Empowering Your Recovery: A Guide to Choosing the Right MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use disorder (AUD), you may have heard of medication assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use. MAT is a treatment that combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. MAT for alcohol use is effective in reducing alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms, improving treatment retention, and ultimately leading to long-term recovery.
In this blog post, we will explore the importance of MAT for Alcohol use disorder and provide an overview of the different types of mats available for alcohol use disorder.
Overview of the Different Types of Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT is a treatment approach that uses medications to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and relapse. It can also help you stay sober if you’re already in recovery from alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Disulfiram
Disulfiram, also known as Antabuse, is a medication that can be used to treat AUD. It works by causing a person to feel sick if they drink alcohol while taking disulfiram. This makes it easier for them to stay away from drinking and helps them avoid relapsing into addiction.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a medication that works by blocking the effects of alcohol. It does this by binding to opioid receptors in your brain and blocking them from being activated by endorphins. Naltrexone can be prescribed as a standalone treatment or combined with counseling or therapy sessions.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is a medication that’s used to treat AUD. It works by helping to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings for alcohol. Acamprosate can also help prevent relapse in people who have stopped drinking but are still experiencing cravings for alcohol.
Baclofen
Baclofen is a muscle relaxant studied as an addiction treatment for AUD. It’s been shown to reduce cravings for alcohol when taken regularly over time.
Topiramate
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant medication that’s been found effective at reducing alcohol cravings in people who are addicted to alcohol, especially those who have problematic drinking patterns associated with depression or anxiety disorders.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is a medication that has been found effective at reducing cravings for alcohol or preventing them altogether if taken regularly enough.
Methadone
Methadone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It’s been used as part of MAT for alcohol use disorder programs because it helps reduce cravings for other substances like alcohol while relieving withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping use abruptly without medical supervision.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It’s a partial opioid agonist that doctors can prescribe and use in MAT. It may also help reduce cravings for alcohol or other drugs.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol is a long-acting form of naltrexone. It can be used alone or with counseling to help you stop drinking. Vivitrol has few side effects compared to other medications used on MAT for alcohol use disorder because it doesn’t interact with other drugs or alcohol itself.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Medication-Assisted Treatment
When choosing MAT for alcohol use, several factors must be considered to ensure the best outcome for recovery.
Effectiveness: MAT for alcohol use disorder has been shown to improve treatment outcomes by reducing alcohol cravings, decreasing the likelihood of relapse, and improving overall mental health. Choosing a medication specifically approved for AUD treatment with a proven track record of success is essential.
Side effects: Like any medication, MAT for alcohol use disorder may have side effects. It’s important to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare professional and weigh the benefits against the risks. Some medications may be more suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or taking other medications.
Availability: MAT for alcohol use disorder may only be available in some areas or may have limited availability. Researching local treatment options and discussing availability with a healthcare professional is essential.
Cost: MAT for alcohol disorder may be costly, mainly if it’s not covered by insurance. Discussing the cost of treatment options with a healthcare professional and exploring available resources, such as financial assistance programs, is essential.
Personal preference: Finally, personal preference plays a role in choosing MAT for alcohol disorder. Some individuals may prefer a medication that can be taken at home, while others may prefer a medication that requires regular visits to a healthcare provider.
How to Work With a Healthcare Provider to Choose the Right Medication-Assisted Treatment
Working with a qualified healthcare provider ensures you choose the proper treatment for your unique situation.
The first step in this process is finding a healthcare provider knowledgeable and experienced in MAT for alcohol use disorder. You can start by asking your primary care physician for a referral or searching online for providers in your area.
Once you’ve found a provider, it’s crucial to have an open and honest discussion about your treatment options. This may include medications like naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram, as well as therapy and support groups.
It’s also essential to understand the risks and benefits of each option, as well as any potential side effects. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh these factors and decide which treatment is proper.
Finally, it’s crucial to establish a treatment plan that works for you and your lifestyle. This may involve regular check-ins with your healthcare provider, support from loved ones, and a commitment to positively changing your life. With the right approach and the help of a qualified healthcare provider, MAT for alcohol use can be an effective tool in overcoming addiction and achieving long-term recovery.
Conclusion
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol use is a practical approach that combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). Various types of MAT are available, such as Disulfiram, Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Baclofen, Topiramate, Gabapentin, Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Vivitrol, each with unique benefits and side effects.
When choosing the right MAT for alcohol use disorder, several factors must be considered, such as effectiveness, side effects, availability, cost, and personal preference. Working with a healthcare provider is crucial to finding the best treatment plan that works for you.
At Confidant Health, we provide support and resources to help individuals struggling with AUD overcome addiction and achieve long-term recovery. Our team of compassionate professionals is dedicated to helping individuals with AUD develop personalized treatment plans and access the resources they need to achieve lasting success in their recovery journey.
