Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) stands at the forefront of modern addiction therapy, offering new hope for those struggling with opioid and alcohol use disorders. This innovative approach combines key medical interventions with the power of personalized counseling and therapy to achieve lasting sobriety.
Here at Waterstone Counseling Center, we provide medication-assisted treatment in Connecticut, integrating best practices such as motivational interviewing, person-centered treatment plans, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). All these practices are evidence-based and tailor-made for each client, aligning with other effective peer-support programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery.
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What is Medication Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive recovery program to help those suffering from substance abuse disorder. MAT utilizes a holistic approach that combines addiction medicine, psychotherapy, and counseling to provide long-term recovery. MAT is commonly used to help those with opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder.
Scientific evidence shows that MAT increases the likelihood that someone will remain in treatment, and reduces the risk of relapse and overdose. These medications can play a critical role in addiction recovery when used in connection with individualized counseling and therapy.
Medications Used for Substance Use Disorders
Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
MAT is the gold standard when it comes to opioid treatment programs. Addiction medicine has helped high-risk patients overcome the physical and mental challenges that arise during their treatment of opioid dependence. Our clinic offers the following FDA-approved medications to help treat opioid addiction.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine / Naloxone)
Suboxone contains buprenorphine (a “partial opioid agonist”) and naloxone (an “opioid blocker”) and is a safe and effective treatment of opioid addictions when taken under the supervision of a qualified medical professional. Suboxone is a sublingual film or tablet dissolved under the tongue that is used to relieve patients from physical symptoms of withdrawal, reduce cravings, and diminish the effects of opioid use.
Subutex (Sublocade)
Similar to Suboxone, Subutex is a partial opioid agonist-antagonist that only contains buprenorphine, and comes in the form of a sublingual tablet absorbed under the tongue used to treat opioid addiction. When incorporated into a medication-assisted treatment program, patients using Subutex reported fewer withdrawal symptoms, allowing them to focus more on their recovery.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is another one of the popular medications for opioid addiction and comes in pill form. Naltrexone is used to block the effects of opioids, physically reducing cravings and instances of relapse, which can help prevent opioid overdose. Naltrexone is also used to treat alcohol use disorder in the same way by diminishing one’s urge to drink.
Vivitrol
Technically, Vivitrol and Naltrexone are the same medications, and provide the same benefits used to treat opioid use disorder. The key difference is that, unlike Naltrexone, Vivitrol is given once per month via an injection. Vivitrol injections must be administered under the care and supervision of a qualified medical professional.
Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorders present their own unique challenges. But like opioid dependence, alcohol addiction has been shown to benefit from medication-assisted treatment options. In combination with counseling and therapy, these medications play an important role in supporting patients on their journey to long-term recovery.
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
A key medication used to treat alcohol use disorder is Disulfiram, known commercially as Antabuse. Disulfiram is an oral tablet that acts as an alcohol antagonist that deters alcohol use by creating a sensitivity to alcohol that induces unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed. Symptoms can range from headaches to nausea and vomiting.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate helps people who are alcohol dependent and have drunk large amounts of alcohol reach recovery by restoring balance to their brain chemistry (neurotransmitters). With their brains working normally again, patients are better able to maintain sobriety and overcome their dependency on alcohol.
The Waterstone MAT Program
At Waterstone Counseling Center, we provide medication-assisted treatment in Connecticut that is uniquely designed for each patient, leading to sustainable long-term outcomes. We provide individualized and person-centered care, offering weekly medication management and support, ongoing group and/or individual psychotherapy, regular meetings with the prescribing physician, medication monitoring, access to specialty trauma therapy, and more.
The Waterstone Program consists of 5 core principles:
- Provide an effective, non-judgemental opiate addiction treatment using a state-of-the-art treatment model which includes: frequent medication management opportunities and long-term person-centered therapy.
- Offer the highest quality services available in a highly compassionate, dignified, and safe environment.
- Offer those services to all major insurances including Medicaid.
- Facilitate access to services quickly and without delay.
- Help any individual seeking treatment for addiction to heal, grow, and self-actualize through goal-oriented treatment and individualized care.
Get Medication Assisted Treatment in Connecticut Today
Our end goal is total recovery for each one of our patients. The challenges of substance abuse and mental health issues that follow require time, effort, and dedicated support to overcome. Medication-assisted treatment remains an integral and effective treatment for both opiate and alcohol abuse disorders around the country.
Our outpatient MAT recovery program utilizes evidence-based medications, combined with personalized counseling and therapy to achieve the best results possible for our clients. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving Medication-assistant treatment in Connecticut, please contact us today.
