Medication Assisted Treatment Program

A medication assisted treatment program offers a promising approach, one that gives clients an ability to detox from drugs and/or alcohol much more comfortably and in most cases, in a relatively shorter period of time. It also addresses the specific causes of that chemical dependency. Transformations By The Gulf is proud to be the go-to source in Florida for medication assisted treatment as an evidence-based option that can be tailored to clients’ individual needs in order to maximize the prospects of a successful recovery.

Medication Assisted Treatment Programs are used to help aid individuals as part of an integrated plan of substance abuse care that treats the whole person, MAT recovery during detox can dramatically alleviate the physical symptoms of withdrawal, such as pain, discomfort, and cravings. The goal is for clients receiving MAT for substance abuse to be able to participate as comfortably and as quickly as possible in a daily residential treatment program that integrates other helpful, evidence-based interventions, such as group and individual therapies.

Under the careful supervision of an addiction-certified psychiatrist and attending medical team, and depending on a client’s specific needs, Transformations by the Gulf administers only those medications found to be most effective in treating alcohol, opiate, and other drug dependencies.

Suboxone and Subutex (buprenorphine) can effectively help those looking to find freedom from opiates achieve lasting sobriety, according to evidence-based studies. While usually not life-threatening, withdrawal from opiates like heroin and prescription painkiller medications like oxycodone or hydrocodone can be horribly uncomfortable — not to mention, a very real obstacle to getting treatment. Medication assisted opioid treatment with suboxone successfully alleviates these symptoms, including the cravings that can often precipitate relapse (and in some cases fatal overdose). In a great majority of cases, suboxone is only a short-term intervention: once the medication has helped clients get through early recovery, it can be gradually tapered and eventually discontinued. In some cases — these are more the exception than the norm — long-term Suboxone may be needed.

Vivitrol (naltrexone) is known for its effectiveness at decreasing alcohol and opiate cravings, making it helpful in MAT for alcohol use disorder. The drug blocks natural opioid receptors in the brain, thereby deactivating the euphoric and sedative effects of drugs like heroin, morphine, codeine and alcohol. Vivitrol is available as a pill and a once-monthly injection.