There are three medications that are commonly used as medication-assisted treatment options for opioid addiction. MAT medications include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. There is no maximum recommended timeline for maintenance treatment. In fact, some individuals in recovery may be encouraged to continue MAT treatment indefinitely.

Oasis Recovery integrates MAT into treatment plans for certain clients. Our treatment plans are created by medical physicians in conjunction with client feedback about their personal life circumstances and the nature of their substance abuse disorder. Reach out to us today to speak with a specialist about MAT options for opioid addiction treatment. 

  • relapse outpatient treatment

Medications Used to Treat Opioid Addiction

The three commonly used medications to treat opioid addiction are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications are sometimes combined with other medications to create formulations that are believed to improve efficacy. One example includes 

Methadone is an older stand-by that has been used experimented with since the 1960s and was approved by FDA for this use in late 1972 to treat opioid abuse. Methadone is a synthetic opioid that can offset withdrawal symptoms without the euphoria that leads to a cycle of abuse. At high doses, methadone can block the effects of opiates from providing euphoria if a person relapses.  

Methadone is typically packaged as:

  • Dolophine (methadone hydrochloride) tablets
  • Methadose (methadone hydrochloride) oral concentrate

Buprenorphine was approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat opioid dependence. Buprenorphine suppresses withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine comes in a variety of formulations that are selected based on the particular circumstances of someone in recovery. Common formulations include:

  • Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) 
  • Bunavail (buprenorphine and naloxone) 
  • Cassipa (buprenorphine and naloxone) 
  • Probuphine (buprenorphine) 
  • Sublocade (buprenorphine extended‐release) 
  • Subutex (buprenorphine)
  • Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone) 

These medications can be packaged for sublingual use as a film or tablets or other methods. 

Naltrexone is a MAT option that is not habit forming and can be used for treating opioid addiction as well as an alcohol use disorder (AUD). For those with opioid addictions, naltrexone works by blocking the opioid receptors so that they are unable to be activated in response to opiates entering the body. 

If someone takes opiates while also using naltrexone, they will not feel any of the euphoric effects associated with opioid abuse. 

Naltrexone is administered in an injectable, long-acting formulation (commonly under the brand name Vivitrol). Vivitrol is designed to be administered as a once a month dose.  

  • opioid detox

Why Choose MAT for Opioid Addiction Recovery

MAT has been proven effective for reducing the need for inpatient detox services. When integrated with a treatment plan, MAT allows addiction counselors to immediately begin work with clients to address therapeutic behavioral and mental health needs that address the core issues that lead to substance abuse and negative life decisions. 

Those in recovery who use MAT are able to maintain or gain employment while they continue treatment. By allowing a person’s body and mind to return to a baseline state of normality, they are able to engage in everyday life situations while engaged in conventional treatment options such as a 12-step program, individual therapy, group therapy, relapse prevention, and other essential programs and therapies to avoid returning to the cycle of abuse and maintain lasting sobriety. 

Contact Oasis Recovery to Learn More about Medication-Assisted Treatment

Reach out to Oasis Recovery today to determine if MAT recovery options are a good choice for you based on your particular circumstances. We offer a wide range of treatment options and services to ensure clients receive the best possible care. We always put your safety and security first when designing a personalized treatment plan designed to meet your needs. Contact us today to speak with a specialist about recovery options that make the most sense for you.