Medication Assisted Treatment in Louisville, KY

HOW MAT IS USED FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT

A PROMISING PATHWAY TO CARE

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) offers a combination of Food and Drug Administration-approved medications along with behavioral therapy. Patients diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder are prescribed special drugs designed to ease them through opioid withdrawal and to block the physiological effects, all while they receive continued counseling and support therapy. This evidence-based approach is fast becoming the gold standard in treatment options for opioid addiction. Individuals receiving MAT often demonstrate dramatic improvement in their addiction behavior and functioning.

CAREFUL SCREENING TO FIND THE RIGHT FIT

The medications used to treat addictions are powerful drugs. They are not one-size-fits-all cures for every opioid use disorder and their potential for misuse if not managed carefully is serious. That’s why competent treatment professionals conduct thorough screenings before ever dispensing medications. Physicians need to assess the severity of the patient’s disorder and any underlying co-occurring conditions to find the most appropriate course of action.

A complete patient history will identify the physical and psychological effects of opioid abuse on the user. Probing drug use history, past treatment outcomes, and family and psychosocial supports provides further useful detail. Finally, a toxicology screening helps determine the patient’s readiness for medication treatment.

With all the preliminary work completed, a comprehensive wellness plan is presented. It will include a therapy schedule and drug treatment regimen. After educating the patient on the risks and benefits of the new prescribed medication, drug therapy can begin.

MEDICATIONS FOR OPIOID USE DISORDER (MOUD)

Currently, there are three medications approved to treat Opioid Use Disorder: Methadone, Naltrexone, and Buprenorphine. Each has its own specific benefits and restrictions. As with any chronic disease, the drug that is most effective varies for each patient. Here are a few of the major differences.

Medication Assisted Treatment in Louisville, KY

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is becoming the new gold standard for lasting recovery from opioid addiction. It involves administering potent FDA-approved medicines to help control the negative side effects of opioid withdrawal and to fight against potential relapse. In studies, over 80% of MAT patients maintain sobriety, as long as they stay on their medications. Inspired by this success, the trained medical professionals at Bright New Beginnings incorporate an evidence-based approach to find the lowest effective dose that is right for your condition and then carefully monitor your treatment. Of all the approved Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), the drug most commonly prescribed in our practice is buprenorphine/naloxone. Buprenorphine is a long-acting, partial opioid agonist. That means it attaches to the same opioid receptors in the brain affected by heroin and other opiates and works to block other opioids from binding. It does not elicit the same euphoria or physical dependence as more potent opioids so there is less potential for misuse. It has been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms and reduce opioid cravings. Buprenorphine, as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, has been shown to be effective in helping patients stay in treatment and on their way to a life-long recovery. For successful long-term recovery, it is critical for patients to understand their addiction and all the underlying contributors to their condition. Psychological counseling and social therapies are vital in helping shape a comprehensive plan for a healthy future. Bright New Beginnings offers confidential individual therapy designed to meet your personal needs. When necessary, we may also incorporate group therapy, family and supporters affected by your addiction. The type of counseling and therapy in your treatment plan will depend on your situation.

CONSULT A QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN

If you think you may be a candidate for Medication-Assisted Treatment for your addiction, find a drug rehab or addiction treatment center near you. The Board-Certified physician specialists at Bright New Beginnings are here to answer your questions and help you find the best treatment possible. Make the call to Bright New Beginnings. Your new life starts now.