Does Medication Assisted Treatment Work?

Get answers to “does medication assisted treatment work?” and “where to get medication assisted treatment.”

What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication assisted treatment is a way to help people who are struggling with addiction. Medication assisted treatment is also known as medication assisted therapy, and often abbreviated to MAT. It uses medicine to help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms and includes talking to a counselor or therapist. It helps people understand why they started using drugs or alcohol and how to stay sober in the long run. But does medication assisted treatment work?

What Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Used For?

Medication Assisted Treatment, also known as Medication Assisted Therapy or abbreviated to MAT, is used for different kinds of addiction, like opioids, alcohol, and tobacco. It can be helpful for people who want to stop using but are having difficulty doing it independently. By combining medicine and therapy, MAT gives people the tools they need to get better and stay sober.¹

Other Therapies Paired with Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Behavioral therapies are also used in MAT. This involves talking to a counselor or therapist to learn ways to deal with challenging situations, like when someone offers drugs or alcohol. These therapies help people figure out why they started using in the first place and how to avoid relapse.

MAT is often used with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). It helps people get to the root of their addiction with the help of medication. Addiction is both physical and mental, and MAT can help with both. It gives people a better chance of staying sober and healthy.²

When Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Primarily Used?

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is usually suggested for people who have tried to stop using drugs or alcohol but haven’t been able to. It’s also used for people addicted to opioids who might get sick if they try to detox on their own. MAT can help with the painful symptoms of stopping drug use and make it easier for people to quit.

How Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Works in Combination with Other Therapies

Does medication assisted treatment work well with other treatments? MAT works best in conjunction with other treatment methods. Combining medicine with therapy and counseling can be very helpful in treating both the physical and emotional components of addiction.

Counseling and Behavioral Therapy

Does medication assisted treatment work with counseling? Counseling and behavioral therapy are two types of treatment often used with MAT.

They can help people figure out why they started using drugs or alcohol and how to cope with situations that might make them want to use again. They can also help people change their thinking and behavior and build healthier habits.

Therapy Formats

Therapy can happen in different ways, like talking to a counselor one-on-one, speaking in a group with other people, or talking with family members. The type of therapy that is used depends on the person’s unique needs.

Aftercare Options

MAT is more than just medications and therapy; it also includes things like case management, peer support, and employment help. These support services are essential because addiction is often linked to other parts of a person’s life, like their job, family, or living situation. MAT can help people overcome problems that may have led to their addiction by focusing on these other areas.

When it comes to MAT, it is crucial to have a complete treatment plan that includes different interventions based on the person’s needs and situation. Through a multifaceted approach, people can learn how to deal with stress, build a network of sober friends, and achieve long-term recovery.³

How Effective is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Does medication assisted treatment work well? Research has shown that MAT works to cut down on opioid use, increase the number of people who stay in treatment, lower the risk of overdose, and improve overall health.

For example, a person with opioid use disorder who gets MAT is more likely to stay in treatment and have a lower chance of overdosing. Researchers have also found that people who utilize MAT have better health outcomes, such as a lower risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C.⁴

Does Medication Assisted Treatment Work? Supporting Statistics

Does medication assisted treatment work? Studies show that MAT can help people with substance use disorders, like addiction to opioids. Here are some examples:⁴

One study found that people who received MAT for opioid addiction were more likely to stay in treatment and less likely to start using drugs again or die from an overdose than people who didn’t get medication.
Another study found that people who received MAT for opioid addiction had a lower risk of dying from any cause than those who didn’t get medication.
A third study found that people who received MAT for opioid addiction were more likely to complete their treatment and less likely to keep using drugs or committing crimes than people who didn’t get medication.
A fourth study found that people who received a common medication used in MAT called buprenorphine-naloxone had better results than people who got a placebo, including using fewer opioids and sticking with treatment longer.

These studies show that MAT can be a helpful way to treat substance use disorders, especially opioid addiction. When people get medication, therapy, and other kinds of support, it can help them recover from addiction and stay well for a long time.

Does Medication Assisted Treatment Work? Ask Advaita Integrated Medicine

A common question when researching treatment options is “does medication assisted treatment work?” Advaita Integrated Medicine can attest to its success.

Who We Are

Advaita Integrated Medicine (AIM) is an addiction treatment center that offers many different treatment options, including MAT, to help people achieve recovery from substance use disorders.

By merging medication with counseling, support groups, and other services, we provide all-inclusive care to patients and assist them in their journey toward long-term recovery.

What We Offer

At AIM, we offer clients comprehensive care. We provide medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and other services to help patients every step of the way in their recovery journey.

We use a well-rounded approach that treats the root causes of addiction and any co-occurring disorders. Our team of compassionate professionals will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

Contact Us Today

You don’t have to struggle with addiction alone. Contact AIM today for answers to questions like “does medication assisted treatment work?”

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Reach out to Advaita Integrated Medicine today and let us guide you toward a full and rewarding life uninhibited by mental health or substance use disorder challenges. We are here to support you every step of the way.

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