The Benefits of a MAT Program for Addiction

Benefits of a MAT Program for Addiction

Medication assisted treatment is a modern approach to addiction treatment. It combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to heal the individual holistically. Studies have found that the benefits of MAT programs include increased success rates and more sustained recovery after opioid dependence. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from substance use disorder, a medication assisted treatment may be right for you. It’s important to understand what this treatment is and its benefits to ensure it is the right option on your road to recovery.

What Is a MAT Program for Addiction? 

Before we dive into the benefits of medication-assisted treatment, let’s talk about what the MAT program is. Medication-assisted treatment is a specific approach to substance use disorder. As the name of this approach suggests, it uses medications in junction with counseling and behavioral therapy. 

These medications are used to offset an individual’s dependency on an illicit substance, normally opioids. The program allows individuals to overcome their opioid dependency in a way that is safe and comfortable. However, MAT programs are also used for other substance use disorders. Here is a look at the most common MAT medications based on substance use disorder:

  • Alcohol Use Disorder: Acamprosate, disulfiram, or naltrexone
  • Opioid Dependency: Buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone
  • Opioid Overdose: Naloxone 

The purpose behind using these medications is to help the individuals overcome their addiction from all perspectives. The medication helps to target any medical needs of the individual. Meanwhile, counseling and behavioral therapies help to target the emotional or mental needs of the patient.

Top Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment

The number one benefit of MAT programs is that it leads to increased rates of recovery. Studies have suggested that this approach to substance use disorder results in the following benefits:

  • Increase treatment retention.
  • Increase the patient’s ability to maintain employment.
  • Improve patient survival rates.
  • Decrease substance use disorders and illicit substance abuse.
  • Improve the birthing outcomes among women who are pregnant and suffer from substance use disorders.

In addition to these benefits, studies have suggested that MAT programs also lower an individual’s chances of contracting HIV or hepatitis C. This program effectively decreases the rates of these illnesses by decreasing the chance of relapse.

Controversies Concerning MAT Programs 

Even though MAT programs have been proven to help individuals suffering from opioid addiction, there have been some controversies relating to this treatment. Some opioid addicts will abuse this program while they continue using it.

It’s important that individuals who are interested in MAT programs are truly interested in recovery. After all, the whole goal of MAT programs is for the individual to undergo full recovery.

Is a MAT Program for Addiction Right for Me?

Even though an MAT program can help you overcome your addiction, it isn’t right for everyone. For example, there are currently no MAT programs for individuals that are suffering from amphetamine addiction. Additionally, it is not an option for individuals who want to continue using.

That being said, a MAT program may be right for you if you are addicted to opioids and are looking for a way out without registering for inpatient treatment. The benefits of medication-assisted treatment will allow you to get some control over your addiction while receiving the tools you need to recover fully.

Get Help with Veritas Detox 

If you or a loved one is suffering from opioid addiction and is looking for a way out, consider a MAT program. With the help of Veritas Detox, you can experience a MAT program treatment to begin your road to sobriety today.