Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling, behavioral therapies, and also 12-Step facilitation, to provide an integrated approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.
MAT at Providence Treatment
At Providence Treatment, we endorse the best practice, integrated MAT approach for the individual client if appropriate and indicated. All MAT patients are referred to trusted sources outside of Providence Treatment. MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to assist with cravings and lessening the effects of toxic drugs that put the person addicted at high risk for possible overdose and death. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieving physiological cravings, as well as normalizing body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug. Medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and MAT programs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs. Combining medications used in MAT with anxiety treatment medications can be fatal.
Offering Customized Help for Professionals
Why MAT Works
In 2013, an estimated 1.8 million people had an opioid use disorder related to prescription pain relievers, and about 517,000 had an opioid use disorder related to heroin use. MAT has also to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services for these individuals. MAT provides a more comprehensive, individually tailored program of medication and behavioral therapy. Medication assisted treatment also includes support services that address the needs of most patients.
The ultimate goal of MAT is a full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach can also significantly help you to:
- Improve patient survival
- Increase retention in treatment
- Decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders
- Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment
- Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant
Each client has MAT interventions available from outside sources while at Providence Treatment. If you want more information about medication assisted treatment for addiction disorders, contact us today.
