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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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.