Medical-Assisted Treatment in New York

If you need medical-assisted treatment in New York, Long Island Interventions is here to help.

Have you ever tried to quit or go through a treatment program, only to find yourself back where you started? This is an all too familiar experience for many.

Getting better is hard, especially when dealing with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It might feel like you’re set up to fail, but that’s just how addiction is—it’s a chronic, relapsing disease.

The good news is that medication-assisted treatment offers a way forward. Below, we’ll explain what medication-assisted treatment is and why it can be an effective tool for overcoming substance abuse.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. It’s the most effective treatment for opioid addiction, whether from prescription painkillers or heroin.

MAT medications work to:

Reduce cravings
Relieve withdrawal symptoms
Block the euphoric effects of opioids
Restores normal brain circuitry, especially in the brain’s pain and reward centers

The idea is to get the physical aspects of addiction under control so you can focus on the mental and emotional aspects of recovery.

Because when you’re not constantly fighting cravings or feeling awful from withdrawal, you have more energy for therapy and learning new ways to cope.

How Does MAT Work?

Opioids work by latching onto receptors in brain cells, setting off a rush of feel-good hormones that give people the high. That’s how simply an opioid addiction can take root.

Medication-assisted treatment acts in two ways. One is to use opioids that activate the same receptors but are absorbed more slowly into the bloodstream. This means no high and, more importantly, relief from withdrawal symptoms.

Another method involves using an opioid antagonist—a non-opioid drug that attaches to those receptors and blocks them. So, if you slip up and use again, you won’t feel a thing.

However, getting off MAT drugs and then relapsing can be fatal. That’s because your tolerance to the drug, especially antagonists, drops after you’ve been clean for a while. So, never quit on your own and always talk with your doctor.

Who Should Consider Medication-Assisted Treatment?

MAT is best for people dealing with moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD). It makes the physical symptoms of addiction, which are often uncomfortable and painful, more manageable.

Additionally, MAT can be life-saving for those at high risk of overdose, especially people who are older or have respiratory conditions.

MAT is also worth considering if you’re struggling with alcoholism. It addresses chemical imbalances in your body, reducing the desire to seek the rewarding effects of alcohol.

What Medications Are Used in MAT?

MAT uses drugs that interact with the brain’s opioid receptors in a way that helps restore balance to the brain’s chemistry. Below are approved medications for MAT:

1. Methadone

Methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist, sits on the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but in a safer and more controlled manner. Unlike heroin or other painkillers, methadone satisfies the brain’s need for opioids without that intense high.

One dose of methadone can last 24–36 hours, providing stable relief without the peaks and valleys of shorter-acting opioids.

2. Buprenorphine

Another option in MAT is Suboxone, a form of buprenorphine with naloxone as an anti-abuse component. Buprenorphine manages opioid withdrawal, while naloxone acts as a fail-safe against misuse.

When Suboxone is taken as directed (usually under the tongue), the buprenorphine eases symptoms while naloxone prevents a high.

Naloxone reverses the effects of opioids, especially during an overdose. It can effectively restore normal breathing and other bodily functions suppressed by opioids. It’s not a controlled substance, so it’s not habit-forming.

Buprenorphine, on the other hand, is a Schedule III drug—a controlled substance, in other words. But since it’s a partial opioid agonist, it’s much weaker than commonly abused opioids, like heroin or fentanyl.

Besides, it has a so-called ceiling effect, which means after a certain dose, taking more of it doesn’t increase its potency. In short, buprenorphine is tolerable, safer, and less likely to be misused compared to other opioids.

3. Naltrexone

Naltrexone is used for both opioid and alcohol use disorders. Like naloxone, it blocks the euphoric effects of substances like opioids and alcohol. This is crucial because it reduces the incentive to use, preventing relapse.

Naltrexone comes in two forms: oral naltrexone, which is taken daily, and extended-release injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol), which is given once a month.

Naltrexone is effective if you have already gone through detoxification and are committed to maintaining long-term sobriety. It’s usually a part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, therapy, and support programs.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Opioid addiction, like other forms of substance use disorder, is a complex medical issue that affects mental health and physical well-being.

Here’s why MAT could be the best treatment option for you:

1. Reduced Risk of Overdose

In 2022, opioid overdoses claimed over 81,000 lives. One of the most critical benefits of MAT is that it can prevent overdose deaths.

People who receive methadone or buprenorphine have better chances of surviving an opioid overdose. Plus, buprenorphine is now available in doctor’s offices, making it more accessible for those who need it.

2. Better Retention

Staying in treatment can be difficult. Opioid withdrawal and cravings can drive many people back to using. MAT helps manage these challenges, so it’s easier for you to stick with your recovery plan.

3. Better Chances of Long-Term Recovery

MAT helps normalize brain chemistry so you can function better. This means you can focus on healing without being constantly derailed by cravings or withdrawal symptoms.

Managing the physical aspects of addiction gives you space to work on the psychological issues through behavioral therapies and counseling. As a result, you have greater odds of maintaining sobriety in the long term.

4. Improved Pregnancy Outcomes for Women With OUD

Untreated opioid use disorder during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby.

MAT, particularly with buprenorphine, is better for newborns. There’s less risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and neonatal abstinence syndrome.

5. Decreased Opioid Use and Criminal Activity

When you’re not constantly seeking drugs to avoid withdrawal, you’re less likely to engage in risky or criminal behavior to obtain them. This can help you avoid legal and financial troubles while you try to get better.

What Should You Expect After Completing Medication-Assisted Treatment?

After completing a MAT program, it’s essential to have realistic expectations and understand that recovery is an ongoing process.

One thing to keep in mind is that cravings might still creep up from time to time. That said, they’re usually less frequent and intense. But that’s okay. You’ve learned coping strategies during your treatment, and now’s the time to put them into practice.

You’ll likely continue with some form of outpatient care. This can include regular check-ins with a therapist or counselor, support group meetings, or even continued medication.

Choosing the Right Program

When looking for a medication-assisted treatment program in New York, consider the following:

Accreditation and licensing
Types of treatments offered
Insurance coverage
Staff qualifications
Location and accessibility
Success rates and patient reviews

A reputable addiction treatment center like Long Island Interventions ticks all these boxes. Here, we prioritize a personalized, holistic approach.

Your journey with us begins with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, substance use patterns, and any underlying mental health issues contributing to your addiction.

Medication-Assisted Treatments FAQs

Is MAT Safe?

MAT is safe when used as prescribed under proper medical supervision. You’ll be screened for any underlying health issues to prevent any drug interactions or adverse side effects.

The medications used in MAT have been thoroughly studied and approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Is MAT Effective?

The science behind MAT is quite strong, and the data shows better outcomes with MAT than without it. Here’s what research has found:

MAT significantly decreases the risk of relapse.
It can prevent infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C.
It can prevent overdoses.

That said, MAT isn’t perfect, and it’s not necessarily the right choice for everyone. People may react to certain drugs differently. So, you must work closely with your doctor to match specific medications and dosages to your needs.

How Long Does MAT Typically Last?

The length of your MAT program depends on your situation. Some people may need it for months, others for years. There’s no set time, but the goal is to provide support for as long as you need it.

Does MAT Cure Addiction?

MAT isn’t a magical cure for addiction, but it’s your best shot at managing OUD. Keep in mind that OUD is a chronic condition marked by periods of relapse and remission, so you’re never disease-free.

But if you’re committed to recovery and willing to engage in the full treatment program, you can definitely achieve long-term recovery.

Final Thoughts

MAT is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder and alcohol addiction, better than medicines or therapy alone.

So, give us a call if you’re looking for medical-assisted treatment in New York. We can tailor your treatment plan to your needs and circumstances, which will likely include therapy and other forms of support.

References

Published on: 2024-07-11
Updated on: 2024-09-23