What Is Medication Assisted Treatment?
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is an important part of treatment for addiction and other substance use disorders. It can be used to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions, including alcohol, opioid, and benzodiazepine addictions. There are no standard guidelines for the use of MAT, but it is best used in conjunction with behavioral therapies and a comprehensive treatment plan.
MAT is a form of addiction treatment that utilizes pharmaceutical medications to help patients overcome their addiction to opioids. The medications used are known to reduce withdrawal symptoms and normalize brain chemistry. As a result, many people who have addictions to MAT experience less cravings than those who don't use these medications. Read more now about medication assisted treatment, click here: https://pacificsandsrecovery.com/services/medication-assisted-treatment/.
Some insurance policies cover all or part of MAT. Under federal law, insurance companies must provide coverage for substance abuse programs and mental health services. However, the level of coverage varies by insurance provider, employer, and patient. For example, some plans may only cover the cost of medication alone, while others may require a more extensive prior authorization process.
MAT has proven to be clinically effective and has reduced the need for inpatient detoxification services. It also provides a more comprehensive and individually tailored treatment program that combines behavioral therapy and medication. In addition, it reduces the risk of HIV and hepatitis C infections. It also helps people avoid relapsing due to a lack of recovery support.
Medication assisted treatment is considered the most effective treatment for opioid addiction. Several forms of methadone and buprenorphine are used to treat the symptoms of addiction. Methadone is typically prescribed at specialty clinics, while Buprenorphine can be given by primary care providers. Both forms of treatment may include counseling. This page to get details about medication assisted treatment.
One of the biggest challenges to effective MAT is funding. Without adequate reimbursement, many models cannot remain financially sustainable. For instance, some private clinics have gone out of business while others have struggled to work with Medicaid programs. Furthermore, buprenorphine prescription limits may make MAT uneconomical for some physicians.
A Cochrane review of six trials on MAT for OUD related to prescribed opioids found that buprenorphine and methadone are equally effective at reducing opioid use and improving treatment retention. Five of the six trials were conducted in the U.S., but none took place in primary care settings. For better understanding of this topic, please click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opioid_use_disorder.