Opioid Abuse - Addiction
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. MAT at Dr. Weiner’s office is private, confidential, and individualized. Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery. In addition, participation in self-help groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is often very helpful to sustain abstinence and sobriety.
MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. A common misconception associated with MAT is that it substitutes one drug for another. Instead, these medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. MAT programs provide a safe and controlled level of medication to overcome the use of an abused opioid. Research has shown that motivated patients avoid overdose and relapse when undergoing MAT therapy at a significantly higher rate than patients who do not use MAT to help overcome addiction. And research has shown that when provided at the proper dose, medications used in MAT have no adverse effects on a person’s intelligence, mental capability, physical functioning, or employability.
The prescribed MAT 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. Medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and MAT programs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs. Patients should not combine medications used in MAT with anxiety treatment medications because this can be fatal. Types of anxiety treatment medications to avoid include derivatives of Benzodiazepine, such as Xanax or valium.
MAT Effectiveness
MAT has proved to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services for these individuals. MAT provides a more comprehensive, individually tailored program of medication and counseling or behavioral therapy.
The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed non-addicted life. This treatment approach has been shown to:
Decrease Fatal Overdose Events
Decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders Increase patients’ ability to function at work or gain and maintain employment Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant Research shows that these medications and therapies can contribute to lowering a person’s risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C by reducing relapse and use of illicit opioids in a dangerous way.
Medications Used in MAT
Opioid Dependency Medications
Out-patient MAT medications include buprenorphine and naltrexone used to treat opioid dependence and addiction to opioids such as heroin, morphine, codeine, fentanyl oxycodone and hydrocodone. People may safely take medications used in MAT for months, several years, or even a lifetime. Plans to stop a medication must always be discussed with a doctor.
The Following Buprenorphine Products Are Fda Approved for the Treatment of OUD:
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Buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets
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Buprenorphine sublingual tablets (Subutex)
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Buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual films (Suboxone)
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Buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets (Zubsolv)
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Buprenorphine/naloxone buccal film (Bunavail)
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Buprenorphine implants (Probuphine)
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Buprenorphine extended-release injection (Sublocade)
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine reduces opioid craving and withdrawal, and can blunt the effects of other opioids. A benefit of Buprenorphine treatment is that it is office based, and now is permitted by telemedicine appointments, private, and completely confidential. Successful MAT patients avoid in-patient detox and continue their employment at all times. Unlike methadone, MAT does not
require a daily visit to a clinic to obtain the medication.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone works differently than methadone and buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid dependency. If a person using naltrexone relapses and uses the abused drug, naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of the abused drug and prevents feelings of euphoria.
Opioid Overdose Prevention Medication
FDA approved naloxone is an injectable drug used to prevent an opioid overdose.
MAT Medications and Child Safety
It’s important to remember that if medications are kept at home, they must be locked in a safe
place away from children. Children who take medications used in MAT may overdose and die.