Where to Find Medicated Assisted Treatment Programs "Near Me"

When you’re looking for treatment for opioid use disorder, there are several options from which to choose, including inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. One option that is also available is medication assisted treatment (MAT), in which opioid treatment medications are used, often alongside counseling, to treat an opioid use disorder. If you’re searching for “medically assisted treatment near me,” it’s helpful to know the information below. 

What Is A Medication-Assisted Treatment Program?

Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction is a treatment modality that combines the use of FDA-approved medications with behavioral approaches, often counseling, to treat opioid addiction. MAT is beneficial for treating opioid use disorders, because the medications used in MAT treatment can alleviate cravings and withdrawal symptoms, to make it easier for patients to focus on their recovery. 

Medications Involved In MAT

There are several types of MAT utilized in opioid addiction treatment. Two common medications are as follows:

• Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, meaning that it occupies the same receptors that drugs like heroin do, albeit to a lesser extent. By occupying these receptors, buprenorphine reduces drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

A formulation that includes buprenorphine in combination with naloxone is marketed under the brand name Suboxone. This medication is beneficial because naloxone acts as an opioid blocker and prevents patients from misusing their medication. 

• Methadone: Methadone is another opioid use disorder medication that minimizes cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is a long-acting opioid that acts as a full agonist, meaning that it behaves just like other opioid drugs. 

When used as a part of an MAT program, buprenorphine and methadone are often referred to as “maintenance therapy.” This means that patients are maintained on these medications for months, or even years, to keep them engaged in their recovery. 

Another type of medication assisted treatment for opioid use is a vivitrol assistance program. Vivitrol is the brand name for an extended-release version of naltrexone, an opioid agonist that is used after detox to prevent relapse. Vivitrol is available in doses that are injected into the muscles, typically once a month. 

How To Find The Best MAT Program Near You 

When you’re searching for “medically assisted treatment near me” it is important to find a licensed MAT program, as MAT treatment centers must be certified according to government standards. 

So, what is the best way to find “MAT near me?” The best MAT program for you will depend upon your unique needs, but when you’re searching for programs, the steps below can be helpful. 

Ask Your Physician 

If you’re receiving treatment for another health condition or you’ve sought the advice of your physician, they can refer you to an MAT doctor or medication-assisted treatment center near you. 

Contact Your Local Mental Health Board Or Community Mental Health Center 

If you’re unsure of where to go for “medication-assisted treatment near me,” your local mental health board or community mental health center is an excellent resource. Mental health boards can provide invaluable information about treatment services, including MAT, available in your community.

Local community mental health centers often provide opioid use disorder treatments, including opioid treatment medications. 

Search Through SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a behavioral health treatment services locator, which allows visitors to enter their zip code and locate a medication-assisted treatment program in their area. 

Utilize The Services Of An Online MAT Program

Perhaps the easiest way to find an “MAT program near me” is to utilize the services of an online medication assisted treatment program. Changes to the law in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic made it easier to receive opioid use disorder medications in a virtual format. 

With an online MAT program, you have access to opioid use disorder specialists, including addiction counselors and Suboxone doctors, from the comfort and privacy of home. This means that medication assisted recovery is always nearby. 

MAT FAQs

When you’re searching for an “MAT program near me,” the answers to the following questions can be helpful. 

What Are The Benefits Of Medication-Assisted Therapy?

Medication-assisted treatment provides patients with access to opioid use disorder medications that reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This makes it easier for people to stay engaged in their recovery process.

Research with opioid treatment medications shows that MAT reduces illegal opioid use and criminal activity, keeps people in treatment, increases chances of survival, and improves the odds that people will find and keep a job. 

What Is The Success Rate Of MAT? 

It is difficult to determine the overall success rate of MAT, because there are several types of medication-assisted treatment, and each person will vary in their response to this treatment modality. According to a report published in the Journal of Addictive Diseases, staying in MAT treatment improves outcomes for individuals with opioid dependence. 

Furthermore, the research has shown that over 3 months, up to 94% of people on MAT stay in treatment, and over a 12-month period, up to 91% remain in MAT. While these figures are promising, there is wide variation in success rates, and some studies show that as little as 3% of people stay in treatment. 

What Medication Is Used For Substance Abuse?

The following is a common list of drugs used to treat substance use disorder:

• Buprenorphine
• Methadone
• Naltrexone
• Naloxone
• Acamprosate 
• Disulfiram 

Doctors may use other medications to treat withdrawal symptoms, but the above list captures the drugs most commonly used in MAT.

What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Opioid Use Disorder?

There is no single opioid use disorder treatment program that works for every patient, but according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the combination of counseling and MAT drugs can be the most effective option for some people. 

What Are Three Options For Drug Abuse Treatment?

Three common medication options used to treat opioid use disorder are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. 

What  Treatment Is Available For Opioid Use Disorder?

Several treatment options are available when a person lives with an opioid use disorder. In general, treatment can occur on an inpatient or an outpatient basis. People completing inpatient treatment live on-site at a treatment center, while those in outpatient care continue to live at home.

While engaged in treatment, patients typically participate in a variety of services, including individual and group counseling, case management, and MAT. 

Does Medication Assisted Treatment Work For Alcohol Addiction? 

People often associate MAT with opioid use disorder medication, but there are also medications available to treat alcohol use disorder. These medications include acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone. Alcohol use MAT can help people to recover by discouraging drinking and blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol. 

Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Effective?

No single treatment modality works for everyone, but research has shown that MAT reduces illegal opioid use and criminal activity, keeps people in treatment, increases chances of survival, and improves the odds that people will find and keep a job. 

Confidant Health’s Online Medication Assisted Treatment

If you’re searching for “medically assisted treatment near me,” Confidant Health provides you with a convenient, private treatment option. We offer online MAT, including alcohol-use MAT and opioid-use MAT.  Download our app today, on either the Apple Store or the Google Play Store, to begin online medication assisted treatment.