Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder Q&A

When an individual continues to use opioids despite knowing the harm it inflicts on themselves and others around them, this is classified as an opioid use disorder. The number of symptoms at hand is directly correlated to the severity of the addiction, this can range from mild to severe.

Moderate to severe use of opioids can sometimes be classified as addiction as those in this stage have a difficult time controlling their drug use. Drugs that cause this disorder include both prescription opioids and illegal drugs, this can include using prescribed opioids without a prescription or using it in a different manner than prescribed.

Medication-assisted treatment combines counseling and behavioral therapy with medications. For many people suffering from substance abuse disorders, especially opioid dependence, it has become the treatment of choice. The evidence-based approach to treatment is supported by several public health agencies.

As the medication works to alter the body chemistry over time, it will reduce physical and psychological cravings as well as change the brain chemistry by blocking the euphoric effects of the drugs used. The FDA has approved three drugs to treat opioid dependence: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. When combined with counseling and psychosocial support, all three of these treatments are safe and effective.

Providers should offer all three options to patients seeking treatment for an opiate use disorder (OUD) to allow them to select the treatment that is best suited to their needs. The need for continuing MAT should be re-evaluated periodically due to the chronic nature of OUD.

There are two ways in which MAT can work. By administering drugs that activate the same receptors over a longer period, doctors can stall withdrawal symptoms and break the psychological link between taking a drug and intoxication delirium (feeling high) immediately.

Opioid antagonists, which sit on those same receptors and block them, can also be given so that if someone relapses, they won’t experience symptoms.

Ultimately, MAT for opioid use disorder serves to minimize cravings as well as the risks associated with withdrawal or relapse symptoms. By treating opioid use disorder medically as a disease with medication alongside therapies, patients often experience much better outcomes than abstinence alone.

OUD medications approved by the FDA can reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms, which are the most common reasons for opioid relapse. MAT has been extensively researched for its effectiveness in decreasing opioid use as well as preventing opioid-related deaths.

Holistically, MAT has much higher success rates than abstinence-based treatment for OUD. Due to its effectiveness, MAT has become increasingly popular. There has been an increase in the adoption of MAT in the U.S., with about 50% of individuals with OUD now receiving medication.

Comparing MAT with abstinence-only treatments, research has proven that it is the superior treatment modality over the latter. In one study, 49% of people who used MAT successfully managed their opioid dependence, while just 7% of people following abstinence-based programs did.

The length of time recommended to stay in a MAT program will heavily depend on the needs of each individual. In line with traditional addiction treatment programs, many programs last between one and three months. People with particularly severe addictions may require medication-assisted treatment for a year or more.

Medication-assisted treatment is often determined by the severity of the addiction. Those with less severe symptoms will require less time in comparison to those experiencing more intense withdrawal symptoms, in which case, further intervention (therapy and support groups) may be required.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is available at Ascension Solutions Treatment. Call us for more information. We serve patients from Peachtree Corners GA, Asheville NC, Swannanoa NC, Johns Creek GA, Woodfin NC, Biltmore Forest NC, Fairview NC, Roswell GA, Dunwoody GA, Pittsburg GA, Western North Carolina, and the surrounding areas.