MAT is short for Medication-Assisted Treatment. And while medication is part of this treatment approach, it’s not used alone. MAT is a “whole patient” way to helping people recover from substance use disorders, especially opioid use disorder. It’s been proven to be clinically effective by using a combination of different treatment methods, including:
- Medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Counseling
Because no two people are exactly the same, the MAT program is tailored to each person. So, individuals can work on learning new relapse prevention skills, managing the chronic disease of addiction, and finding the resources they need for their own unique recovery journey.
How does medication help?
Fever. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Anxiety. Headaches. Even seizures. These are just some of the symptoms of opioid and alcohol withdrawal, an extremely painful medical condition. Many people with substance use disorders are so scared of going through this pain, they keep using drugs or alcohol to avoid it.
FDA-approved MAT medications are so important because they:
- Reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms
- Relieve psychological cravings
- Stabilize brain chemistry
Get MAT at the Henry J. Austin Health Center during Recovery Month—and beyond
Since 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has called September “National Recovery Month.” This year, our nation is dealing with a mental health and overdose crisis like no other. So, SAMHSA has been launching initiatives to get more people access to treatment and recovery services. In his recent Proclamation from the White House, President Biden reported that nearly $22 billion has been secured from Congress to support prevention, treatment and recovery—with a focus on underserved communities. |
Know someone struggling with substance use?
Henry J. Austin Health Center has specialized team-based recovery services for adults, including peer recovery support ready to help with your recovery journey! Call our direct line at 609- 278-6361 today to get started.
Sources:
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions
https://ncsacw.acf.hhs.gov/topics/medication-assisted-treatment.aspx
https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery-month
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/effective-treatments-opioid-addiction
https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/202110260320
https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Documents/MAT_Toolkit_for_Counselors.pdf
