Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

A scientifically-proven treatment approach that combines medication and counseling for quicker and more effective recovery.

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What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Sandstone Care utilizes MAT to help you remain substance free when entering treatment and throughout your recovery. Our program combines medication, therapy, and other treatments to support your specific needs and unique journey.

MAT involves the use of prescription drugs designed to help in:

Withdrawal process
Maintaining sobriety
Preventing relapse in recovery

Those who struggle with alcohol use disorder or opioid use disorder are primarily the recipients of Medication-Assisted Treatment. MAT works best when coupled with treatment programs like those offered at Sandstone Care, where a focus is put on co-occurring mental disorders in addition to drug or opioid addiction.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Explained

Signs You’d Benefit From MAT

Throughout the recovery journey, cravings and other withdrawal symptoms that can often lead to relapse.

MAT helps to manage or eliminate cravings before they start, making your recovery journey that much easier.

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History of overdose, intentional or unintentional

History of medical complications (infections like septic joints, endocarditis, hepatitis)

History of multiple relapses

Single history of severe/life threatening relapse

Drug recall euphoria/obsessive thinking

History of high risk behaviors in relapse

Continued exposure to use after discharge

Significant cravings

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Why Choose MAT?

Medication-Assisted Treatment couples psychiatric care with a highly structured medication regimen to support healing from the inside out. Medications used in MAT work to control addiction within the limbic system, while other aspects of therapy support the rest of the body and mind.

While the medication prescribed through MAT can solve physical problems for a client during rehabilitation and recovery, it cannot always solve the behavioral and mental issues found at the root of addiction. It is important to remember that MAT does not work alone – clients receiving MAT should commit to all aspects of treatment in order to overcome addiction.

Therapy is key to building a new set of coping skills to help combat addiction physically and mentally. That is why Sandstone Care offers Medication-Assisted Treatment to clients at any of our program locations and treatment levels.

Medication-Assisted Detox (MAD) vs. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Many treatment centers claim to offer Medication-Assisted Treatment to clients, but only provide Medication-Assisted Detox. Sandstone Care offers both Medication-Assisted Treatment and Medication-Assisted Detox to clients in need.

Medication-Assisted Detox is a short-term treatment given to all clients who present with substance use disorder. The medication prescribed in MAD helps people overcome withdrawal symptoms, no matter what substance they are addicted to.

Medication-Assisted Treatment, on the other hand, is utilized throughout the continuum of care at Sandstone Care. MAT is a long-term maintenance therapy, coupled with intensive psychiatric treatment. MAT is only used with clients who have opioid or alcohol use disorder.

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Step 1: Call Us

Call and speak with an admissions coordinator

Step 2: Verify Insurance

Verify insurance or set up a financial plan

Step 3: Schedule an Assessment

Schedule a clinical assessment to start treatment

Medication Assisted Treatment For Alcohol Use Disorder

According to the CDC, alcohol use disorder is defined by periods of binge and heavy drinking along with physical dependence on alcohol, cravings, drinking more to achieve the desired effect, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you do not consume alcohol.

Drastic changes in academic performance
Loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities
Decreased personal hygiene
Sudden, inexplicable need for money
Alcohol use in spite of consequences
Smell of alcohol on breath or clothes
Flushed, reddened skin
Slurred or garbled speech
Coordination problems
Changes in sleep pattern
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings
Use of alcohol to numb extreme emotions

Sandstone Care prescribes two FDA-approved drugs to treat alcohol use disorder:

Naltrexone (Vivitrol and Revia are common brands)
Acamprosate (Campral is a common brand)

These treatments have been demonstrated to be safe and effective in combination with counseling and psychosocial support.

What us Naltrexone (Vivitrol)?

What is Suboxone (Buprenorphine)?

https://youtu.be/hd0y0TIkEw0

Medication Assisted Treatment For Opioid Addiction

According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, opioid use disorder is defined as a problematic pattern of opioid use leading to problems or distress, with at least two of the following occurring within a 12-month period:

Taking larger amounts or taking drugs over a longer period than intended.
Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control opioid use.
Spending a great deal of time obtaining or using the opioid or recovering from its effects.
Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use opioids
Problems fulfilling obligations at work, school, or home.
Continued opioid use despite experiencing recurring social or interpersonal problems.
Giving up or reducing activities because of opioid use.
Using opioids in physically hazardous situations.
Continued opioid use despite ongoing physical or psychological problem connected to opioids.
Tolerance (i.e., need for increased amounts with continued use of the same amount)
Experiencing withdrawal or taking opioids (or a related substance) to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Sandstone Care prescribes two FDA-approved drugs to treat opioid use disorder:

Buprenorphine (Suboxone and Subutex are common brands)
Naltrexone (Vivitrol and Revia are common brands)

These treatments have been demonstrated to be safe and effective in combination with counseling and psychosocial support. These medications either reduce the cravings or block the ability of the drug to create the “high” in the person’s brain.

What Is A Methadone Clinic?

A methadone clinic dispenses medications and provides support when using MAT for opioid use disorder.

Methadone clinics can be helpful if you struggle to follow your opioid treatment program without high levels of support and supervision. Unlike other addiction medicines, methadone is usually not taken home with you to take on your own.

If you use methadone for MAT, you need to go to a methadone clinic each day to get your daily dose. Since methadone activates the opioid receptors to reduce cravings, there is still a risk of misuse or abuse.

Methadone clinics ensure that you take your medication as prescribed while providing additional support during substance abuse treatment.

While going to a methadone clinic each day might be a hassle, you could benefit from peer support and the check-in with your treatment team. You can build a routine around getting up to attend the clinic before starting the rest of your day.

As you continue with your methadone treatment, you might get a referral for take-home doses. When you have more stability in your recovery and demonstrate that you can manage your addiction, take-home prescriptions can help you get back to a normal life.

What is methadone?

https://youtu.be/x0zvzRBR74c

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The Continuum of Care

Care for wherever you are in your journey.

Access a full range of treatments for mental health and substance use disorders. Whether you need a safe transitional living community, inpatient care, or outpatient therapy, we have a program to help.

Learn more about levels of care

Medical Detox and Inpatient

5-21 days of 24/7 on-site medical supervision.

Our Medically-Assisted Detox and Inpatient Center offers private rooms and 24/7 medically supervised care to support a safe recovery from drugs and alcohol, followed by comprehensive treatment that addresses your physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.

A clinician examining a patient at Virginia Medical Detox Center.

Detox Explained

Transitional Living Program

2-6 Months

Our Transitional Living Program combines the structure of treatment and group living, with the freedom of living away from home.

This level of care is for young adults (18-30) who are not quite ready to heal from home. This level of care provides a safe and supportive living environment integrated with a PHP or IOP level of care. Here, you’ll learn life skills and healthy recovery strategies in an environment that’s set up for your success.

Transitional Living Overview

Day Treatment (PHP)

4 weeks of on-site day treatment.

Our Young Adult Day Treatment Program, also known as Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), is a highly structured level of care for young adults that offers five days of robust programming a week.

Our two distinct mental health and substance use tracks help young adults to stabilize, begin to understand their mental health and/or addiction struggles, and heal from them. We strive to help our clients become more like the person they want to be without using negative coping strategies or substances to get there.

Woman explaining treatment at Sandstone Care

Day Treatment Explained

Intensive Outpatient (IOP)

12 weeks of on-site or virtual treatment.

Our Young Adult IOP, or Intensive Outpatient Program, offers two distinct tracks to address young adult needs, each track consisting of 3-4 days of weekly programming.

In our mood disorder track, we are able to focus on mental health, depression, trauma, and anxiety. In our dual diagnosis track, we are able to support young adults with substance use and mental health challenges. Each focuses on developing positive social, academic, and vocational habits while continuing with their job or school responsibilities.

Seated woman explaining IOP at Sandstone Care

Intensive Outpatient Program Explained

How Sandstone Care’s Clinical Framework Supports MAT

In order for someone to truly heal from the inside out, they need a good therapist and a clinical staff.

According to Dr. Montague, “To rebuild your life, you will need a supportive cohort of friends and family, along with really good trauma care and coping mechanisms. The clinical healing tools gained from treatment come through hard work and emotional support, which is exactly what Sandstone Care offers to those ready to work hard for recovery.”

The unique clinical framework at Sandstone Care addresses each aspect of life Dr. Montague mentions as keys for recovery.

CLICC Framework: Commitment, Life SKills, Integrity, Connection, Community

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Let’s Take the Next Steps Together

We understand taking the first step is difficult. There is no shame or guilt in asking for help or more information. We are here to support you in any way we can.