Skyward Treatment Center offers evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for those recovering from drug use disorders, notably opioid addiction. MAT integrates medical interventions with behavioral therapies to address the individual comprehensively, assisting clients in the first phases of their recovery. This comprehensive strategy minimizes the likelihood of relapsing and fosters enduring recovery.
This blog by our experts entails more information regarding our medication-assisted treatment in Houston, TX, including types of medications used, safety, ideal candidates, etc. Continue reading for more information.
What Are the Different Medications Used During Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) entails a range of medications designed to address certain substance use problems, such as those related to alcohol, opioids, and nicotine. Each drug functions distinctly to either mitigate withdrawal symptoms, diminish cravings, or obstruct the euphoric benefits of the substance being misused. This method facilitates acute detoxification and promotes long-term healing by regulating neurological function and behavior. Some of the medications that you can expect during our medication-assisted treatment in Houston, TX, include:
- Methadone
A long-acting opioid agonist that eases withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings without producing a high when taken as prescribed.
- Buprenorphine (Subutex/Suboxone)
A partial opioid agonist that stabilizes brain chemistry, alleviates withdrawal, and lowers the risk of overdose.
- Naltrexone
An opioid antagonist that blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and reduces alcohol cravings when used daily or as an extended-release injection.
- Acamprosate
Helps restore chemical balance in the brain after alcohol withdrawal and decreases the urge to drink.
- Disulfiram
Produces unpleasant reactions (e.g., nausea, headache) if alcohol is consumed, reinforcing abstinence through aversion.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Includes patches, gum, or lozenges to deliver controlled doses of nicotine, reducing withdrawal and tapering dependence.
- Varenicline (Chantix)
A nicotine receptor partial agonist that eases withdrawal, reduces cravings, and blocks nicotine’s rewarding effects.
What You Should Understand About MAT
Medications for Medication-Assisted Treatment Are Safe
Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of opioid use disorder. These medications, recognized by their brand names, include Brixadi®, Suboxone®, and Vivitrol®, have shown safety and efficacy when prescribed by a medical expert. They are recommended for managing opiate withdrawal rather than abrupt discontinuation, facilitating a safer, more regulated detoxification process and improved long-term recovery results.
Therapeutic Interventions and Medication-Assisted Treatment
Counseling or behavioral therapy is a vital element of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Houston, TX. Most programs need client involvement in therapy in conjunction with their medication regimen. This dual methodology tackles both the psychological and physical dimensions of addiction, fostering comprehensive recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Does Not Substitute One Addiction for Another
Although MAT may include medications categorized as opioids, appropriate prescription and medically supervised administration of MAT may not result in the same euphoric effects or potential for abuse or addiction. Methadone serves as a synthetic opioid agonist that alleviates withdrawal symptoms and diminishes cravings by gradually stimulating opioid receptors. Buprenorphine (marketed as Suboxone) acts as a partial opioid agonist that activates receptors with less intensity than full opioid agonists. Vivitrol® (the brand name for naltrexone) acts as an opioid antagonist that obstructs opioid receptors and is delivered by injection, releasing naltrexone over many weeks (about one month), so effectively avoiding relapse.
Is MAT Suitable for You?
Assessing the suitability of MAT necessitates a consultation with a medical expert or counselor on your treatment requirements. Although some people may choose to forgo drugs, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) often results in superior outcomes compared to other addiction therapies. If previous treatments have failed, MAT may be a suitable option for you.
Begin Your Personalized Medication-Assisted Treatment in Houston, TX at Skyward Treatment Center and Take Back Control of Your Life Today
At Skyward Treatment Center, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an integral aspect of our comprehensive therapeutic philosophy. Although MAT alone may effectively diminish cravings and avert relapse, its efficacy is markedly augmented when integrated with our comprehensive array of therapy modalities. By combining MAT with personalized treatment, group counseling, and holistic health approaches, we tackle not just the physical aspects of dependency but also the psychological, emotional, and spiritual elements. This comprehensive approach enables individuals to stabilize with MAT while concurrently addressing the underlying reasons for their drug use problem.
