How to Choose a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program in New Jersey

Millions of people in the United States live with drug or alcohol addiction. Without treatment, many will face serious harm to their mental and physical health, along with other life-altering consequences.

Addiction is a complex condition impacting every part of a person’s life. Simply treating the physical components of addiction is not enough to lead to lifelong recovery. Because of the complexity of substance abuse and addiction, people living with these conditions require holistic treatment to address their physical, behavioral, and emotional roots.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs provide comprehensive treatment and support to people living with addiction so that they can put substance abuse in the past and move forward into a healthier future. This article will explore how MAT programs work and how to find a medication-assisted treatment program in New Jersey.

Reach out to the New Jersey Addiction Interventions team now to schedule an intake assessment or learn more about our high-quality MAT programs.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs use medications to reduce and manage cravings and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms for people going through detox from drugs and alcohol. Medication-assisted treatment is commonly used in alcohol and opioid abuse treatment but can be used during detox from other substances.

A typical New Jersey medication-assisted treatment program would include evidence-based therapies that treat the underlying physical, psychological, and behavioral aspects of addiction. A treatment plan might consist of:

• Intake assessment
• Medication management
• Medically-supported detox
• Individual psychotherapy and counseling sessions
• Regular screening and evaluation

MAT programs may also include family and group therapy, education, and holistic practices like yoga, massage, and nutrition support.

People in a MAT program receive medications during each progressive stage of treatment to keep them safe and comfortable. Commonmedications used in MAT programs include:

• Acamprosate
• Disulfiram
• Naltrexone
• Buprenorphine
• Methadone
• Naltrexone

Medications can also reduce the intensity and frequency of their cravings, which reduces their risk for relapse.

People may participate in medication-assisted treatment on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on their needs.

What are the Goals of MAT Programs?

The primary goal of medication-assisted programs is to help people stop using harmful substances and maintain sobriety. Medication-assisted treatment offers holistic treatment that can address the complexities of substance abuse and addiction. Complete recovery is the goal, regardless of the severity of a person’s addiction.

Within the primary goal of a MAT program are several measurable outcomes, including:

• Decreasing illicit activity related to substance abuse
• Reduce the risk of death from overdose and other severe complications
• Keep people committed and invested in their treatment
• Help people prepare for work and maintain employment
• Reduce pregnancy and birth-related complications in pregnant people with addiction

Research shows that medication-assisted treatment programs increase the likelihood that a person will complete a treatment program and have better short- and long-term outcomes. People in MAT programs have better experiences in treatment and stay engaged in recovery after leaving rehab.

Are MAT Programs Effective?

The research into theeffectiveness of MAT programs has been overwhelmingly positive. Medication-assisted treatment programs have been proven to be more effective at treating opioid addiction than other types of treatment, which is encouraging as the country faces an epidemic of opioid abuse.

People who participate in medication-assisted treatment have better short and long-term outcomes in many areas. They typically report having fewer, less intense withdrawal symptoms during detox and feel more comfortable throughout the treatment process. MAT program participants also have measurable decreases in risky behaviors like needle-sharing, which can reduce their likelihood of contracting HIV, Hepatitis C, and other bloodborne diseases.

Medication-assisted treatment provides intensive, holistic treatment for people living with addiction. By focusing on the complex roots of a person’s substance abuse while treating the physical aspects of addiction, a MAT program can help people make meaningful progress in recovery.

How to Choose a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program

Finding a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program in New Jersey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some signs of a high-quality MAT program:

• Medical and mental health staff are available at all times
• The facility is accredited
• Staff are licensed to provide MAT services
• All treatment is evidence-based–holistic therapies can be used to complement treatment plans, but most of your time in treatment should be spent engaging in therapies proven to be safe and effective
• The center is clean, well-maintained and provides a calm environment
• Participants follow a tailored treatment plan that changes as their recovery progresses

Many people begin recovery in a residential or inpatient MAT program and later transition into outpatient care after stabilization. Finding a treatment center that offers multiple levels of care will minimize disruptions as you move from inpatient to outpatient treatment and allow you to receive specialized treatment to meet your unique needs at every stage of recovery.

Find a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program in New Jersey

If you or a loved one require the support of a medication-assisted treatment program in New Jersey, the help you need is just a phone call away. Contact the New Jersey Addiction Interventions team now to learn more about our effective MAT programs or to schedule an intake evaluation.