Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Overcoming addiction can feel like an uphill battle, especially when repeated attempts seem to fall short. For many, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) provides an invaluable boost, offering support for withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and creating the stability needed to fully engage in therapy and recovery.

While these medications don’t directly address the psychological “hooks” discussed throughout Unhooked, they play a crucial role in creating the conditions for healing. Below, we’ll explore several key medications used in addiction treatment, the research supporting their effectiveness, and how they integrate into a holistic recovery plan.

Naltrexone: Blocking the Highs

Naltrexone is a game-changer for individuals struggling with alcohol and opioid dependence. This medication, endorsed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), works as an opioid antagonist, blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids. By removing the "reward" of substance use, Naltrexone significantly reduces cravings and the likelihood of relapse.

Research Spotlight:
Clinical trials have consistently shown that Naltrexone, when paired with counseling, reduces the frequency and severity of alcohol and opioid relapses. Studies indicate it can reduce drinking days by up to 80% in some individuals and has been proven effective for those who’ve struggled to maintain abstinence through traditional methods.

Usage Options:

• Daily Dose: A straightforward pill taken once a day.

• The Sinclair Method (TSM): Taken only on days when drinking is anticipated, reducing the reinforcement of alcohol consumption.

My Experience: Around 30%-40% of clients who try Naltrexone see significant reductions in cravings and use, with many describing it as a "wonder drug."

Buprenorphine: Easing Opioid Withdrawal

Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, has become a cornerstone in treating opioid addiction. By activating opioid receptors in the brain without producing the same intense high as other opioids, it reduces cravings and alleviates withdrawal symptoms, making recovery more manageable.

Research Spotlight:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) cites Buprenorphine as highly effective in reducing opioid use and overdose deaths. Research shows that individuals on Buprenorphine are 50% more likely to remain in treatment compared to those without medication support.

Overcoming Stigma:
Unfortunately, some see MAT as “replacing one addiction with another.” This is not true. Buprenorphine is about harm reduction, stability, and creating a path to recovery. A moving example comes from a mother who, after losing two sons to heroin, chose Buprenorphine for her third child and saved his life.

Key Insight: You can’t help someone who isn’t alive. Buprenorphine saves lives and keeps individuals in the game, where recovery remains possible.

Acamprosate (Campral): Balancing the Brain

Acamprosate is designed to help those recovering from alcohol addiction maintain abstinence by restoring balance to disrupted neurotransmitters in the brain. It addresses the long-term effects of alcohol withdrawal, such as anxiety and sleep disturbances, providing a smoother recovery process.

Research Spotlight:
Studies supported by the NIAAA have shown that Acamprosate significantly improves continuous abstinence rates when combined with therapy. Its effects on reducing post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) help many avoid relapse during the critical early months of recovery.

Buspirone (Buspar): A Non-Addictive Anxiety Relief

Anxiety and addiction often go hand in hand, with each exacerbating the other. Buspirone, a non-addictive anti-anxiety medication, offers relief without the risks associated with benzodiazepines. Its action on serotonin pathways helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety.

Research Spotlight:
Clinical studies show that Buspirone can improve treatment outcomes for individuals with co-occurring anxiety and substance use disorders. By reducing anxiety levels, it decreases the likelihood of turning to substances as a coping mechanism.

Why It Matters: For individuals prone to stress-related relapses, Buspirone provides a safer alternative to manage anxiety while staying on track with recovery.

Maximizing the Benefits of MAT

While these medications can provide critical support, their effectiveness is maximized when combined with:

• Therapeutic Support: Regular therapy sessions help address the underlying causes of addiction and provide tools for long-term recovery.

• Holistic Practices: Incorporating exercise, mindfulness, and community engagement further strengthens recovery efforts.

• Accountability Systems: Support from loved ones, peer groups, or accountability partners ensures continued progress.

Medication-assisted treatment isn’t a magic bullet, but it can be a powerful ally in your recovery journey. By alleviating the physiological barriers to change, these medications free you to focus on the deeper work of unhooking from your addiction and building a life that aligns with your goals and values.

If you’re considering MAT, consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your specific needs. Remember, recovery is a marathon, not a sprint—and these tools are here to help you cross the finish line.