This program is a combination of using medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance abuse disorders as well as preventing opioid overdose. Research has proven that using medication and therapy has successfully helped treated people with substance abuse disorders. In this program people struggling with addiction problems, medication assisted treatment has proven to be a sustainable form of treatment recovery.
According to SAHMSA, “MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug”.
Individuals in this program will have to be in therapy and their treatment plans are tailored according to their needs.
Medication administered under this program are:
Buprenorphine: Like methadone, buprenorphine suppresses and reduces cravings for the abused drug. It is mostly prescribed to supplement the effects of counseling sessions and social support programs and may come in the form of a sublingual tablet or a pill. Buprenorphine offers several benefits to those with opioid dependency and to others for whom treatment in a methadone clinic is not preferred or is less convenient.
The FDA has approved the following buprenorphine products:
- Bunavail (buprenorphine and naloxone) buccal film
- Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) film
- Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets
- Buprenorphine-containing transmucosal products for opioid dependency