Medication-Assisted Treatment refers to the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a whole-person approach to substance abuse disorder treatment. This approach uses an extended taper period of greater than six months in order to achieve a higher success rate in recovery. MAT programs are clinically supervised and carefully monitored to remove risk of overmedication or dependency development.
MAT can be started at any level of care recommended by a medical professional after completing a comprehensive evaluation including both a physical and psychiatric exam. Typically the criteria for medication-assisted treatment are:
Other considerations may also be made by your clinical team to determine if you would benefit from a medication-assisted treatment program.
Traditionally addiction recovery treatment programs begin with a short detox period during which the body purges itself of harmful substances. While this is a necessary part of the recovery process, a short-term detox is not ideal for everyone. Having access to a long-term taper method like MAT care can result in a higher success rate in recovery.
The primary benefit of MAT programs in Colorado is reduction of cravings, urges, and withdrawal symptoms. As a primary trigger of relapse in early recovery, managing these symptoms allows you to devote more attention and energy into the internal growth and healing that comes with recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment may also help mitigate the risks of developing or worsening health issues associated with substance use. Using a closely monitored taper program allows your body to slowly adjust to being independent of drugs and alcohol.
Some people question if medication-assisted treatment programs can truly count as addiction recovery. The answer is yes. Medications used in MAT programs are taken only under medical supervision and do not produce any mind-altering side effects. They are not used to produce a high and clients do not have direct access to the medications prescribed. In fact, the most commonly used MAT medications nullify the effect of other substances, deterring abuse by removing the reward.
Opioid antagonists block the neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for creating the sensation of being drunk or high. By binding to these receptors, MAT medications prevent opioids and other illicit substances from interacting with the central nervous system. Because they produce no high themselves, these medications are non-habit forming and safe to use over an extended period of time as part of a taper program.
Golden Peak Recovery’s unique approach to Medication Assisted Treatment is personalized to suit the needs of each client and enrich the recovery experience. Our MAT programs include continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure maximum effectiveness and suitability. Here’s how it works:
During the intake process you will receive a comprehensive assessment to gather data that will inform your treatment plan. At this time our medical and behavioral health team will assess your specific needs and create a care plan. 24 hours before stepping down from the detox level of care, you will receive a follow-up evaluation to determine if you meet the criteria for MAT. If you do, our team will conduct weekly follow up sessions to monitor your progress while receiving treatment.
The stabilization phase of MAT focuses on creating a hormonal balance within the body. Because long-term substance abuse can cause artificially elevated levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, your body may reduce its natural production of these hormones. Medication tapers administered under clinical supervision help encourage the body to return to more balanced levels of these hormones and renew your body’s natural production.
Golden Peak Recovery primarily uses Suboxone, Subutex, and Vivitrol as part of our Medication-Assisted Treatment programs. These non-psychoactive medications bind with the same neuroreceptors in the brain as opioids, preventing the biochemical response responsible for producing a ‘high’ while also negating the symptoms of withdrawal.
The average duration of this phase is 12 weeks with one to two sessions every week for two months. During this time clients will also participate in counseling and behavioral therapies as part of our two-pronged approach to lasting success in recovery.
The final phase of Golden Peak Recovery’s MAT program introduces medical maintenance for clients who benefit from long-term medical intervention for their recovery. This includes education regarding the proper use of medication for pre-existing chronic disorders and health conditions as well as the use of Vivitrol, the extended-release Naloxone medication, if need is clinically indicated. This treatment regimen combats urges which may lead to relapse, a preventive measure which can be life-saving.
