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How We Help Fight Opioid Addiction
Whether your opioid addiction stems from prescribed pain management medications or the misuse of illegal opioids, you will need professional help to get rid of this addiction.
Who We Help
At Medasic, we offer opioid treatment programs to help all those people who are suffering from opioid use disorder and wish to live a sober and meaningful life. To help people fight off their opioid addiction, we have set up our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinics across the Carolinas.
What is MAT
MAT stands for Medication-Assisted Treatment. It's an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), by combining medications with counseling, behavioral therapies, and support services. MAT is recognized as an effective strategy for managing cravings, reducing withdrawal symptoms, and preventing relapse, ultimately promoting long-term recovery and improved quality of life for individuals with substance use disorders.
In the context of opioid use disorder, MAT typically involves the use of FDA-approved medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. These medications work in different ways to help individuals manage their addiction:
1. **Methadone**: A long-acting opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric effects associated with other opioids. Methadone is typically administered in specialized clinics under close medical supervision.
2. **Buprenorphine**: A partial opioid agonist that activates the same receptors in the brain as opioids but to a lesser extent, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine can be prescribed by qualified healthcare providers in office-based settings, increasing access to treatment. Common names are Suboxone and Subutex
GUIDE TO BUPRENORPHINE from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
3. **Naltrexone**: An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids in the brain, reducing the risk of relapse. Naltrexone can be administered in the form of a monthly injection (extended-release) or taken orally as a daily tablet.
MAT is often combined with counseling, behavioral therapies (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy), support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous), and other psychosocial interventions to address the underlying issues contributing to substance use and promote recovery.
Benefits of MAT include:
- **Reduction in opioid use**: MAT has been shown to significantly decrease opioid use and improve treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder.
- **Reduction in overdose risk**: By stabilizing opioid use and reducing cravings, MAT helps reduce the risk of overdose and associated fatalities.
- **Improvement in social functioning**: MAT can help individuals rebuild relationships, improve employment prospects, and regain stability in their lives.
- **Reduction in criminal activity**: MAT has been associated with decreased involvement in criminal behavior and legal issues related to substance use.
Overall, MAT is an integral part of comprehensive treatment for opioid use disorder, offering a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. It's important for individuals with substance use disorders to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their individual needs and preferences.