Medication-Assisted Treatment (also known as medication-assisted therapy, or MAT for short) is a method of treatment that includes the use of medications in addition to counseling and behavioral health therapies as part of Lakeview Behavioral Health’s Intensive Outpatient Services offerings, with an ultimate goal of a full and sustaining recovery. This treatment program is proven effective in treating substance use disorders and preventing opioid overdose, providing great opportunity for success in recovery from an opioid addiction and alcohol dependence. The medication options administered along with a tailored therapy plan at Lakeview Behavioral Health are Vivitrol and Suboxone, both of which are used to reduce withdrawal symptoms, decrease cravings, and prevent use of heroin, opioids, and alcohol.
The way opiates like heroin work is by attaching to brain cell receptors, causing an influx of neurotransmitters and brain activity, namely the release of dopamine that produces the high and can lead to physiological dependence and, for some people, addiction. The goal with Vivitrol and Suboxone medications is to block these receptors or how they react to opiates. Which medication is right for each client will be included in the preparation of the tailored treatment plan by a provider at Lakeview Behavioral Health.