Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) with Buprenorphine / Suboxone / Sublocade / Naltrextone / Vivotrol

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to managing opioid and alcohol use disorders (OUD/AUD), combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to support recovery.

Buprenorphine:

• Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric effects of other opioids.
• Available in various formulations including sublingual tablets, sublingual films, and implants.
• Commonly prescribed as part of MAT to aid recovery from opioid addiction.

Suboxone:

• Suboxone is a combination medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone.
• Naloxone is included to deter misuse by inducing withdrawal if injected.
• Administered sublingually, Suboxone is utilized in MAT to mitigate cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Sublocade:

• Sublocade is a monthly extended-release buprenorphine injection.
• Provides sustained medication levels, reducing the need for daily dosing.
• Integral to MAT, Sublocade supports long-term recovery from opioid addiction.

Naltrexone:

• Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid effects in the brain.
• Available orally or as an extended-release injectable.
• Employed in MAT to prevent relapse in individuals with opioid or alcohol use disorder.

Vivitrol:

• Vivitrol is an extended-release injectable formulation of naltrexone.
• Administered monthly, it blocks opioid effects and reduces alcohol cravings.
• A key component of MAT, Vivitrol supports sustained recovery from opioid and alcohol dependence.

General Information:

• MAT, incorporating medications like buprenorphine, Suboxone, Sublocade, naltrexone, and Vivitrol, is highly effective in reducing opioid and alcohol use, overdose deaths, and associated criminal activity.
• Best results are achieved when MAT is combined with counseling, behavioral therapies, and support services tailored to individual needs.
• MAT represents a holistic approach to treating OUD/AUD, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Statistics:

• MAT has been associated with a 50% reduction in opioid overdose deaths, according to SAMHSA.
• Research indicates that individuals receiving MAT are more likely to remain in treatment, reduce illicit drug use, and improve overall health outcomes compared to those not receiving medication.

Resources:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Offers information, treatment locators, and guidelines for healthcare providers regarding MAT.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Provides resources and research updates on MAT for opioid and alcohol use disorders.
• American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM): Offers guidelines, training, and resources for healthcare professionals implementing MAT.