Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) has become an increasingly important part of drug and alcohol treatment. Addiction has become such a major problem that treatment providers have taken on Herculean efforts to combat it. Still, overdose statistics continue to rise, with the total for the year 2019 reaching 71,148, a nearly 5 percent increase over last year. Despite this, drug and alcohol addiction is a growing public health crisis.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol and opioid dependence is an effective method of reducing craving and promoting treatment retention. It is a highly effective method of alleviating withdrawal syndrome, and it stabilizes the benefits of treatment programs, such as relapse-prevention counseling and mutual-help groups. Although it has been proven effective in certain situations, abstinence-based residential treatment without MAT has only been found to be marginally effective, as it increases the risk of overdose and loss of tolerance to the opioids used.
The process of MAT is usually short and straightforward. Patients can be seen at any time during the week, from a time of crisis to a time when they are ready to initiate therapy. There are no long induction processes, so the procedure does not consume the provider's time. It is also easy to fit an urgent referral into the provider's schedule, as the same processes apply to a patient's withdrawal from any substance.
Drugs used in MAT
Some insurance companies cover some or all of the costs of medicated assisted treatment (MAT), but the extent of coverage varies by plan, provider, and individual. While federal law requires insurance companies to cover substance abuse programs, their level of coverage varies widely. While some plans cover all FDA-approved opioid therapies, others require a prior authorization process. Read on to learn more about MAT for substance abuse. After all, the treatment of substance abuse is often the best option to prevent or treat alcoholism.
MAT facilities are rare in most areas of the country. The Northeast and Southwest are densely populated with all-MAT facilities. However, Tennessee and Kentucky are heavily affected by the opioid epidemic. As a result, there are few such facilities in those states. In Kentucky, there are only three MAT facilities in the state. If you live in these states, find a facility that accepts Medicaid. MAT facilities are recommended for Medicaid patients, though.
Relapse rates
Relapse rates of medicated assisted treatment are much higher than the national average, ranging from 40 to 60 percent. These rates are based on people who complete the treatment program, though many do not. The longer the treatment program lasts, the better the chances are that the individual will succeed in the long run. But not all patients are suitable for this kind of treatment. Some suffer from comorbid conditions, such as alcohol dependence or chronic pain. These conditions may increase the risk of relapse and increase total healthcare costs.
In addition to behavioral therapies, MAT may also involve the use of medication to treat substance dependence. Medication is prescribed during therapy for addictions to alcohol and opioids. Recent studies have shown that individuals who receive medication during therapy have a greater chance of success. This is because drug dependence has lasting effects on the brain. Thus, a patient should be treated as if they are dealing with a chronic illness. However, many people who are undergoing treatment have relapses and this does not mean that the treatment is not working.
