What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Some patients with a history of severe and extensive alcohol or opioid use may benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT combines non-addictive medications with counseling and behavioral therapies while treating an individual with a substance use disorder. These medications help individuals overcome intense cravings during the first year of addiction recovery and can prevent relapses. MAT is the preferred method for treating Opioid Use Disorder and can lead to healthier outcomes for clients with Alcohol Use Disorder.

What forms of MAT does Lake Area Recovery Center offer?

Lake Area Recovery Center offers Vivitrol (injectable naloxone) for Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder. We can also connect applicable clients with Suboxone treatment for Opioid Use Disorder provided elsewhere in the community.

Vivitrol (Injectable Naltrexone)

Vivitrol is a prescription injection that is used to treat severe Alcohol Use Disorder and prevent relapse with Opioid Use Disorder. An individual must stop drinking alcohol and/or must have undergone opioid detoxification before starting Vivitrol. Vivitrol blocks the effects of opioids or alcohol in the brain and removes the feeling of getting high or drunk. However, it’s important to note that Vivitrol does not treat withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone

Suboxone is the brand name for an oral prescription medication that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone, which work together to help treat Opioid Use Disorder. (Suboxone is not approved to treat Alcohol Use Disorder.) Buprenorphine helps to reduce drug cravings while naloxone blocks the euphoric effects of opioids. If an individual uses opioids while on Suboxone, he may be thrown into immediate withdrawal. For this reason, Suboxone can be highly effective at preventing relapses.

Contact Lake Area Recovery Center for more information on our medication-assisted treatment options for individuals with substance use disorders.