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What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Substance use disorders can control your life and become a vicious cycle that may feel impossible to break. However, at Seneca Health Services, we understand the struggles associated with substance use, and we are ready to help those struggling get their lives back on track. One way our medical professionals do this is through the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Continue reading to learn more about medication-assisted treatment.

What is a Substance Use Disorder? 

A substance use disorder (SUD) is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and can cause serious health problems. A SUD can lead to an inability to control one’s use of drugs, whether they be overuse of legal or illegal drugs. Despite the harm that these substances cause, those with a SUD will continue to use them. 

According to the experts at https://mcshin.org/get-help/recovery-programs/recovery-residences/,the severity of the addiction and how fast it occurs also varies by the substance used. As someone’s body gets accustomed to the drug(s), it will take larger doses to feel the same effects. Reliability occurs when the user thinks that it’s the only way to function, making it increasingly difficult to live without it. 

Substance use disorder is classified as a health condition that can mentally, physically and emotionally affect an individual. It is recognized as such by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 

According to a National Survey on Drug Health and Use, 19.7 million Americans (ages 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2017. In addition, in that same year, 8.5 million American adults suffered from a mental health disorder, substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders. The numbers of people suffering from this disease are heartbreaking and astonishing.   

If you believe you or a loved one may have a substance use disorder, we welcome you to reach out and read some of our in-house written blogs below: 

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medications, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-person” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. 

MAT provides the following benefits: 

  • Improves an individual’s success 
  • Increases retention in treatment sessions 
  • Increases an individual’s chance of receiving and maintaining employment 
  • Decreases an individual’s substance use
  • Reduces the likelihood of relapse
  • Heals physical changes in the brain
  • Blocks the euphoric effects of substances
  • Relieves cravings

Research proves that the combination of MAT and counseling prevents relapse and reinforces recovery. In addition, MAT can help heal the physical changes in the brain, block the euphoric effects of substances and relieve cravings, allowing a whole-patient approach to treating substance use disorders. 

Non-Methadone Medication-Assisted Treatment is available for individuals with opioid/alcohol use disorders. The treatment program includes medication to assist with craving and withdrawal symptoms and requires participation in therapy services. The combined medication and therapy approach provides the individual with the best chance of abstinence from drugs and alcohol.

At Seneca Health Services, we offer medication-assisted treatment to individuals in our intensive outpatient or residential programs. Patients with substance use disorders can receive treatment through proper medication. Our medical professionals are experienced with all aspects of behavioral health, and they can help treat substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders like mood or anxiety disorders. It is also important to note that medications often work differently for each patient. Keep trying until you find the medication (or combination) that works best for you. If you are experiencing any adverse side effects from your medication, consult with one of our medical professionals to discuss possible changes or adjustments. 

To learn more about our substance use disorder treatments, we encourage you to read our blog, The Best Substance Use Disorder Services for Me.

Medication-Assisted Treatment | Seneca Health Services

At Seneca Health Services, we are passionate about providing accessible, affordable services to adults, children and adolescents with a mental illness, a developmental disability or an addiction. 

No matter what your situation is, we want you to remember that you are never alone. Seneca Health Services is here to help you with any questions, concerns or needs that you may have about medication-assisted treatment. Please do not hesitate to contact the Seneca office nearest you or use the link provided here. 

Greenbrier County, West Virginia: (304) 497-0500

Nicholas County, West Virginia: (304) 872-2659

Pocahontas County, West Virginia: (304) 799-6865

Webster County, West Virginia: (304) 847-5425 

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