Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication assisted treatment is sometimes referred to simply as medications for substance use disorders—or, more specifically, as medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) or medications for alcohol use disorder (MAUD).(2) This treatment technique pairs medications that are FDA approved to treat withdrawal and/or substance use disorders (SUDs) with evidence-based behavioral therapies. Employed in both detox and ongoing treatment, MAT helps to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also supporting recovery.

Often, those struggling with substance misuse want to go it alone, believing their steely determination can help them achieve abstinence and recovery. However, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and uncontrolled cravings can often overpower even the best of intentions, prompting people to relapse and start the relapse/recovery cycle all over again. 

MAT supports clients by giving them a critical tool beyond sheer willpower to keep them safe and as comfortable as possible during withdrawal and to support them through treatment and often well into recovery.

Guardian Recovery’s MAT Protocols

Opioids — Guardian Recovery offers detox and treatment for opioid use disorders involving substances such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, heroin, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), oxymorphone (Opana), and more. 

While each treatment plan is customized to the unique needs of each individual, our facilities may employ medications such as Suboxone or Subutex as part of MAT. Both of these pharmaceuticals contain buprenorphine, which is an opioid partial agonist that helps satisfy the brain’s cravings and limit severe opioid withdrawal symptoms without producing a high. Suboxone is buprenorphine combined with naloxone, the latter of which is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids at the receptor sites, making it difficult to misuse.(3) 

Non-narcotic pain relievers, sleep medications, anti-anxiety medications, and holistic treatment methods may also be employed as supportive measures during opioid withdrawal. Following detox, medications such as naltrexone (Vivitrol) may be used to combat cravings and block the euphoric and sedative effects of some opioids.(4)

Alcohol — Alcohol withdrawal is one of the only types of withdrawal (in addition to benzodiazepine withdrawal) that can be life-threatening. This is because the central nervous system can go into shock when individuals suddenly stop or dramatically reduce alcohol use without medical supervision. In fact, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include tremors, hallucinations (both auditory and visual), and grand mal seizures.(5) 

At Guardian Recovery, we often treat alcohol withdrawal with a mild benzodiazepine such as Librium, which can help to calm the central nervous system and allow individuals to wean off alcohol slowly. (Additional treatment options are available for liver-compromised patients.) To combat cravings and prevent relapse, disulfiram can also be used.

Benzodiazepines — Guardian Recovery offers evidence-based detox and treatment for misuse of benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and Triazolam (Halcion). Often, we employ a taper method to wean people off the substance; however, given the potential effects of benzodiazepine withdrawal, it’s important to seek medical guidance whenever use is stopped or significantly reduced.  

Stimulants — There are currently no FDA-approved medications to treat withdrawal from stimulants such as methamphetamine, cocaine, Adderall, Ritalin, Dexedrine, Concerta, bath salts, and more. However, during detox, we offer supportive care, including over-the-counter pain relievers, non-narcotic sleep aids, anti-anxiety medications, and, in some cases, antipsychotic medications.

Anxiety During Withdrawal

Withdrawal is often accompanied by anxiety and occasionally by panic attacks. At Guardian Recovery, we employ non-addictive pharmaceuticals such as Vistaril or clonidine to ease anxiety. For more acute cases, we occasionally use Ativan. All of these medications are used temporarily to ease withdrawal symptoms.