Adults who have been struggling with certain substance use disorders may benefit from medication-assisted treatment, or MAT. This service, which incorporates prescription medication with therapeutic support, can help adults end their substance use, resist relapse, and pursue successful long-term recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment is a research-based, evidence-supported type of care for people who have been struggling with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Commonly referred to as MAT, medication-assisted treatment combines medication with therapeutic support to help people end their substance use and work toward successful long-term recovery.
The medications that are used in an approved MAT program allow patients to end their substance use without experiencing powerful cravings and other distressing withdrawal symptoms. The therapeutic support services help people make the lifestyle changes that are necessary for sustained recovery.
MAT has been closely studied for decades, and it has a documented history of effectiveness in helping people end their substance use, resist relapse, and achieve long-term recovery. Respected organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommend MAT.
Admissions Criteria
All admissions decisions at Wilmington Treatment Center are made on an individual basis following a detailed review of each person’s history, needs, and goals. In general, though, our MAT program is designed to serve people who meet the following criteria:
Adults age 18 and older of all genders
Have a primary diagnosis of opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder
Prior to receiving medication-assisted treatment at our center, you will complete a comprehensive assessment that includes a biopsychosocial evaluation, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. This process allows our team to confirm your diagnosis and determine if MAT is right for you.
Medications Used in MAT at Wilmington Treatment Center
Based on the information that is gathered during your intake evaluation, our team will develop your personalized treatment plan. If you are receiving medication-assisted treatment, your plan will include a recommendation for a prescription medication.
If you take part in MAT for opioid use disorder, you may receive buprenorphine, Sublocade, or Vivitrol.
If you’ve been struggling with alcohol use disorder, you may receive Vivitrol, Campral, or Antabuse.
When these medications are taken as directed under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider, they are both safe and effective. The proper use of these medications will allow you to end your substance use safely and with minimal discomfort.
A member of our team will work closely with you to determine which medication, and which dosage level, is best for you. We will also explain the features and benefits of each medication, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Therapeutic Support During MAT
The medications that are used in MAT at Wilmington Treatment Center can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to end their substance use. But the benefits of MAT don’t stop there.
Medications can ease withdrawal symptoms, but they cannot prepare you to overcome the many challenges you will experience throughout your recovery journey. For this reason, personalized medication-assisted treatment at our center also involves therapeutic support.
During therapy, you can address the full impact addiction has had on your life, and you can begin to develop the strategies that will help you achieve your immediate and long-term goals. Therapy sessions are safe and welcoming places where you can receive valuable information, discuss topics of great personal importance, practice skills that will support your continued recovery, and share support with others who are walking a similar path.
Our support services also include detailed discharge planning to ensure that you are connected with the community-based resources that will help you maintain and build on the progress you make with us.
When you take part in MAT at Wilmington Treatment Center, you will receive personalized treatment and comprehensive support that address the physical, emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of addiction and recovery. With our help, you can end your substance use and achieve a healthier and more satisfying future.
