The Medication-Assisted Treatment program (MAT) is a program designed to help patients that suffer from opioid substance use disorder. Medication is prescribed and administered in an outpatient setting by a designated medical professional. The prescription medication is used to treat opioid substance use disorders and to prevent opioid overdose. Research has shown that MAT is highly effective in treating addiction and improving health outcomes for patients that suffer from opioid use disorders.
Opioids include heroin and certain prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The medication that is prescribed through MAT is utilized to balance brain chemistry, reduce effects of alcohol and opioids, and reduce cravings without the negative side effects from the abused drug. The MAT prescription medications are safe for short-term and long-term use.
Common prescription medications used for treatment include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone
- Naloxone
The main purpose of the MAT program is to help patients make a full recovery from debilitating diseases such as addiction and substance use disorders. Positive results from a successful treatment include:
- Increased patient survival rates
- Improvement in treatment retention
- Reduce in the use of illicit drugs and opiates
- Decreased risky behavior and improvement of employment abilities within the workforce among patients who suffer from substance use disorders
- Improvement of pregnancy outcomes for women who have substance use disorders
What Patients Should Know
If the qualified medical professional thinks that a patient is an ideal candidate for the MAT program, there are a few things the patient needs to know. The patient must consent to random drug screens and agree to follow the regimen specifically as prescribed and directed by the provider.
The provider may determine that the patient needs additional behavioral health therapy to further assist in treatment, and the patient must consent to these recommendations. Although behavioral health therapy is not offered at all of our locations, the provider may still refer for these additional services.
Last, the provider may terminate services at any time if the provider thinks that the patient is non-compliant with the treatment regimen. Mainline Health Systems Inc. reserves the right to refuse service or terminate care if the patient is non-compliant with the directed treatment recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MAT?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive treatment approach that combines the use of medication with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders. MAT is primarily used for treating opioid addiction but can also be applied to alcohol addiction.
What is the purpose of the MAT program?
The purpose of MAT is to provide individuals with a more effective approach to overcoming addiction. MAT helps stabilize the person’s physical condition by using medications that manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
How long does the MAT program last?
The length of MAT can vary from person to person. Treatment can be short-term or long-term, depending on the individual’s needs and progress.
What are the medications used in MAT?
The medications we use are buprenorphine, naloxone, and naltrexone
What kind of addiction does MAT treat?
MAT is primarily used to treat opioid addiction and alcohol addiction. It can also be used for other substance use disorders in some cases, but its most common application is in opioid and alcohol addiction treatment.
What happens if someone relapses while in the MAT program?
Relapses are possible for anyone who is in recovery, even if they are on MAT. It's important to understand that relapse doesn't mean failure. MAT helps patients recover by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, but it's not a guarantee that relapses will not occur. If a patient relapses on therapy their treatment may need to be adjusted, this is best done in tandem with behavioral health therapy. After a relapse it is likely a patient needs more support than they did before. This could mean increasing counseling sessions, changing medication regimen, joining local support groups, or admission to rehabilitation facilities. It is important to identify what triggered the relapse and develop strategies for dealing with those issues in the future.
Who qualifies for Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT is a treatment option for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, particularly with opioids or alcohol. MAT is often recommended if counseling or therapy alone has not been sufficient to stop the substance use. To qualify for MAT, individuals need to be committed to making changes and following the treatment plan. MAT requires ongoing medical monitoring, so patients must also be able to attend in clinic appointments
How much does the MAT program cost?
The cost of visits will vary based on insurance or sliding fee. Medication cost will vary as well depending on prescription coverage. Mainline offers a sliding fee to help patients who are uninsured.
What are the benefits of MAT?
MAT helps to reduce the cravings for the substance you are addicted to while stopping the withdrawal symptoms. One of the hardest parts of recovery is dealing with the withdrawal symptoms. By preventing or drastically reducing the withdrawal symptoms a patient is able to focus on healing and recovery without the physical symptoms of withdrawal. Studies show that people who use MAT are more likely to stay in treatment and stick with their recovery plan. MAT with buprenorphine drastically reduces the risk of overdose. By becoming free of their addiction patients are able to enjoy the life that was unavailable to them while they were in the midst of their addiction. They are able to improve their financial situation, their work life, personal relationships and work toward a healthier future.
Can I become addicted to the medication prescribed to me in MAT?
It is important to distinguish between physical dependence and addiction. Addiction involves engaging in compulsive behavior despite the significantly harmful consequences of one's actions. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, as such it has a ceiling effect, and does not cause the sense of intense euphoria that leads to addiction. It will, however, create a physical dependence. Meaning patents will experience withdrawals if the medication is stopped suddenly. When this medication is stopped it is done so with that in mind. With the guidance of the provider, the patient will undergo a slow taper to limit the withdrawal symptoms.