Medication Assisted Treatment Research Paper

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Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) "The definition of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of Substance Use Disorders."(SAMHSA) (Abuse, n.d.). Medication are used to suppress withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings. Medication can also be used to prevent relapse and treat co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression. It's important to understand that addiction is a disease of the brain and it comes in many forms such as gambling, overeating, and exercising just to name a few. A patient can receive treatment in many different settings with various approaches. Most programs include individual or group drug counseling. (Dr. Axe, 2017) …show more content…

Cognitive behavioral therapy is based on thoughts, feelings and behavior all being connected so, it teaches how to recognize, avoid, and cope in situations where they might have used drugs. (Dr. Axe, 2017) The following is a list of medications that could be offered in medication assisted treatment. Opioids
• Methadone (dolophine, methadose)
• Buprenorphine (suboxone, subutex, probuphine)
• Naltrexone (vivitrol)
All used to treat opioid addiction acting on the same targets in the brain as heroin, morphine, methadone, and buprenorphine. They suppress withdrawal symptoms and relieve cravings.
Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids at the receptor sites in the brain and should only be used in patients who have already been detoxified. (Drugabuse.gov. 2017) Alcohol
• Naltrexone
Naltrexone blocks the opioid receptors that are involved in the rewarding effects of drinking and in the craving for alcohol.
• acamprosate (campral)
May reduce symptoms of long lasting withdrawal, such as insomnia and anxiety, restlessness and

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