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Outpatient Opioid and Alcohol Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

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Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Outpatient Opioid and Alcohol Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Once patients have gone through the medical detox, the next step in treatment is opioid medication-assisted treatment (MAT). According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), opioid MAT offers a “whole-patient” approach to eradicating addiction. In opioid MAT, patients are administered FDA-approved medications such as methadone, naltrexone, and buprenorphine to reduce cravings. In addition to medications, patients receive psychological services to help them overcome the emotional, behavioral, and psychological effects of addiction. Psychological services include counseling and participation in social support groups. Larkin can help qualifying patients find the right outpatient treatment plan through our case management and outreach services department.

Medications Used in Opioid Medication-Assisted Treatment

Methadone- is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps patients recover from addiction. It works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms by blocking the effects of illicit opioids. Methadone is administered once daily in tablet, powder, or liquid forms.
Naltrexone - is a non-addictive opioid antagonist. It works by blocking the sedative and euphoric effects of other narcotics such as codeine, heroin, and morphine. Naltrexone reduces opioid cravings by building and blocking opioid receptors. Naltrexone can be taken once daily as a pill or can be injected once a month.
Buprenorphine - is both an opioid agonist and antagonist. It works by blocking other narcotics while reducing withdrawal risks, thus diminishing the effects of physical dependance on opioids. This in turn reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. dditionally, buprenorphine lowers the potential for misuse and increases safety in incidences of overdose.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is an FDA-approved medication used in the treatment of patients with opiate and opioid dependence as a substitute for the addiction. It is prescribed by a physician that has undergone training and acquired a specific certification called the DATA 2000 waiver (Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000). At Larkin Health System our Suboxone Doctors in South Miami adhere to opioid treatment protocols including:

Ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of treatment information
Providing comprehensive assessment, treatment, and transitions of care to counseling and therapeutic services

http://lib.adai.washington.edu/clearinghouse/downloads/TIP-40-Clinical-Guidelines-for-the-Use-of-Buprenorphine-in-the-Treatment-of-Opioid-Addiction-54.pdf

Suboxone is a combination drug that contains the active ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist. It interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain by tricking the brain into feeling like it has experienced an opiate. Buprenorphine cannot stimulate the euphoric high of opioids, but it can lessen the effects of withdrawal symptoms.Naloxone is added to buprenorphine to keep people from becoming addicted to and abusing this medication, as it does not activate opioid receptors. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking the activity of opioids at receptor sites. Additionally, when a person overdoses on opioids and experiences slowed breathing, loses consciousness and is unresponsive, naloxone can be used in to counter the effects of the opioids and restore breathing.Naloxone is easy to administer either as an injection in the upper thigh or arm or as a nasal spray. Anyone can purchase generic naloxone for around $35 or a Narcan kit for $150, all police and emergency responders carry Naloxone.