Medication-Assisted Recovery is a therapeutic approach to addiction treatment in which FDA-approved medication is used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies.
Medication-assisted treatment can only be used under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Recovery
Research shows that the combination of medication and therapy increases success for long term recovery from addiction in comparison to detox followed by abstinence. You can read more about a study investigating the success of MAT for opioid abuse here.
Clients using medication while recovering from addiction have reported a range of benefits including:
- Reduced or eliminated cravings
- Reduced withdrawal symptoms
- Increased chance of long-term recovery
- Reduced likelihood of the need for hospitalization
- Reduced risk of relapse
Naltrexone (Vivitrol®, Revia®)
Is used to manage alcohol or opioid dependence. Naltrexone is heavily studied in its effectiveness to treat alcohol dependence and has been shown to reduce the demand for alcohol by limiting cravings and feelings of intoxication. This drug reduces unconstrained alcohol use, lowering the amount of money spent on alcohol.
Using this medication reduces the reinforcements around alcohol use. Studies have shown that alcohol addiction leads to poor decision making due to the reinforcement and lack of control. Taking away alcohol’s reinforcement allows for better decision making, for example, clients report spending less money on alcohol.
Buprenorphine (Subutex)
Also used to treat dependency on opioids. This drug helps prevent withdrawal symptoms by acting as a substitute for opioids. In this way, the medication reduces cravings without creating more withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine allows the body to switch to a new substance that is easier and safer to quit. This medication has fewer side-effects in comparison to Naltrexone and is widely used.
Suboxone
Suboxone is a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone and is also used to treat opioid addiction. Naloxone blocks the addictive effects of opioids (pain relief and feelings of well-being).
Campral, Antabuse
Campral and Antabuse are medications that help with alcohol addiction.
Campral works to restore the chemical balance in the brain. It is used after the person has stopped drinking alcohol and helps to prevent relapse by reducing cravings.
Antabuse is used differently. This medication causes a negative reaction to alcohol. In this way, the rewarding effects of alcohol do not occur and instead unpleasant symptoms occur, providing intense motivation to avoid alcohol.
A holistic treatment strategy
All medication recovery options are most effective when used in combination with counseling and behavior modification therapy. Addiction recovery is a complex process that involves first a willingness and motivation to change. Physical detox, counseling, and identifying the underlying problem is also part of recovery. Follow up aftercare treatment may also helpful for long-term lifestyle changes.
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