Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of prescription medications in combination with counseling for the treatment of substance use disorders. MAT is used in the treatment of both opioid and alcohol use disorders. The medications work by balancing brain chemistry, blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, and decreasing physical cravings. Commonly prescribed medications include oral Naltrexone, Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone), Buprenorphine (Subutex), and extended-release Buprenorphine (Sublocade, Brixadi).
Research has proven that a combination of therapy and prescription medications can:
- Help patients stop using substances and stay in recovery longer
- Reduce opioid overdose among those in treatment
- Decrease death among those in treatment
- Decrease a patient’s risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C
- Improve overall health and wellbeing
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