{"id":207968,"date":"2019-11-07T15:39:55","date_gmt":"2019-11-07T21:39:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.helplinecenter.org\/?page_id=207968"},"modified":"2021-06-09T15:08:33","modified_gmt":"2021-06-09T20:08:33","slug":"medication-assisted-treatment-mat","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/hlc.thinkcaliber.com\/es\/2-1-1-community-resources\/helpsheets\/medication-assisted-treatment-mat\/","title":{"rendered":"Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?<\/strong><\/p>

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a \u201cwhole-patient\u201d approach to the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD).<\/p>

MAT is used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates and alcohol. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of the substance, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug.<\/p>

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\u2019s needs. A common misconception associated with MAT is that it substitutes one drug for another. Instead, these medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. MAT programs provide a safe and controlled level of medication to overcome the use of an abused substance. When provided at the proper dose, medications used in MAT have no adverse effects on a person\u2019s intelligence, mental capability, physical functioning, or employability.<\/p>

Opioid Use Disorder Medications:<\/strong><\/p>

Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone are used to treat opioid dependence and addiction.  Each medication differs in the way it works to relieve symptoms of opioid withdrawal. People may safely take medications<\/a> used in MAT for months, years, or even a lifetime.  Medically-supervised withdrawal is safer than an abstinence-only approach. These medications reduce illicit opioid use and risk of overdose death, and people are more likely to continue with treatment which gives them a better chance of recovering. Plans to stop a medication must always be discussed with a doctor.<\/p>

Alcohol Use Disorder Medications: <\/strong><\/p>

Disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone are the most common drugs used to treat alcohol use disorder.<\/p>

Medication Caution: <\/strong><\/p>

Combining medications used in MAT with anxiety treatment medications can be fatal. Types of anxiety treatment medications include derivatives of Benzodiazepine, such as Xanax or Valium. None of the listed drugs provide a cure for these disorders, but they are most effective in people who participate in a MAT program.<\/p>

For more information, call the South Dakota Opioid Resource Hotline at<\/strong> 1-800-920-4343 or search the 211 resources online database:<\/strong><\/p>