Medication-Assisted Treatment Patient Referrals

When individuals are suffering from an addiction to opioids such as prescription painkillers or heroin, the biggest hindrance to their recovery is often the onset of withdrawal symptoms that arise when they stop using the drug. When care is received that helps alleviate the distress associated with withdrawing from opioids, more positive treatment outcomes are achieved. Therefore, the Treatment Placement Specialists® (TPS) team holds a unique ability to offer professionals, their patients, and individuals who are directly in need of care access to wide array of treatment programs, including MAT.

Understanding Medication Assisted Treatment

What are the Medications Used in Medication Assisted Treatment?

Through a number of medication assisted treatment centers within the TPS team’s referral network, individuals can gain access to this unique form of treatment that assists them in putting an end to their dependence on opioids. Within these programs, the following types of medications are available to be implemented into an individual’s treatment plan:

  • Methadone is one of the most common types of medications used in helping individuals overcome an addiction to opioids. It serves to prevent cravings for continued use while also eliminating the distressing symptoms of withdrawal.
  • Suboxone is comprised of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine works by interacting with the opioid receptors in the brain, providing relief from continued cravings for opioids. Naloxone is an opioid blocker and works by counteracting the effects that opioids have on the body.
  • Subutex is comprised of buprenorphine hydrochloride and, similar to Suboxone, works to diminish the negative effects that typically arise when a person attempts to stop using opioids.
  • Vivitrol consists of naltrexone and is an opioid-antagonist that offers a similar benefit to that provided by Suboxone and Subutex. As opposed to being administered daily, however, Vivitrol is typically given as an injection once per month and benefits individuals through its extended-release properties.

Integrative Care

How Are Therapies Integrated with Medication Assisted Treatment?

Programs that offer medication assisted treatment also offer therapeutic interventions in combination with the medications prescribed. Individual therapy and group therapy are the most common interventions used, and they serve to be a wonderful complement to the medication aspect of treatment.

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Contact Your Local TPS Today

If you are a professional who has a patient in your care who you believe could benefit from medication assisted treatment, please do not hesitate to contact the TPS team. Likewise, if you are an individual who is in need of medication assisted treatment, or if you have a loved one who can benefit from such, contact the TPS team today. The knowledge, compassion, experience, and dedication that backs Acadia Healthcare’s national team of Treatment Placement Specialists can guide clients towards quickly accessing their treatment needs.