Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Alcohol and Opioid Addiction Treatment Chestnut Hill

When it comes to helping people that are dealing with an opioid or alcohol addiction, many treatment providers turn to medication-assisted treatment, or MAT. Unlike some other addiction treatment methods, MAT focuses on treating patients with a “whole body” approach to care. This means that it focuses on just more than getting you off of drugs — MAT also addresses the underlying mental and emotional issues that contribute to your addiction. It also addresses any medical issues you may have as a result of your addiction. MAT programs do this by combining behavioral therapies and medications together into a comprehensive treatment program.


At Wave Treatment Centers in Chestnut Hill, PA, our team provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that can improve alcohol and opioid addiction treatment outcomes by reducing withdrawal symptoms, lowering the risk of relapse, and preventing overdose — and, of course, giving you an easier path to sobriety and peace of mind.

MAT FAQ >>
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"It’s in the name — the medication assists the treatment but it is not by itself the treatment. At Wave, we provide a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders which includes all available medication options as well as counseling and encouragement."

Dr. Jonathan Beatty, Founder

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Dr. Jonathan Beatty

Founder

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MAT Treatment Options in Chestnut Hill

Wave Treatment Centers gives each patient multiple medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options to best fit their individual needs. From Vivitrol to Suboxone to Sublocade, we assess each person's health and goals to determine which treatment will be the most effective, safe and appropriate.

Vivitrol

Vivitrol is a once-monthly injectable medication proven to work to prevent relapse only when combined with counseling services.

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Buprenorphine/Suboxone

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Sublocade

Sublocade — a brand name for a form of buprenorphine — is an opioid medication-assisted treatment for a number of years.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does medication-assisted treatment help with opioid addiction?

    Often the most difficult thing about overcoming an addiction to opioids is just how unpleasant withdrawal and drug cravings are. Medication-assisted treatment helps to address both of these concerns, helping people to stay drug free for longer periods of time. 


    The medications used in MAT can help with substance use disorder and addictions to any type of opioid, including heroin, morphine, codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl:


    • Buprenorphine – This medication helps to reduce cravings for opioids.
    • Naltrexone – This medication prevents users from getting high if they take opioids.

    Both of these medications interact with the same area of your brain that opioids do. This means that they essentially "trick" your brain into thinking that you are still using opioids, which helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These drugs do not, however, get you high. They are considered safe and effective for opioid addiction treatment and can be used for months or even years if you continue to need the relapse-prevention support that they provide.


    Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

  • How does medication-assisted treatment help with alcohol addiction?

    Those dealing with a severe alcohol addiction, sometimes called alcoholism, can also benefit greatly from MAT. There are currently three different medications that are utilized during alcohol MAT, which include:


    1. Naltrexone – This medication helps people to reduce or avoid alcohol use by blocking the euphoric effects of drinking. This helps to keep people motivated to avoid drinking, stay in treatment, and avoid relapse.
    2. Disulfiram – Disulfiram should only be used after a person has detoxed from alcohol. This medication helps people avoid relapse by making them have unpleasant side effects if they do drink. These include nausea, headache, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause these effects when someone is taking disulfiram.
    3. Acamprosate – This is another medication that helps people with alcohol addiction avoid relapse by helping to reduce alcohol cravings. People in recovery usually begin this medication after five days of being alcohol-free, and it's a good option for long-term recovery support. It is not effective, however, if you continue to drink large amounts of alcohol or abuse prescription or illicit drugs.

    Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

  • Are MAT medications addictive?

    We offer several medication options to treat addiction. Some medications, such as buprenorphine, can lead to dependence — meaning that if discontinued abruptly (without the supervision of your physician), you could experience withdrawal. This can be avoided by following the medical advice of your prescribing clinician and, when appropriate, following a taper protocol. We also offer injection and oral naltrexone, which is not a controlled substance and does not carry any risk of withdrawal.


    Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

  • What are the positives and drawbacks of medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?

    When it comes to addiction treatment, there is no such thing as the “right” way to go about recovery. What is important is finding a treatment program that is going to address your individual needs in the most effective way possible. While medication-assisted treatment can be a great option, it is not right for everyone. You should weigh the pros and cons in order to make the right decision for you. 


    The positives of MAT include:


    • Lessened risk of overdose due to opioid relapse
    • Relief from unpleasant or difficult withdrawal symptoms
    • Relief from opioid cravings
    • Lower risk of experiencing a relapse
    • Decreased rates of contracting diseases like HIV and hepatitis

    The potential drawbacks of MAT include:


    • Small risk of addiction to methadone or buprenorphine if you misuse or abuse them
    • Frequent clinic or medical office trips for medication dosing
    • Difficulty finding a MAT program near you
    • The high cost of treatment, if your insurance does not cover it

    Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

  • Is medication-assisted treatment right for you?

    Medication-assisted treatment has been found to be a very effective treatment option for opioid and alcohol addiction. It also significantly decreases the need for inpatient detoxification programs, which can be difficult (and expensive) for some people to commit to. MAT programs help people to achieve more comprehensive recoveries and get on the path to living a normal, independent life. 


    If you are not sure whether or not MAT is right for you, you do not have to make the decision alone. The caring professionals at Wave Treatment Centers in Chestnut Hill, PA are here to help you to weigh the pros and cons of MAT, as well as design the most appropriate MAT program for you.


    Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

  • Does insurance cover MAT?

    While every insurance plan is different, many insurance companies offer coverage for medication-assisted treatment (MAT).


    If you are considering MAT, our caring staff will help you determine what your options are for insurance or other payment plans.


    Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

I contribute my 4 years of recovery largely to Dr. Beatty. I didn’t think recovery was even possible for someone like me. With the guidance and support of Dr. Beatty, I have been able to pull my life together completely. My plan for treatment was unlike any I had before, and that was exactly what I needed in order to succeed. Thank you very for everything Dr. Beatty, I could not have done this without you.

Zack J.

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