For many people struggling with substance use, quitting or cutting back can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are tools available to make the process easier. One effective approach is Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT), which combines medications with therapy and counseling to reduce cravings and support your recovery efforts.
What Is MAT?
MAT is a treatment approach that helps people reduce or stop using substances such as alcohol, opioids, nicotine, and stimulants. It works by using FDA-approved or evidence-backed medications to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse. When combined with therapy and peer support, MAT can be a powerful tool for those pursuing abstinence and looking to regain control of their lives.
Who Can Benefit from MAT?
MAT can be beneficial for people who are looking to reduce or stop using:
- Opioids (e.g., fentanyl, heroin, prescription pain medications)
- Alcohol
- Stimulants (e.g., methamphetamine, cocaine)
- Nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, vaping)
How Does MAT Work?
The goal of MAT is to make recovery more manageable by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. At Didi Hirsch, people interested in MAT can meet with a prescriber to see if it’s a good fit for them. If they begin MAT, they will have regular check-ins to ensure the treatment is working effectively.
Medications Used in MAT
For alcohol use:
- Acamprosate – Helps maintain abstinence by restoring brain balance
- Disulfiram – Causes unpleasant symptoms if alcohol is consumed, discouraging drinking
- Naltrexone – Reduces heavy drinking days and blocks alcohol’s pleasurable effects
- Gabapentin and topiramate (off-label) – Helps with cravings and withdrawal symptoms
For opioid use:
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/Naloxone) – Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Sublocade – A long-acting injection that offers extended-release benefits
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol) – Blocks the effects of opioids, making it less likely to experience a high
- Comfort medications – Help manage withdrawal symptoms like nausea, muscle aches, and anxiety
For stimulant use:
- Wellbutrin and Vivitrol – A combination that has shown promise in reducing stimulant use
- Topiramate and mirtazapine – May help decrease stimulant cravings
For Nicotine Use:
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – Patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and nasal sprays
- Zyban and Chantix – Non-nicotine medications that help reduce cravings
The Connection Between Mental Health and Substance Use
Many people who use substances also struggle with mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, or trauma. Other medications may be helpful in reducing symptoms of mental health issues that sometimes contribute to substance use or can be increased by substance use.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re interested in learning more about MAT or think it could help you, talk to your Didi Hirsch counselor or therapist about scheduling a MAT assessment. You can also call us at (310) 895-2300 to get more information.
