What Medications Are Used in MAT Drug Treatment?

If you’re struggling with an addiction to opioids or other drugs, you may be wondering what medication is used in MAT drug treatment. MAT, or Medication Assisted Treatment, combines different medications with behavioral therapy to help people overcome their addictions. This blog post will discuss the different types of medications used in MAT-assisted treatment and how they can help you recover from your addiction.

Contact Relevance Recovery today to learn more about our drug addiction and mental health rehab center in NJ.

What is MAT?  

Medication Assisted drug treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that uses FDA-approved medications to treat substance use disorders. 

MAT medications help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to stick to their treatment plan and abstain from drug use. 

In addition to medication, MAT also includes behavioral therapy and other support services.

MAT drug treatment is a contributor to increased patient survival, higher retention in treatment, decrease in criminal behavior among people with substance use disorders, greater ability to gain and maintain employment, and improved healthy births among pregnant women with substance use disorders.

What Medications Are Used in MAT Drug Treatment?

Alcohol Use Disorder Medications

• Acamprosate: helps to reduce cravings for alcohol by restoring normal brain function.
• Disulfiram: makes people feel sick if they drink alcohol while taking the medication. This helps to discourage drinking.
• Naltrexone: reduces cravings for alcohol by blocking the pleasant effects of drinking.

Opioid Dependence Medications

• Buprenorphine: reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by binding to the same brain receptors as opioids.
• Methadone: reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by mimicking the effects of opioids.
• Naltrexone: reduces cravings and the pleasant effects of opioids by blocking the brain receptors that are activated by opioids.

Opioid Overdose Prevention Medication

• Naloxone: reverses the effects of an opioid overdose by binding to the brain receptors that are activated by opioids.

How Are These Medications Used in MAT Treatment Program? 

MAT addiction treatment is individualized, so the type of medication you receive will be based on your specific needs. Your doctor will work with you to determine which medication is best for you.

However, in most situations, the medications are administered in the following ways: 

Alcohol Use Disorder Medications

• Acamprosate: Acamprosate is typically taken three times a day.
• Disulfiram: Disulfiram is taken once a day.
• Naltrexone: Naltrexone is taken once a day.

Opioid Dependence Medications

• Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is typically taken once a day.
• Methadone: Methadone is taken once a day.
• Naltrexone: Naltrexone is taken once a day.

Opioid Overdose Prevention Medication

• Naloxone: Naloxone is typically taken as needed.

What Are the Side Effects of These Addiction Treatment Medications? 

Alcohol Use Disorder Medications

• Acamprosate: The most common side effects of acamprosate are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• Disulfiram: The most common side effects of disulfiram are drowsiness, headache, and skin rash.
• Naltrexone: The most common side effects of naltrexone are headache, nausea, and fatigue.

Opioid Dependence Medications

• Buprenorphine: The most common side effects of buprenorphine are constipation, headache, and nausea.
• Methadone: The most common side effects of methadone are drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation.
• Naltrexone: The most common side effects of naltrexone are headache, nausea, and fatigue.

How to Find MAT Drug Rehabs in New Jersey

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, there are many resources available to help. 

Relevance Recovery is a drug detox center in NJ that offers MAT treatment. You can search for a MAT program online or ask your doctor for a referral.

Relevance Recovery Provides Medication-Assisted Treatment for Addiction in New Jersey

At Relevance, we offer individualized drug and alcohol addiction treatment plans. 

As a support, we offer a variety of services, including medical detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, counseling, a teen support program, and aftercare planning. 

Finally, we accept most major insurance plans. Contact us today to speak with a qualified professional and learn more about our program and how we can help you or your loved one recover from addiction.