Medication-Assisted
Treatment in Atlanta
At Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry, we offer personalized medication-assisted treatment programs for people with mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications to help treat mental health, substance use disorders, and dual-diagnosis disorders.
It is often used as a part of a complete treatment program that incorporates counseling, therapy, and healing of the entire patient, not just one aspect of their mental health or substance use disorders. The objective of MAT is to provide a balanced treatment approach to help the patient with their recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioids
MAT for opioid use disorder provides patients with medications that reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for them to focus on recovery. The three medications approved by the FDA for treating opioid use disorder are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. All three medications work by blocking the euphoric effects of opioids and reducing cravings.
- Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist medication dispensed daily at a clinic and is used to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist medication that is taken orally and is used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist medication that is taken orally and is used to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
In addition to these medications, counseling and behavioral therapies are essential components of MAT that help patients develop the skills needed to maintain recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol
MAT for alcohol use disorder provides patients with medications that reduce alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to maintain sobriety. The two medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of alcohol use disorder are acamprosate and naltrexone.
- Acamprosate is an oral medication taken daily and used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol use disorder.
- Naltrexone is an oral medication taken daily to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
MAT for alcohol use disorder is just one component of a complete addiction treatment program. It is equally vital to include therapy, counseling, and other therapies to help patients develop the skills and tools they need to live alcohol-free.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Mental Health Disorders
MAT for mental health disorders provides patients with medications that reduce symptoms associated with mental health disorders, making it easier for them to focus on recovery. The drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of mental health disorders vary depending on the specific disorder. Common medications for mental health disorders include antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and other medications.
MAT is recommended for individuals who are struggling with substance use disorders or mental health disorders and need assistance with maintaining recovery. In addition, MAT can help people who have attempted recovery in the past but were unsuccessful and relapsed.
MAT focuses on all aspects of a person’s condition, including mental health disorders and co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. However, patients must work with their addiction specialist or psychiatric healthcare provider to determine if MAT is the right treatment option for them.
When someone has a substance use disorder, one of the biggest challenges is taking the initial steps to recovery and completing detox. Detox can present unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and cravings for alcohol or drugs. MAT helps alleviate the more severe withdrawal effects while reducing cravings for opioids and alcohol.
Other benefits of MAT for treating substance use disorders include the following:
- Reduces the risks of lapses and relapses.
- Helps patients successfully complete detox and rehab treatment.
- Provides a foundation for long-term sobriety when combined with other treatment methods.
- Helps make patients more accountable for their actions and consequences.
- Reduces the risks of accidental overdose.
The benefits of MAT for mental health disorders include:
- Reduces the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.
- Improves mood and the quality of life for patients.
- Reduces the risk of relapses.
- Improves the ability to manage stress, anxiety, and other factors related to their mental health disorder.
- Increases participation in therapy, counseling, and other aspects of the patient’s mental health treatment program.
- Reduces the risk of future hospitalizations.
The length of treatment for MAT for substance use disorders varies depending on the individual and the severity of their addiction. Generally, treatment can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months or even longer. The objective of MAT is to help the person maintain their sobriety. As such, it can be beneficial to continue MAT for an extended period.
The duration for MAT for mental health disorders also varies based on the individual and the severity of their mental health disorder. Treatment could last several months to years or even be ongoing when it benefits the individual.
It is important that patients work with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate length of treatment for them.
Start Medication-Assisted Treatment in Atlanta Today
Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry offers MAT programs to help treat substance use and mental health disorders. We provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment to assist you in your recovery. For further information or to start MAT, contact us today.
Sources:
Robertson AG, Easter MM, Lin H, Frisman LK, Swanson JW, Swartz MS. (2018). Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol-Dependent Adults With Serious Mental Illness and Criminal Justice Involvement: Effects on Treatment Utilization and Outcomes.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Saves Lives. (2019).
What Is Naltrexone? (2023).
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Atlanta Integrative Psychiatry is an Industry leader in mental health treatment . Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treat and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual.
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