MAT Saves (and Improves Lives)
In a nutshell, research confirms that medication-assisted treatment is clinically effective. Not only do these medicines help patients to avoid relapse and promote patient recovery, but MAT has also been demonstrated to decrease cases of patients contracting HIV and other blood-type illnesses. In fact, most studies find that more than 50% of patients who take advantage of MAT care, remain sober after one year.
Equally important, medically assisted treatment has been shown to be effective in improving community health, while discouraging criminal activity and risky behavior.
- Reversing opioid overdose
- Improving patient motivation
- Shrinking illicit drug use
- Reducing criminal activity
- Increasing birth outcomes
- Improving employment rates (acquired & retained)
Most Common MAT Medications
Understanding Addiction Medicines
The U.S. FDA has approved the use of certain medications in the treatment of individuals with opioid use disorder. MAT medications work by eliminating symptoms of withdrawal and dangerous cravings. At the same time, MAT patients are active in their behavioral therapy and show enthusiasm for recovery.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Zubsolv®, Sublocade®)
Buprenorphine is regularly used for the treatment of opioid addiction and relapse prevention. It succeeds by targeting the same brain receptors as opioids but to a lesser degree. By affecting the same part of the brain, this partial opioid agonist helps patients stop or lessen cravings and withdrawal indications.
Buprenorphine treatment comes in a few distinct forms, such as extended-release tablets. One of the more common buprenorphine prescriptions is a formulation that includes the drug naloxone (Suboxone®), a long-acting medication.
Methadone (Methadose®, Dolophine®)
Contrary to Buprenorphine, Methadone is a full opioid agonist that is used to treat opioid addiction. Methadone is much more powerful than Buprenorphine, and doses can be changed to suit the individual’s needs.
Like Suboxone, methadone reduces cravings and withdrawal problems. The synthetic medicine is taken daily under medical supervision, such as a methadone clinic. However, more and more cities are now script dispensing Methadone after Covid-19 data results.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol®, Revia®)
Naltrexone is a recovery medication that is used for the treatment of alcohol addiction and opioid use disorder. Naltrexone is not an opioid, nor is it addictive. It works by binding to certain brain receptors, causing the brain NOT to receive the euphoric high that is so compelling.
About Celadon Recovery
Celadon is comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment center located along the shores of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. With a full-continuum of care including detox, residential, and outpatient programs, we are committed to quality substance use and co-occurring disorder care. Call us today at 239-266-2141.
