Substance use disorder is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, affecting millions of people across the country. A deeply personal and complex struggle, addiction treatment requires comprehensive treatment to overcome. One science-based approach that has shown great success is Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT. Using FDA-approved medications in conjunction with traditional counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT helps reduce withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, prevent relapse, and restore harmony to the body and mind.
In this guide, we’ll explore what MAT is and its origins. With a better understanding of what it is, when it was developed, and how it’s changed over time, we’ll walk you through the science behind it and learn about the many benefits of using MAT in conjunction with traditional treatments. Even in family-centered communities like Logan and Cache Valley, opioid addiction continues to touch many lives, underscoring the need for awareness and acceptance of therapies like MAT. We’ll start with the basics, explaining what Medication-Assisted Treatment is.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Backed by science, this evidence-based approach to substance abuse rehabilitation combines the use of FDA-approved medications with more traditional treatments like counseling, behavioral therapy, peer support, and aftercare programs. Utilizing MAT in a rehab treatment center adds to the complete healing of a person with a substance abuse disorder, addressing both the physical and mental aspects of addiction.
While some may argue that MAT only replaces one drug for another, the science suggests otherwise. Carefully prescribed and used medications can help stabilize brain chemistry while reducing cravings and preventing withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to focus more on recovery. The primary goal of using MAT during residential rehab is to address the biological components of addiction to support recovery and achieve long-term sobriety. MAT therapy is helpful in the early stages of treatment as well as for long-term maintenance without producing the same highs or addictive effects of substance abuse.
A Brief History of MAT
The idea of medication-assisted treatment is not a new one. Although the first MAT program was not used in the United States until the 1930s, its roots date back as early as the 4th Century BC, beginning with Hippocrates. Using opium to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, this non-contemporary version of MAT is perhaps the earliest recorded attempt at it. Below, we’ll break down the timeline of MAT usage in the U.S.:
- 1960s: During this period, methadone was first used to treat opioid addiction. First developed as a painkiller, methadone was quickly noted for its ability to decrease withdrawal symptoms and cravings in those with opioid addiction. It was during this decade that methadone clinics were born.
- 1990s: As time brought more innovation and discovery to the rehab world, a newer, safer drug emerged. Buprenorphine became a more widely available (and safer) alternative to methadone. Its unique properties reduced the likelihood of misuse and became available in an office setting, expanding access.
- Late 1990s to Early 2000s: As addiction treatment programs began to realize the benefits of MAT, drug innovation continued. During this time, the drug Naltrexone appeared on the market, offering a non-addictive option for those with opioid abuse disorders and those with alcohol addiction as well. Advancements continued to be made, and medications were developed into long-acting injectables that further improved effectiveness.
- 2000s to Present Day: Today, there are multiple medications available for both opioid and alcohol abuse treatment, with research continuing for broader applications.
The ability to find a rehab treatment center in Logan, or elsewhere, that offers MAT has become much easier and more widely accepted today than it would have been 30 years ago. Today, MAT is recognized and supported by large health organizations, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Backed by decades of research and a growing understanding of addiction, the evolution of MAT demonstrates the need for comprehensive care for substance abuse recovery.
The Science Behind MAT
The perception that addiction is a character flaw or a lack of willpower cannot be further from the truth. Addiction is a complex and chronic disease of the brain that affects its structure and function. Hijacking the brain’s reward system, addiction creates a chemical imbalance that interferes with pleasure regulation, decision-making, and impulse control, making it extremely difficult to stop without the help of a rehab treatment center. The changes in the brain only increase over time, making it difficult to stop using even when the consequences are devastating. Targeting these pathways in the brain, MAT can work by:
- The use of opioid agonists (or partial agonists), like methadone or buprenorphine, stabilizes opioid receptors in the brain, decreasing withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing feelings of euphoria.
- The use of antagonists, like naltrexone, blocks the rewarding effects and feelings of certain substances, breaking the cycle of reinforcement in the brain and body.
- The use of specific medication for alcohol use disorder, such as acamprosate, helps restore balance to the brain, restoring neurotransmitters that have been disrupted by chronic alcohol use.
With years of research, MAT has proven to normalize and stabilize brain chemistry, giving individuals the mental clarity and physical strength to focus on recovery. Allowing for more effective engagement during counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT adds to the overall success of a treatment program.
The Benefits of MAT
MAT has proven itself to be a helpful tool in the pursuit of sobriety, dramatically improving outcomes. Here are some of the key benefits of MAT:
- Reduction of withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Better participation and retention during other treatments (counseling, therapy, peer groups).
- Improved physical and emotional stability.
- Improved stability and quality of life.
- Decreased risk of relapse.
- Reduced risk of getting or transmitting a communicable disease.
- Reduction of criminal activity.
- Decrease the risk of overdose and death from overdose.
- Promotes long-term sobriety.
- Better treatment outcomes and program completion.
- Complete, holistic healing.
As you can see, the benefits of using MAT in conjunction with traditional treatment practices significantly improve the outcomes of those in recovery. According to SAMHSA, those who participate in MAT have a 50% or greater reduction in relapse events. The more that studies reveal about MAT, the more widespread its usage becomes, making it a part of the standard of care for certain substance abuse problems.
Moving Forward With MAT
Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all kind of solution. It’s with a combination of MAT, counseling, behavioral therapy, and peer support that real, holistic healing can happen. Medication-assisted treatment has helped thousands of people rebuild their lives and overcome the cycle of substance abuse. By combining the cutting-edge science of MAT with a traditional rehab center program, individuals can achieve long-term sobriety for a healthier future. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, reach out to a program that combines MAT with compassionate care for a comprehensive, holistic approach to healing.
