MAT
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has emerged as what clinicians are calling the “gold standard of addiction care.” Combined with medical detoxification and withdrawal management, as well as comprehensive behavioral therapy, MAT can exponentially increase patients’ odds of long-term recovery, specifically from alcohol and opioid abuse. There is ample evidence that the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), reduced the number of heroin deaths significantly, specifically when buprenorphine was made more accessible to patients. Additionally, the American Society of Addiction medicine has wholeheartedly endorsed these interventions, saying that they are an effective long-term means of care. As a cornerstone of our care offerings, iRecovery provides comprehensive, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to all those who are suffering from alcohol and opioid use disorder. MAT has been established and offered for opioid use disorder, alcohol addiction and cigarette smoking. We offer services for these conditions. Medications that are most commonly associated with the medication-assisted treatment (MAT) process include:
- Suboxone® (buprenorphine and naloxone)
- Vivitrol® (monthly injectable naltrexone)
- Sublocade® (extended-related injectable buprenorphine)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) at iRecovery is divided into several key phases, each of which are integral to recovery. These individualized phases include:
Induction
At the very beginning, patients can expect to feel moderate to escalating withdrawal, depending upon the scope and severity of their drug use. On the day of their induction, patients are given a Suboxone prescription and start receiving medical care appropriate to your withdrawal symptoms.
Stabilization (Weeks 1-8)
The stabilization phase focuses on ensuring the proper medication dose and helping to maximize engagement in your program of recovery. During this phase you will receive a variety of care interventions, including weekly appointments with the collaborative care coordinator, weekly follow-up with your prescribing provider, weekly medication prescriptions and more. You will also undergo weekly urine screenings and receive regular group and individual therapy.
Initial Maintenance (Months 3-4)
The focus of this phase is to establish a stable dose of medication with sustained abstinence from opioids, alcohol or other substances.
Sustained Maintenance (Months 5-6)
This phase of MAT is considered sustained maintenance as you practice ongoing abstinence from substances and engage in productive activities. A stable dose of prescribed medication is maintained with sustained abstinence from opioids and or alcohol.
Tapering and Relapse Prevention (Available for consideration after 6 months)
Maintenance therapy is the recommended course of treatment and you may remain under our care well beyond 6 months if desired. The risk of relapse during or after tapering should be carefully considered with the patient. Tapering may be initiated voluntarily by the patient or given to the individual as an alternative when discussing ongoing treatment.
Our MAT treatment program in Florida is staffed with leading addiction medicine physicians, and experienced clinicians, that will help you develop a comprehensive and realistic relapse-prevention plan that suits your care needs and lifestyle. Call iRecovery today at 855-770-0581 to discuss your MAT options and needs.