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Medically Reviewed

Medically reviewed by Erika Dalton, LMSW

Written by Tampa Bay Recovery staff
Updated on August 13, 2023

Contents

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Our Florida medication-assisted treatment program can be vital for people who are unable to stop using heroin, prescription painkillers, other opioids, or alcohol.

Also referred to as MAT, medication-assisted treatment is a closely studied service that has been successfully used in the United States for many decades.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is an evidence-based form of care for people who have been struggling with addictions to opioids or alcohol. The two primary components of MAT are prescription medication and therapy.

The prescription medications that are incorporated into MAT allow people to end their use of alcohol or opioids safely and with minimal discomfort. The therapeutic component of medication-assisted treatment helps people make the behavioral changes that will support successful, long-term recovery.

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How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment in Florida Work?

At Tampa Bay Recovery Center, our Medication-assisted treatment in Florida addresses the physical, mental, and social aspects of addiction.

For people who have become addicted to alcohol or opioids, attempting to end their substance use without proper professional care can be extremely painful. In some cases, such as severe alcohol addiction, trying to quit without medical supervision can be dangerous or even deadly and require alcohol rehab.

People who take part in MAT for drug addiction or alcoholism receive prescription medication so they can end their substance use without developing painful withdrawal symptoms.

At our drug rehab in Tampa Bay, the medication-assisted treatment also includes therapy.

During therapy, patients can discuss the issues that may have contributed to their substance abuse, or that were negatively impacted by their struggles with addiction. Therapy sessions are safe and supportive forums where people can gain valuable information about addiction and develop relapse-prevention skills.

Common Medications Used for MAT

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Buprenorphine is also known by the brand name, Suboxone. Buprenorphine is a partial antagonist approved by the FDA to combat opioid addiction. The purpose of Buprenorphine is to help reduce cravings and alleviate painful withdrawal symptoms. The length of time that someone stays on Suboxone can vary and the drug is typically administered by pill for film form. Suboxone has also been proven to not only help with relapse but promote long-term recovery. At Tampa Bay Recovery Center, we administer Suboxone to our clients if they are clinically appropriate.

Naltrexone + Vivitrol

Naltrexone is the most common form of Medication-Assisted Treatment and if clinically appropriate, administered to clients for alcoholism and opiate use disorder. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist and is utilized to block the effects of alcohol and opioids if taken while on the medication. Naltrexone is taken in a tablet form, however, there is an injectable form of this drug called Vivitrol. A Vivitrol injection is an extended release of the Naltrexone lasts for one month.

Sublocade

Sublocade is a brand name for an injectable form of Buprenorphine. Sublocade is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) as a monthly injection. The benefits of this long-acting formulation are that it can help patients maintain a consistent level of buprenorphine in their system.

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Tampa Bay Recovery Center is a premier leader in the provision of addiction treatment services. If you or someone you love is in need of professional care to address a substance use disorder, reach out to us right now at (813) 733-8774 to speak with an admissions specialist who can get you started on the road to recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol

Several prescription medications have been approved for use in MAT programs for alcohol addiction. Each medication has different effects, so it’s important for MAT patients to complete thorough assessments and consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine which medication is right for them. Medication may be used to help you safely complete the alcohol withdrawal process, diminish cravings for alcohol, or trigger the onset of painful symptoms if you drink alcohol. If you are also struggling with a co-occurring mental health disorder, other medications may be used to alleviate certain symptoms so you can participate in therapy and build a stable life in recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioids

Heroin, fentanyl, morphine, prescription drugs, and other opioids are highly addictive substances. Once a person has become dependent upon these drugs, they may find it virtually impossible to stop using them. The physical and psychological distress of withdrawal is one of the main reasons why people remain trapped by the chains of opioid addiction. When people get medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, they can receive a prescription for a medication that prevents the onset of opioid withdrawal. The medications that are used in MAT interact with the same receptors in the central nervous system that are affected by opioids. Since these medications do not cause the disorienting high that opioids do, people who take medication as directed within the context of an approved MAT program can drive, work, go to school, participate in therapy, and otherwise fully engage in a healthy and productive lifestyle.

Who is Medication-Assisted Treatment For?

Medication-assisted treatment is designed for people who need professional help to achieve recovery from addictions to heroin, prescription painkillers, other opioids, or alcohol. It may be most appropriate for those who have been prevented from ending their substance use due to the pain and potential danger of withdrawal.

The prescription medications that are incorporated into MAT at our addiction treatment facility ease the distress of withdrawal, so patients can safely stop using opioids or alcohol.

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

The following are three of the many benefits of participating in medication-assisted treatment in Florida:

  • Safety: While you are receiving medication-assisted treatment at our center, you will be in a safe, supportive, and welcoming place where your well-being is our top priority.
  • Comprehensive care: Our medication-assisted treatment program in Florida addresses the physical, mental, and social aspects of addiction and recovery. In addition to ensuring that you complete the withdrawal process safely and with minimal discomfort, our team will also help you make lifestyle changes that will support successful long-term recovery.
  • Experienced staff: Throughout your time with us, you will work with a team of experienced professionals who truly care about you and who are committed to helping you achieve your immediate and long-term goals.

Untreated addiction can be devastating. When you choose to get medication-assisted treatment at our Florida center, you can discover your path toward the bright future you deserve.

Overcome Addiction with evidence-based, expert care.

How Long Does Someone Stay on MAT?

Medication-assisted treatment has proved to be safe and effective for both short- and long-term use. Some people remain on MAT just long enough to complete the withdrawal process, while others continue to take medication for months or years. As with all aspects of effective addiction treatment, there is no single one-size-fits-all answer that’s right for everyone. Various factors, including the effect that addiction has had on the person’s life, their risk for relapse, and the strength of their personal support network, can influence how long a person should remain in a medication-assisted treatment program for addiction.

Other Services Offered at Tampa Bay Recovery Center

In conjunction with Medication-Assisted Treatment in Florida, we offer a number of modalities that are a combination of holistic practices, experiential practice, and talk therapy. Some of these include:

Find Medication-Assisted Treament in Florida

Untreated addiction can undermine your faith in yourself and destroy your hope for the future. If you’re trapped in the downward spiral of addiction, please know that help is available and treatment works. Florida medication-assisted treatment can help you end your substance use and build a foundation for successful, long-term recovery. For answers to all your questions about MAT in Florida, learn more about our admissions process today.

Our Philosophy

We believe that getting help for substance use disorders is about much more than just trying to get through another day of not drinking or using drugs. Our mission is to help people reclaim their lives by teaching them how to effectively deal with the stress, trauma, and anxiety that contribute to their addictions. 

Meet Our Team

Our staff has over 60 years of combined experience in treating behavioral health disorders. Our compassionate and empathetic approach has helped hundreds.