Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is used to help treat addiction to opioids (prescription drugs such as OxyContin and Vicodin or illicit drugs such as heroin and fentanyl) and/or alcohol. With MAT, prescription medicines are used to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. MAT, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapy, can help reduce occurrence of relapse and increase the rate of success in achieving sustained sobriety.
Starting the MAT process at Travco Behavioral Health is as easy as making a telephone call. Clients can be referred by a physician or an agency, but this is not required (they can also refer themselves). Clients first receive an assessment to explore the level of treatment needed. While detox may be appropriate in some cases, it is not required. Many clients are able to start MAT as an outpatient.
Options for MAT at Travco include buprenorphine administered as either an oral medication taken daily or as a long-acting injectable (Sublocade) administered in the office monthly. Additionally, Travco offers Vivitrol, a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone used to prevent opioid and alcohol cravings, which is administered monthly in the office.
A good candidate for MAT would be someone who is struggling with cravings or the ability to abstain from opiates or alcohol (and who has not been successful either on their own or from another form of treatment). Itis important to note that a level of commitment is required for success. In addition to medication, the client must also be willing and able attend counseling and therapy.
If you believe you or a loved one could benefit from MAT at Travco, contact us today!
---
Author: Bill LaRock, LPN, is a nurse in the MAT program at Travco Behavioral Health. He has been in the nursing field for more than a decade and administering MAT for six years. He began his career working in short-term residential treatment and he’s been at Travco for a year and a half. He feels privileged to work with clients experiencing long-term sobriety and appreciates the ability to witness them returning to gainful employment, reinitiating healthy family relationships and experiencing improved health and wellbeing.
