The Importance Of Medication-Assisted Treatment For Substance Use Disorder

Medication-assisted treatment is often used in addiction rehab programs alongside other therapies, and for good reason. Substance abuse wreaks havoc on the body’s natural healing abilities, making it almost impossible to detox without mild to severe withdrawal symptoms. Once someone has developed a dependency on drugs or alcohol, they require more of the substance to feel normal, despite the damage to their life and overall well-being. As a result, the longer someone has been taking a substance, the more dangerous it becomes to detox without the help of medication, making medication-assisted treatment a necessary and life-saving therapy for many people. 

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a method used to help individuals addicted to opiates such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Opiates are highly addictive and dangerous, making it essential to have a safe way to transition people off them. The medically prescribed use of other opiates, such as methadone, suboxone, and naltrexone, helps reduce cravings for stronger opiates. Each medication has a specific use and is typically administered in an in-patient setting to allow for close supervision during the detox and withdrawal process. MAT can also be used to treat alcoholism and other substance use disorders, tailored to the needs of each individual.

Why is Medication-Assisted Treatment Important for Addiction?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is important for individuals struggling with substance use disorders for several reasons:

• Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms: MAT helps alleviate the physical discomfort associated with withdrawal, making the detoxification process safer and more manageable.
• Reduction in Substance Use: MAT has been shown to significantly decrease the odds of positive urine drug screens, indicating reduced illicit drug use. According to Saunders, E. C.’s 2015 study, ‘The impact of addiction medications on treatment outcomes for persons with co-occurring PTSD and opioid use disorders.’, patients receiving MAT combined with Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ICBT) exhibited a notably lower probability of positive drug screens (OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.81, p = 0.03). Additionally, MAT patients experienced comparable declines in PTSD symptoms regardless of the psychosocial treatment type (F(2, 88) = 4.74, p = 0.011).
• Decreases Cravings: The medications used in MAT, such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, effectively reduce cravings for addictive substances, helping individuals maintain focus on their recovery.
• Supports Safe Detoxification: MAT provides a medically supervised environment for detox, minimizing the risks associated with sudden cessation of substance use.
• Enhances Treatment Success: Individuals engaged in MAT have higher success rates in achieving and maintaining abstinence, especially when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies. According to LeBlanc, T’s 2024 study, ‘Outcomes of adding cognitive behavioral therapy to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.’,  implementing consistent cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) alongside MAT increased retention rates from 8% to 56% over a six-month period. This change was statistically significant (p = .01), indicating that structured psychosocial support can enhance patient engagement in treatment.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: MAT can be customized to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that treatment is effective and relevant to their specific circumstances.

What Are the Medications Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medications used in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) as per FDA approval include:

• Buprenorphine:
  • Brixadi (buprenorphine extended-release injection)
  • Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release injection)
  • Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone film)
  • Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone tablets)
  • Buprenorphine tablets (sublingual)
• Methadone:
  • Methadone hydrochloride tablets for oral suspension
  • Methadose (methadone hydrochloride oral concentrate and tablets)
• Naltrexone:
  • Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension)

How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Address the Opioid Crisis?

Medication-assisted treatment addresses the opioid crisis by targeting widespread opioid abuse in the United States, which affects people from all walks of life. Some of the most commonly abused opioids include prescription opioids such as morphine, Vicodin, and codeine, and illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl.

Here are some statistics from recent studies on the U.S opioid crisis:

• 50,000 people die every year from an opioid overdose 
• 75% of substance abuse-related deaths in 2020 involved the use of an opiate
• 68% of all overdose deaths are caused by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids 
• Young adults are the heaviest drug users in the United States 

Opioids are pain-relieving drugs that affect the nervous system and stimulate the pleasure center in the brain, creating feelings of euphoria. High doses of opioids cause a person’s heart rate and breathing to slow down and can lead to cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or even death. Because of these dangerous side effects, it is never advisable for anyone to suddenly stop taking opioids, especially once a dependency has been developed. 

Is Medication Assisted Treatment Successful?

Yes, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is successful and has demonstrated significant effectiveness, particularly when combined with other therapeutic approaches and counseling, such as 12-step programs. MAT not only mitigates the risks associated with drug detoxification and helps prevent overdoses but also enhances success rates in both inpatient and outpatient therapy settings.

According to Brunisholz, K. D.’s 2020 study, ‘Trends in Abstinence and Retention Associated with a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program for People with Opioid Use Disorders’, Among participants who remained in MAT for at least 90 days, 75% achieved abstinence from opioids, and this increased to 84% for those who remained in treatment for at least a year.. 

How Long Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Last?

Medication-assisted treatment can last around a few months to several years, often not being a long-term strategy but rather a short-term solution with great success. Regardless of where you are in your recovery journey, MAT is a tool that can ease withdrawal symptoms and support sobriety. The time required for medication to help transition off opiates varies, making it crucial to have the guidance of doctors and addiction experts who can monitor and assist you in tapering off medication when appropriate.

Final Thoughts On Medication-Assisted Treatment

At Nestled Recovery, we have a unique, holistic approach to addiction treatment and long-term recovery from opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders. You can expect to receive professional, trauma-informed care in our beautiful, state-of-the-art facility while learning how to incorporate mindfulness into your healing journey. Using the Eight Dimensions of Wellness, we consider the entire person: mind, body, and spirit, creating tailored treatment plans with a range of psychotherapies and experiential therapies to choose from. We offer medical detox, intensive outpatient programs, and alumni support in addition to our signature residential rehab program. If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use disorder, contact us today.