Pain Addiction Management Clinic | Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

What is MAT?

March 14, 2022

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of addiction. MAT is also sometimes referred to as Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).


These medications include:


  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Zubsolv®, Sublocade®, Subutex®)
  • Naltrexone (Vivitrol®, Revia®­)
  • Methadone


What are opioids?


Opioids are a unique class of drugs that includes both legal pain relievers that can be prescribed by a provider and illegal formulations (“street drugs”).  When misused, opioids can cause feelings of euphoria or a “high,” and can also lead to overdose and death.

 

Examples of opioids:


  • Heroin
  • Fentanyl
  • Oxycodone (Percocet ®, Oxycontin ®, “percs,” “oxys”)
  • Hydrocodone (Vicodin ®, Norco ®, Lortab ®, “vikes”)
  • Tramadol (Ultram ®, ConZip ®)
  • Codeine (Tylenol-Codeine #3®, Tylenol-Codeine #4®)
  • Morphine (MS Contin®)

 

How does Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) work?


In our brains, we have opioid receptors. Opioids bind on to the opioid receptors, which causes the effects of opioids to occur. The three medications used for MAT, methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, all interact with the opioid receptors in our brains differently.


  • Methadone binds onto the opioid receptor fully
  • Dispensed daily at a methadone clinic/Opioid Treatment Program
  • Buprenorphine only partially binds onto the opioid receptor
  • Can be prescribed at a medical office and picked up at a pharmacy
  • Naltrexone covers or blocks the opioid receptor so other opioids can’t bind onto the receptor
  • Comes in two formulations: a once monthly injection (Vivitrol®) or a daily oral medication (Revia®)


MAT is most effective when combined with behavioral therapy or psycho-social support. MAT combined with behavioral therapy is more effective in treating OUD than either behavioral therapy or medications alone. Types of psycho-social support or behavioral therapy include:


  • Individual counseling
  • Group counseling
  • 12-step programs (AA, NA, MARA)
  • Self-help or peer support meetings
  • Intensive Outpatient (IOP)


What are the benefits of MAT?


  • Sustained recovery (“staying clean”)
  • Reduction in overdoses and overall death rates
  • Decreased illicit opioid use
  • Decreased use of other non-opioid substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepines
  • Improved quality of life
  • Less involvement in the criminal justice system
  • Decreased risk of contracting and spreading HIV and Hepatitis C





 

 

 

 

 

 

Chanell Baylor. (2021). Medication-Assisted treatment (MAT) | SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment

 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. (2017). What Are Opioids? HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/prevention/index.html

 

Medication-Assisted Treatment Improves Outcomes for Patients With Opioid Use Disorder Combination of behavioral health interventions and FDA-approved drugs can help reduce illicit opioid use A fact sheet from. (2016). https://www.pewtrusts.org/-/media/assets/2016/11/medicationassistedtreatment_v3.pdf


Ford, B. R., Bart, G., Grahan, B., Shearer, R. D., & Winkelman, T. N. A. (2020). Associations Between Polysubstance Use Patterns and Receipt of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Among Adults in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 15(2), 159–162. https://doi.org/10.1097/adm.0000000000000726

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Areas We Serve

March 16, 2022
In 2018, more Michiganders died because of drug overdoses than car accidents. In Macomb County alone, opioid-related deaths have increased by 400% since 2014. Macomb County saw 119 drug-related deaths in 2015, averaging one death every three days. This means that every three days, someone in our very own community dies from an overdose. This could be a neighbor, friend, family member, classmate, someone you see at the grocery store. The truth is addiction does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, races, gender, and economic status. The good news is opioid use disorder can be very treatable. Medication-Assisted Treatment can help save lives. There is absolutely no shame in asking for help. At Dynamic Healthcare we are passionate about serving the people in our community. Macomb County consists of: Armada Center Line Chesterfield Clinton Township Eastpointe Fraser Grosse Pointe Shores Harrison Township Memphis Mount Clemens New Baltimore New Haven Richmond Romeo Roseville Shelby Township St. Clair Shores Sterling Heights Utica Warren Washington Township There are many wonderful resources in our community for people struggling with addiction:  Families Against Narcotics (FAN): https://www.familiesagainstnarcotics.org/ CARE of Southeastern Michigan: https://www.careofsem.com/ Live Rite: https://www.liveritestructuredcorp.com/ If you are struggling or someone you love are struggling with addiction, please call Dynamic Healthcare at 586-585-6500 to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located in Sterling Heights. Willis, S. (n.d.). U.S. Department of Labor grant provides funds to combat opioid crisis in Macomb County [Review of U.S. Department of Labor grant provides funds to combat opioid crisis in Macomb County ]. Michigan.gov . Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://www.michigan.gov/opioids/0,9238,7-377-88143_88334-495936--,00.html Get the Facts About Opioids . (n.d.). Michigan.gov. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from https://www.michigan.gov/opioids/0,9238,7-377-88139---,00.html ‌Maier, E. (2019). Macomb County Opioid Community Health Assessment . Office of Health Planning. https://health.macombgov.org/sites/default/files/content/government/health/pdfs/OCHAReport021419.pdf?webdesign=adaptive?webdesign=adaptive
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