MAT aDDICTION THERAPY
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.
Full Recovery Addiction Therapy
Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery. The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach has been shown to:
- Improve patient survival
- Increase retention in treatment
- Decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders
- Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment
- Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant.
What is MAT used for?
MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates.
The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug.
Medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and MAT programs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs.
Combining medications used in MAT with anxiety treatment medications can be fatal. Types of anxiety treatment medications include derivatives of Benzodiazepine, such as Xanax or Valium
Our Providers
TERRY JEFFERSON, MD
Assistant Medical Director, Primary Care, MAT, PrEP, HIV/STD, Medical Marijuana Certifications
Leslie Ward, MD
Primary Care
Lindy Jumper, APRN
Primary Care, BioTE
Jennifer Kesterson, APRN
Primary Care
Katia Rayburn, APRN
Primary Care, Women's Health, MAT