Medication-Assisted Treatment Program in New Jersey
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach for treating substance use disorders, particularly those involving opioids and alcohol. It combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to support long-term recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT is a highly effective, evidence-based practice for improving patient success and retention in treatment.
By integrating medication with behavioral therapies, MAT provides a whole-patient approach to healing. This method helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevents relapse during recovery.
This guide explains what to expect from a medication-assisted treatment program and how it can be a vital part of recovery. Learn more about our specialized outpatient program options.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
What is a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program?
A medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program is an approach to treating substance use disorders. It combines medication and counseling to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. MAT can be useful in treating many substance use disorders, but it’s most commonly used for opioid or alcohol addiction.
MAT programs are typically offered as outpatient treatments, where you live at home and visit the center for care. They can also be used in inpatient settings, which involve living at the treatment facility. MAT is a comprehensive approach that uses medication as an accompaniment to behavioral therapy and counseling.
Individuals in this program receive help developing coping skills and managing stress. They also work to identify the root causes of their disorder, while medication helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
MAT vs. Medical Detox
Medication-assisted treatment and medical detoxification are similar but have a few key differences. Medical detox is often the first step in recovery and is offered at the beginning of treatment. Unlike MAT, medical detox is only available for inpatient or residential individuals.
MAT is a treatment that providers can offer as part of an inpatient or outpatient program. While medical detox is used to clear drugs and alcohol from the body’s systems, MAT blocks the euphoric effects of drugs and alcohol and helps control cravings for substance use.
Both MAT and medical detox work in collaboration with other forms of therapy. MAT programs use counseling and behavioral therapy to support medication-assisted treatment. Detox prepares the mind for behavioral therapy, which commonly follows.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
What Types of Substances Require MAT?
Medication-assisted treatment is most commonly used for substance use disorders involving alcohol and opioids, though it can also be applied to addictions to cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepines (a class of medications that slow down brain activity to reduce anxiety).
In less severe cases of addiction, MAT is approved because the withdrawal symptoms experienced are milder. These symptoms don’t require the round-the-clock supervision that inpatient detox provides.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
What to Expect from a MAT Program
When you enter a MAT program, your first step is a comprehensive assessment. A medical professional will evaluate your medical history and substance use to determine if you are a good candidate. This evaluation also considers your social life, mental health, and living situation.
Based on this assessment, you will receive a personalized prescription. While medication is often administered at the clinic, you may also receive a prescription to take home for greater flexibility.
Along with medication, you’ll have routine visits to receive counseling and attend therapy sessions. These therapies help you develop skills to manage destructive thoughts and behaviors that may lead to abusing substances.
While in therapy, you and your therapist will also work to identify and address the root cause of your substance use disorder. In a MAT program, you regularly attend therapy sessions and meet with your provider to adjust the dosage of your medication.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
How Long Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Last?
Medication-assisted treatment may last 12 months or longer. The duration of treatment always depends on the patient. Individuals with a mild addiction and who use drugs or alcohol less frequently may only require a few months of MAT.
For an individual who has relapsed, engages in dangerous behavior, or has experienced addiction for a long period of time before seeking help, MAT may extend past 12 months. It’s important to keep regular appointments with your provider during MAT. These check-ins help reassess your condition and adjust treatment to your needs.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
What Medications are Used in a MAT Program?
MAT uses several FDA-approved medications. Based on the substance use disorder, a prescriber may administer a different medicine. The commonly used medications in a MAT program include Buprenorphine, Methadone, Naltrexone, and Disulfiram.
Buprenorphine reduces withdrawal symptoms and is most often used in treatments for opioid disorders. Methadone is also used in opioid addiction treatment and is long-acting. Providers use Naltrexone to treat both opioid and alcohol addiction. It works by blocking the effects of drugs and alcohol and reducing the pleasure one may feel when drinking or using opioids. Disulfiram is exclusively for alcohol abuse treatment and causes unpleasant reactions when interacting with alcohol.
FDA-Approved Medications for MAT
Understanding the specific medications used in medication-assisted treatment helps individuals make informed decisions about their recovery journey. Each FDA-approved medication serves a unique purpose in addressing different aspects of substance use disorder.
| Medication | Primary Use | How It Works | Key Benefits | Considerations |
| Methadone | Opioid use disorder | Binds to opioid receptors, reducing cravings | Long-acting, prevents withdrawal | Requires daily clinic visits |
| Buprenorphine | Opioid use disorder | Partial opioid agonist, blocks euphoric effects | Can be prescribed for home use | Lower overdose risk than methadone |
| Naltrexone | Opioid and alcohol use disorder | Blocks opioid and alcohol effects | Non-addictive, available as an injection | Requires complete detox first |
| Disulfiram | Alcohol use disorder | Causes an unpleasant reaction with alcohol | Discourages alcohol consumption | Requires strict adherence |
How Do MAT Medications Work?
MAT medications like Methadone and Buprenorphine work by attaching to receptors in the body and mimicking the effect of drugs. These medications can change the way your nervous system responds to pain and help replace and then quit opioid use.
Naltrexone also binds to receptors but then blocks the effects of substances. This medication is better able to bind to receptors than substances like opioids, so it can reverse the effects of drugs.
Disulfiram works similarly to Naltrexone in that it blocks the effects of alcohol. It does this by neutralizing the enzyme that breaks down a toxic byproduct of alcohol. This leads to reactions such as nausea, headache, sweating, and difficulty breathing, and makes drinking alcohol unpleasant.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
Evidence-Based Benefits of MAT
Research consistently demonstrates the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment in supporting long-term recovery. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), individuals participating in MAT programs experience:
- Reduced Overdose Deaths: Individuals experience a 50% reduction in opioid overdose deaths compared to abstinence-only approaches.
- Improved Retention: Treatment retention rates improve, with 70-80% of patients remaining in care for 12 months or longer.
- Reduced Criminal Activity: Participants show decreased involvement in illegal activities and improved employment outcomes.
- Better Quality of Life: Individuals experience stable housing and restored family relationships.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recognizes MAT as the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder. They emphasize that combining medications with behavioral therapies produces the most successful outcomes.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
Is MAT Just Replacing One Drug with Another?
One of the most persistent misconceptions about medication-assisted treatment is that it simply replaces one addiction with another. This myth can prevent individuals from seeking life-saving treatment. Understanding the facts helps dispel these harmful misconceptions.
The Reality:
- MAT medications are carefully prescribed and monitored by medical professionals
- These medications do not produce a euphoric “high” when used as directed
- They stabilize brain chemistry disrupted by substance use disorder
- Patients can function normally in work, family, and social situations
- MAT medications have been extensively studied and proven safe for long-term use
Key Differences from Illicit Substances:
- Controlled dosing prevents intoxication
- Medical supervision ensures safety
- Gradual tapering is possible when appropriate
- No criminal activity is required to obtain medication
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
MAT for Special Populations
MAT programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of different populations. At Pathways Treatment Center, we recognize that effective treatment considers individual circumstances and challenges.
Individuals with both substance use disorder and mental health conditions require integrated care. Our dual diagnosis approach combines medication-assisted treatment with specialized therapy for conditions such as:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
This comprehensive approach addresses the complex relationship between mental health and substance use. It improves outcomes for both conditions simultaneously.
Pregnancy requires special considerations in medication-assisted treatment. Under medical supervision, certain MAT medications can be safely used during pregnancy. They are often recommended to prevent the risks associated with withdrawal or continued substance use.
Young people facing substance use disorder benefit from age-appropriate MAT programs. These programs consider developmental factors and family involvement in treatment planning.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
How MAT Integrates with Behavioral Therapies
Medication alone is not sufficient for lasting recovery. The most effective medication-assisted treatment programs combine FDA-approved medications with evidence-based behavioral therapies.
CBT helps individuals identify and change thought patterns that contribute to substance use. This therapy teaches practical skills for managing triggers and preventing relapse.
Group sessions provide opportunities to connect with others in recovery. Participants share experiences and learn from peers who understand the challenges of substance use disorder.
Addiction affects entire families. Family therapy sessions help repair relationships and create supportive home environments that promote recovery.
Many individuals with substance use disorder have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed approaches address these underlying issues as part of comprehensive treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
How to Access MAT in New Jersey
Starting medication-assisted treatment involves several important steps. Understanding the process helps reduce barriers to accessing care.
Step-by-Step Admissions Process
- Initial Contact and Assessment
- Call our admissions team for a confidential consultation
- Complete a comprehensive assessment of your substance use and medical history
- Discuss your substance abuse treatment goals and preferences
- Insurance Verification
- Our team verifies your insurance coverage for MAT services
- Most major insurance plans cover medication-assisted treatment
- We explain any out-of-pocket costs upfront
- Medical Evaluation
- Meet with our medical team to determine the most appropriate options
- Review any existing medical conditions or medications
- Develop a personalized substance use disorder treatment plan
- Treatment Planning
- Create an individualized plan combining medication and therapy
- Schedule regular appointments for medication management
- Connect with counseling and support services
- Ongoing Support
- Regular check-ins with medical and clinical staff
- Adjustments to medication as needed
- Continuous access to counseling and peer support
Insurance Coverage for MAT
Most insurance plans, including those accepted at Pathways Treatment Center, cover medication-assisted treatment when medically necessary. Coverage typically includes:
- Initial assessment and evaluation
- Medication costs
- Regular medical monitoring
- Counseling and therapy sessions
- Laboratory testing when required
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
Long-Term Outcomes with MAT
Successful recovery extends beyond initial treatment. Medication-assisted treatment programs incorporate comprehensive relapse prevention strategies.
Ongoing Medication Management
Regular appointments ensure medications remain effective and dosages are appropriate for your current needs.
Continued Behavioral Support
Long-term counseling helps maintain coping skills and address new challenges that arise in recovery.
Peer Support Networks
Connecting with others in recovery provides ongoing encouragement and accountability.
Lifestyle Changes
Developing healthy routines, hobbies, and relationships supports long-term sobriety.
Crisis Planning
Having a plan for managing high-risk situations helps prevent relapse during difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program?
A medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program is an approach to treating substance use disorders. It combines medication and counseling to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. MAT can be useful in treating many substance use disorders, but it’s most commonly used for opioid or alcohol addiction.
MAT programs are typically offered as outpatient treatments, where you live at home and visit the center for care. They can also be used in inpatient settings, which involve living at the treatment facility. MAT is a comprehensive approach that uses medication as an accompaniment to behavioral therapy and counseling.
Individuals in this program receive help developing coping skills and managing stress. They also work to identify the root causes of their disorder, while medication helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
MAT for opioid use disorder uses medications like methadone to manage cravings and withdrawal. In contrast, MAT for alcohol use disorder uses medications like naltrexone or disulfiram to reduce cravings or create an unpleasant reaction to alcohol.
Yes, most people can continue working while in MAT programs. The medications are designed to stabilize your condition without causing impairment, allowing you to maintain employment and other responsibilities.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you miss a dose. They will provide specific guidance based on which medication you’re taking and how long it’s been since your last dose.
Like all medications, MAT drugs can have side effects, though most people tolerate them well. Common side effects may include nausea, constipation, or drowsiness. Your healthcare team will monitor you closely and adjust your treatment as needed.
Travel is possible with proper planning. You’ll need to coordinate with your healthcare provider to ensure you have adequate medication supplies and understand any legal requirements for traveling with controlled substances.
What are the Signs of Prescription Drug Addiction
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program at Pathways Treatment Center
Pathways Treatment Center offers an outpatient medication-assisted treatment program designed for flexibility and adapts to fit each patient. In our MAT program, you can recover in your own home while receiving medication, counseling, and behavioral therapy to treat addiction and set you on the path to recovery.
We understand how challenging this journey can be, and you don’t have to face it alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Our evidence-based approach is effective in treating opioid and alcohol use disorders. Call Pathways today, and we’ll help you determine if our medication-assisted treatment program is a good option for you.
Michele is the Clinical Director at Pathways Treatment Center. Michele has over 20 years of experience in various settings including agencies, in-home, partial hospitalizations and private practice. While seeking to provide a warm, healing, and nonjudgmental environment, Michele has worked with individuals, couples and groups to help them manage stress/heal emotional wounds. She has a strong desire to gently motivate, educate, inspire and empower individuals to establish healthy emotional boundaries.
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