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Medication-Assisted Treatment
At Gulf Coast Recovery Center, our MAT programs in Florida provide comprehensive treatment for the whole individual. We understand that opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder are complex medical conditions. That’s why we offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help our clients begin their path to long-term recovery. When combined with our compassionate support and proven therapeutic techniques, addiction can be overcome.
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What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) refers to the medical use of prescription medications to aid in the treatment of a substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Under an MAT program, a doctor will prescribe a drug such as antidepressant, antianxiety agent, or narcotic pain reliever to be taken under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
One common misconception associated with MAT is that it is simply “switching out one drug for another.” This is not true. MAT relieves substance withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that many experience while in recovery. This promotes stability in the patient so that they can do the necessary clinical work needed to achieve long-term recovery.
Types of Medications Used in MAT
The medications prescribed as part of MAT programs in Florida have saved many lives. After all, a person who experiences only or endurable withdrawal symptoms is far more likely to find success in recovery than those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings.
Five medications that are typically used as part of a MAT program include:
- Methadone. This slow-release opioid is commonly used in heroin and opioid detox. It does not instill a “high” in the user but instead tricks the brain into thinking they have used the substance, preventing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.
- Buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is what is known as a “partial opioid agonist.” It produces moderate feelings of euphoria, tricking the brain into thinking it has used opioids.
- Naltrexone. Naltrexone is sold under the brand names Vivitrol and Revia. It works to reduce both opioid and alcohol cravings by blocking certain opioid receptors in the brain. This way, if a person uses opioids or alcohol again, they will not experience the pleasurable feelings associated with these substances. One big benefit of naltrexone is that it does not carry a risk of drug dependency.
- Acamprosate. Marketed under the brand name Campral, acamprosate is administered orally in tablet form to dull cravings for alcohol. People who are prescribed acamprosate for alcohol use disorder typically take the medication three times per day.
- Disulfiram. Disulfiram is marketed and sold under the trade name Antabuse. Its purpose is to make drinking alcohol an unpleasant experience by disrupting the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol. Disulfiram is taken orally, usually once per day.
How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment in Florida Work?
At Gulf Coast Recovery Center, our MAT programs in Florida addresses the physical, mental, and social aspects of opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder.
For people who have grown addicted to opioids or alcohol, attempting to halt their substance use alone can be extremely uncomfortable. In some cases, trying to quit without medical supervision can be dangerous. People who take part in MAT for opioid addiction or alcoholism receive prescription medication so they can end their substance use without developing any possibly dangerous symptoms.
Our rehab programs feature MAT alongside therapy. Therapy sessions are safe and supportive forums wherein patients learn about addiction and develop relapse prevention skills.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioids
Opioid use disorder occurs when the user’s brain comes to rely on opioids, like fentanyl and heroin, for their ability to release dopamine. When a frequent user of opioids stops using, both their brain and body start to experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe, leading to relapse. Some common signs of opioid withdrawal include:
- Intense cravings for opioids
- Cramps
- Muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Anxiety
- Depression
MAT programs for opioid use disorder are treatments that feature prescription medications—dispensed under close supervision by a qualified healthcare professional—to treat the patient’s cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Among the medications used to treat opioid withdrawal are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol
Many consider alcohol detox among the most difficult types of detox to endure, due to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Intense cravings for alcohol
- Agitation and confusion
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
Alcohol detox medications work by reducing these withdrawal symptoms. Also, those at risk of experiencing serious medical symptoms during alcohol detox, such as seizures, can benefit greatly from the prescribed medications offered as part of a MAT program.
Prescription medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in MAT programs for alcohol use disorder include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Effective?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there exists ample evidence suggesting that medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone reduce the symptoms related to opioid use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), meanwhile, maintains that medications approved for the treatment of alcohol use disorder effectively relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings common among those in recovery.
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Evidence-Based?
MAT is considered evidence-based for the treatment of opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Evidence-based treatments are those that, following rigorous research, have demonstrated to be effective in clinical trials and studies.
MAT programs in Florida involves only medications that have been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to treat substance use disorders.
When combined with therapy and counseling, medications designed for the treatment of opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder have proven effective in reducing cravings, promoting abstinence, and helping people in recovery maintain their sobriety.
Benefits of MAT Programs in Florida
At Gulf Coast Recovery Center, we offer proven addiction treatment using MAT programs. Whether you have an addiction to synthetic opioids, natural opioids, or alcohol, we can help.
For OUD, medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are commonly used. These medications work by:
- Reducing Cravings. These medications target the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, reducing the cravings that can lead to relapse.
- Preventing withdrawal symptoms. MAT medications help to alleviate the severe withdrawal symptoms that can occur when opioid use is stopped, making the process of quitting more manageable.
- Blocking the high. Some medications block the euphoric effects of opioids, discouraging the misuse of the substance while on MAT.
For the treatment of alcohol use disorder, medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are used. They work by:
- Reducing cravings. These medications help people maintain sobriety by reducing the urge to drink.
- Blocking the “reward.” These medications interfere with the rewarding effects of alcohol, making it less appealing to consume.
Medically Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by
Jennifer Strong, LMHC
Written by Gulf Coast Recovery Staff Updated on January 12, 2024
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Find Recovery Success With Our MAT Program In Florida
When administered correctly, MAT is a highly effective and clinically proven approach to treating opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. If you are looking for an MAT program in Florida, our care coordinators can help you evaluate whether this treatment is right for you. Contact us today.
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They recognized me as an individual. This is not a place that has cookie-cutter treatments that they attempt to force every patient to fit into. They realize that different people with similar problems respond differently, some better to one type of treatment and some not so much. I feel like that is why I succeeded here.
Brandi Carr
I can’t say enough about Tampa Bay Recovery. Jeff, Josh, and the rest of the staff are compassionate, kind, and invested in your recovery. They offer wisdom and knowledge that comes from personal experience and that is invaluable. The community feel and structure gives you the support you need to concentrate on your sobriety. I would recommend this program to anyone searching for a safe sober living environment.
Jennifer London
Great community! Phenomenal housing! (Great layout, open concept, spacious, big garage). Great support network of staff! Great area of AA or NA meetings. Everyone/therapist/Technicians at TBRC are wonderful, open minded individuals that are there to listen. Your not alone so get help before it’s to late.
Anthony Biagini
I had been in all levels of treatment care before coming to TBRC. This is the first place where I found an excellent level of commitment, care and treatment. This facility truly cares for its patients. Most of the people who work at TBRC have walked in “our shoes” (the alcoholic or addict) at some point in their lives. This makes them UNIQUELY able to help and understand it’s patients. After several years of relapsing, Tampa Bay Recovery taught me how to live the life of recovery..I recommend this facility above any I have attended.
Caprice Montgomery
Getting treatment made a huge difference in my effort to try to get clean. I worked at it for ages and it just didn’t happen for long until I finally came in here. Now, I’ve been clean almost two years. It feels so good to be in control of my life again.
Karen Spencer
