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.