Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Specialist in Asheville, NC

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a medical treatment for individuals dealing with opioid addiction and has also had some success in treating alcohol use disorders as well. The medication used with MAT serves as a maintenance to the particular opioid that the patient is addicted to, such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and others. The substitute medication is administered in conjunction with counseling and behavioral therapies. In this way, medication-assisted treatment aims to provide a whole-person treatment approach to individuals dealing with opioid addiction.

Medication-assisted treatment helps individuals overcome addiction by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, minimizing craving and withdrawal symptoms, and teaching patients healthy coping strategies and behavioral changes.

For example, a common substitute medication used in MAT is buprenorphine or Suboxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist-antagonist approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in treating individuals with opioid use disorders. As such, it works in similar ways to other opioids and occupies the same opioid receptors in your brain. However, as it occupies those opioid receptors, it also blocks the effects of other opioids, reduces withdrawal symptoms, and does not produce a euphoric effect, making it significantly less addictive.

Since buprenorphine is an opioid, however, it is not intended for long-term use. As such, behavioral therapies and counseling put the “assisted” in medication-assisted treatment to give patients the tools they need to succeed in recovery long after the medication part of medication-assisted treatment is over.

The goal of medication-assisted treatment is to help individuals dealing with a substance disorder fully recover from their addiction by meeting an established set of conditions early on in their recovery. Once those conditions are met, the substitute medication should be tapered off and replaced with healthy coping strategies. In this way, MAT is not intended as an indefinite or long-term treatment for addiction treatment.

In theory, medication-assisted treatment has plenty of promise for treating individuals with addiction. What is more, that promise has been converted into success for many individuals dealing with opioid or alcohol use disorders! Studies have consistently proven MAT to be effective at the following:

• Decreasing opioid overdose and misuse
• Improving patient survival and overall quality of life
• Increasing treatment retention
• Significantly lessening the risk of relapse

Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, at Ascension Solution Treatment offers a comprehensive approach to overcoming addiction through Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). MAT combines medication with therapy to address both physical and emotional aspects of recovery. Here’s how Dr. Hall helps guide patients through the process:

Comprehensive Assessment: Dr. Hall begins with a thorough evaluation of each patient’s addiction history, health, and mental well-being, ensuring a personalized treatment plan is developed.

Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, Dr. Hall creates a customized plan, using FDA-approved medications like Suboxone to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, ensuring a smoother recovery.

Medication Administration: Dr. Hall carefully supervises the medication administration, helping manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making the recovery process more comfortable.

Counseling and Behavioral Therapy: In addition to medication, Dr. Hall integrates counseling and therapy to address the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction, providing a well-rounded approach to healing.

Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments: Dr. Hall continuously monitors progress, making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcomes for each patient.

Long-Term Support and Aftercare: Dr. Hall provides ongoing support and aftercare, helping patients maintain sobriety and avoid relapse through continued care and guidance.

With Dr. Hall’s expertise, patients receive the personalized, comprehensive care they need to overcome addiction and achieve lasting recovery. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 875 A Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805. We serve patients from Azalea NC, Woodfin NC, Fairview NC, Asheville NC, Swannanoa NC, Bent Creek NC, Weaverville NC, Royal Pines NC, and Biltmore Forest NC and surrounding areas.