Outpatient Treatment
By BrightView
Published: April 18, 2021
Updated: April 18, 2021

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, uses medication combined with other treatment modalities to help those who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction maintain recovery long-term. MAT medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings associated with treating substance use disorders. For many people who may not be aware of MAT as a treatment option, it can seem like patients are just trading one substance for another. However, this approach to treatment has been proven to be effective. At BrightView, our experienced addiction specialists understand how the available options for substance abuse treatment could be overwhelming. We are here to provide you with the tools and resources to decide the best treatment option for you. Give us a call at 888.501.9865 to find out more.

The Effectiveness of Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment has proven to be more effective than medication or psychosocial therapy alone as a treatment option in dealing with addiction or substance abuse. MAT brings about:

  • Reduced relapse in patients
  • Increased patient survival
  • Reduced need for inpatient treatment for detoxification
  • Increased ability of patients to maintain employment and go about their daily lives

It is estimated that more than two million people suffer from an opioid use disorder. MAT has been clinically proven to decrease the need for inpatient detox services and increase the likelihood of recovery.

Approved Medications for Drug Therapy

Some of the FDA-approved medications to treat substance use disorder include methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These medications are further split into two groups: alcohol use disorder and the other for opioid use disorder.

Alcohol Use Disorder Medication

The recommended medications for treating alcohol use disorder are acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. These medications carry out their activities by either inhibiting the satisfaction derived from alcohol consumption or creating uncomfortable reactions with the consumption of alcohol. Acamprosate helps combat alcoholism by balancing the neurochemicals in the brain and is prescribed for people who no longer consume alcohol at about the fifth day. Disulfiram produces unpleasant side effects, such as; headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pains, and difficult breathing. This usually happens minutes after alcohol is consumed and can last for about an hour or more. Naltrexone acts by inhibiting the euphoric effects and feelings of intoxication associated with the consumption of alcohol use.

Opioid Use Disorder Medication

The recommended drugs for the treatment of opioid use disorder are buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. These medications also reduce cravings by acting on the same areas of the brain as opioids.

  • Buprenorphine acts against and reduces the cravings for opioids.
  • Methadone reduces opioid cravings and the withdrawal symptoms associated with treatment and blocks the euphoric effects of opioids.
  • Naltrexone inhibits the sedative and euphoric effects of the opioid.

Medication-assisted treatment, combined with therapy and counseling, is the best way to treat a substance use disorder. Find out how BrightView’s outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment programs may be right for you by calling 888.501.9865.

Reach Out to BrightView Today

Substance use disorder is a serious and yet treatable disease. With quality care and evidence-based treatment techniques, you or a loved one can begin the journey to recovery and living a life of sobriety. Since Brightview offers a number of medication assisted treatment clinics throughout Ohio, you are sure to find an addiction treatment program near you. We offer ease of access to a broad range of treatment options, including outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, MAT, and counseling and therapy programs to help you gain the coping skills to navigate life after treatment. Reach out through our online form or by calling 888.501.9865 to learn more about how BrightView may be the right option for you or a loved one to receive immediate care in a welcoming, comfortable environment.