’s plan. If you want more information about whether your insurance will pay for medication-assisted treatment, reach out to our admissions team today. 

Where Can I Get MAT 

There are many drug and alcohol rehab centers that offer MAT. However, it is important that you attend a treatment program that offers many other treatments and services, too. Here at Blue Hills Recovery Center, we have a range of other treatments including individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy, 12-step facilitation therapy, yoga and much more. When you combine these treatments with MAT, you have a much better chance of overcoming your addiction. 

If you want to know more about how MAT can benefit you and your recovery, let us know today. A member of our team would be happy to walk you through this treatment and others that can help you to overcome your addiction and live a life of recovery.

Get Medication-Assisted Treatment Today

Do you struggle with drug addiction? If so, there are many treatments you can receive to help you overcome that addiction. Many individuals will start with medication-assisted treatment. You read a bit about this treatment above. If it sounds like something that might help you to get clean and into recovery, our team wants to hear from you. We have a team of professionals who can work with you here at our drug and alcohol rehab. Whether you want more information about this treatment or you want to start with MAT, our team is here for you.
Contact us today, here at Blue Hills Recovery Center, to get into a medication-assisted treatment program right away.