MAT Treatment in Houston
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a type of treatment for addiction that uses a combination of medications and therapeutic practices to reduce cravings and assist in recovery. MAT treatment programs can be a part of outpatient or inpatient treatment and used in conjunction with other treatment programs.
MAT is highly effective, but may not be an option for everyone. Most often it’s used in the treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders. Our team at Heights Recovery Institute would be happy to answer your questions about medication-assisted treatment and how we can help you with an individualized plan for your recovery. Our outpatient programs provide ongoing support for addiction treatment.
Who is a Good Candidate for MAT?
Individuals who have a substance use disorder can greatly benefit from MAT. The combination of medication with counseling and behavioral therapies is very useful in treating opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). Candidates for MAT should have a willingness to engage in comprehensive treatment and a commitment to their recovery journey.
It is essential that individuals seeking MAT have a genuine desire to reduce or abstain from substance use, as well as a readiness to participate in therapy. While in a MAT program, individuals must adhere to the prescribed medication regimen for the treatments to be effective. Our clinical treat performs a thorough assessment to evaluate the appropriateness of MAT based on the individual’s medical history, addiction severity, and treatment goals.
To be a good candidate for MAT, individuals must meet basic requirements including:
- Comply with program guidelines and expectations. This may include attending regular clinic visits, properly taking medication and adhering to any restrictions while medicated, and active participation in counseling or therapy sessions.
- Complete a comprehensive evaluation. This includes physical and mental health assessments, to ensure the safe and effective use of medication.
- Communicate openly with their healthcare provider. Individuals must disclose any information about their substance use history, any current medications, and any other medical conditions to facilitate appropriate medication selection and dosage adjustments.
- Engage in ongoing monitoring. This means that individuals should report any side effects or concerns to their healthcare provider, and collaborate with their treatment team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that supports their recovery goals.
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What does MAT treat?
Medication-assisted treatment is primarily used to treat substance use disorders, specifically opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. MAT addresses each of these conditions uniquely.
MAT is highly effective in treating OUD. This includes misusing or being dependent on opioids such as prescription pain medications or heroin. MAT for OUD typically uses medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications work by reducing withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the euphoric effects of opioids. They help individuals stabilize and regain control of their life. MAT for OUD is often combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.
MAT can also be used to treat alcohol use disorder. While receiving MAT for AUD, an individual may be prescribed disulfiram, which causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed and effectively acts as a deterrent to drinking. Another medication, naltrexone, reduces alcohol cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol. Acamprosate is another medication used in MAT for AUD, helping to maintain abstinence and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Like OUD, MAT for AUD is typically integrated with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of alcohol addiction.
What are the Benefits of MAT?
There are many benefits of MAT for addiction treatment. It’s been an essential modality for treating substance use disorders for many years. Here are the top benefits of medication-assisted treatment:
Effectiveness: MAT has been extensively researched and proven to be effective in treating opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). It also reduces cravings, minimizes withdrawal symptoms, and decreases the risk of relapse, leading to improved treatment outcomes and long-term recovery.
Reduced mortality rates: MAT has been associated with significantly reducing mortality rates among individuals with opioid addiction. By providing medications that mitigate the risks of overdose and relapse, MAT can save lives and promote overall health and well-being.
Stabilization: MAT helps individuals regain stability by reducing the harmful effects of substance use. Medications used in MAT can restore physiological balance, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and improve overall functioning, allowing individuals to regain control of their lives.
Improved retention in treatment: MAT can improve retention of treatment because it addresses the physical aspects of addiction while simultaneously providing support through counseling and therapy. The combination of medication and behavioral interventions enhances motivation and engagement, improving the likelihood of staying in treatment and achieving lasting recovery.
Reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms: Medications can alleviate cravings and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. By diminishing the physical discomfort associated with substance withdrawal, individuals are better able to focus on their recovery, engage in counseling, and develop the necessary coping skills for long-term sobriety.
Lower risk of infectious diseases: For individuals with opioid addiction who engage in intravenous drug use, MAT can significantly reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. By providing a safer alternative to illicit drug use, MAT supports harm reduction strategies and promotes overall health.
Individualized treatment: MAT can be tailored to each individual’s specific needs, ensuring a personalized treatment approach. The choice of medication and dosage can be adjusted based on the individual’s response and progress, which maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment and increases the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Holistic approach: MAT is often combined with counseling, therapy, and support services to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to addiction treatment. By addressing the physical, psychological, and social aspects of substance use disorders, MAT supports overall well-being and helps individuals develop healthier coping strategies and life skills.
Consult with a healthcare professional that specializes in addiction treatment to determine the most appropriate medication and treatment plan for you. If MAT can help you, Heights Recovery Institute has a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program that you can join.
What Can You Expect from MAT
MAT typically consists of three key components: medication, counseling or behavioral therapies, and support services. Here’s what a patient can expect from each component of MAT:
MAT utilizes FDA-approved medications to assist in the treatment of substance use disorders. The specific medication prescribed will depend on the substance and an individual’s treatment needs. For OUD, common medications include methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. For AUD, medications like disulfiram, naltrexone, or acamprosate may be utilized.
The medication helps reduce cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and restore balance to the brain’s chemistry, promoting stability and aiding in recovery.
After an initial assessment, your healthcare provider determines which medication to prescribe and begins administering it. Most often the medication is given while in a treatment center, and very rarely does an individual take a prescription home. The clinician will do regular check-ins to assess your progress and adjust medication if needed.
Counseling and behavioral therapies are integral components of MAT and aim to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. Patients can expect to participate in individual therapy, group therapy, or a combination of both. These therapeutic sessions provide a supportive environment for individuals to explore underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and learn relapse prevention skills.
Counseling helps patients understand the root causes of their addiction, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and make positive behavioral changes. It may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), contingency management, or other evidence-based approaches.
MAT often incorporates support services to enhance the patient’s treatment experience and improve overall outcomes. Support services may include case management, peer support groups, vocational or educational assistance, housing support, and referrals to community resources. These services provide additional support and ensure individuals stick to their treatment plan.
At Heights Recovery we provide case management, peer support, and educational resources to bolster treatment and improve outcomes. Call to learn more about our MAT and other addiction treatment programs.
MAT Treatment at Heights Recovery Institute
Our team at Heights Recovery Institute is dedicated to your recovery. We provide outpatient services to those in Houston, Texas, and the surrounding areas. If you struggle with alcohol or opioid abuse, MAT at Heights Recovery may help you recover. To learn more about how our team of addiction specialists can help you achieve long-lasting sobriety, call today and ask about our programs.