Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Teens & Adolescents
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Overview
The withdrawal process is often the first barrier to treatment for teens. The uncomfortable and dangerous symptoms that come from the withdrawal process can keep many from beginning their recovery journey. Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is an option for adolescents to alleviate many of these uncomfortable symptoms.
If an adolescent you love could benefit from a MAT program, contact Guardian Recovery today. Our medical and clinical staff are highly trained in the safe and effective administration of MAT. Each of our nationwide facilities operates at the highest standards of care.
What Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication Assisted Treatment is the broad term used to describe the treatment of a substance use disorder that involves prescription medications as a method of treatment. Though it can take on many forms, MAT is generally used for the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders. These medications are specifically designed to address physical and mental symptoms of a substance use disorder.
The detox and long-term recovery process can be particularly challenging for those with opioid use disorders. This is partially because drug cravings frequently persist beyond detox. Without MAT, these cravings can be overwhelming, and may lead to relapse. Some individuals in recovery for opioid use disorder find that incorporating the use of prescription medications helps aid the transition to complete abstinence.
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The Role of MAT in Adolescent & Teen Substance Use Treatment
Teens seeking substance use treatment face a unique set of challenges. Physiological development, treatment motivation, and social functioning are all areas that can impact adolescents in their own way. Incorporating MAT as a method of treatment can alleviate many of the physical and psychological barriers that teens will have to overcome in treatment. This will help to ensure that program participants have a higher chance of long term success in treatment.
Detox & Medication Assisted Treatment for Withdrawal
If someone frequently uses a substance, their body will adapt to its presence. When use of the substance is abruptly stopped, their body will begin the process of readjusting to the absence of that substance. This process is known as withdrawal, and it frequently involves uncomfortable side effects. These side effects can be both physical and psychological in nature, and often require a short stay in an inpatient detox facility.
MAT utilizes specific medications designed to limit the uncomfortable symptoms that can come with this process. They interact with the brain and body in order to make the process of managing these withdrawal symptoms easier.
Medications Used to Treat Substance Use Disorder (SUD) & Dependence
MAT can be tailored to the specific needs of each participant. Different substances will result in a variety of side effects associated with their withdrawal.
Opioid Dependence
The most common application of MAT is in the treatment of opioid use disorders. Opioid misuse can involve prescription opioids as well as illicit opioids like heroin.
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Frequently used medications for the opioid MAT process include:
- Subutex A partial opioid agonist intended to satisfy the brain’s craving for an opioid and allows the person to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Suboxone Another commonly used opioid agonist containing Naloxone, a medication that reverses the effect of opioid use.
- Vivitrol Mitigates cravings associated with opioid misuse after the detox process has been completed.
Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol withdrawal is one of the only types of withdrawal that can be life-threatening. This is because the central nervous system goes into shock when alcohol use is suddenly stopped. Alcohol withdrawal can produce tremors, hallucinations and grand Mal seizures.
Frequently used medications for the alcohol MAT process include:
- Librium This medication allows for the central nervous system to remain calm allowing the body to slowly wean off of alcohol.
- Serax This medication is similar to Librium in its effect, but places less stress on the liver.
- Antabuse (Disulfiram) This medication is intended to prevent the body from metabolizing alcohol and leading to the “drunk” feeling.
Benzodiazepine Dependence
Benzodiazepines belong to a class of medications known as sedative-hypnotics. These substances are typically prescribed for anxiety and sleep related disorders, but can be potentially life threatening when abruptly stopped. Typical protocols for detoxing from benzodiazepine dependence involve replacing the substance of choice with a safe alternative and slowly tapering the dose down until it is safe to stop completely.
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These medications can include:
- Clonazepam This benzodiazepine will have similar effects to others but possesses a longer half life. This will help ease the user’s withdrawal symptoms.
- Diazepam This medication also carries a long half life and is often used as a replacement to Clonazepam if it is unavailable.
Stimulant Dependence
There are currently no approved medications for the treatment of stimulant dependence. Typically the withdrawal symptoms for stimulant dependence are more mild than those of other substances and can be addressed through proper sleep and nutrition.
Are MAT Medications Safe & Effective for Young Adults?
All medications prescribed by a medical professional for use in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that they are appropriately produced and tested for efficacy. Though there is the possibility for negative side effects, all MAT is monitored by a medical professional for this purpose.
Medication-Assisted Treatment as a First Step to a Treatment & Recovery Program
MAT can be a great first step in recovery. The withdrawal process can be a difficult barrier to overcome. The medications administered throughout MAT will decrease the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Choosing MAT as a first step in treatment will decrease the apprehension associated with the withdrawal process and help to ensure follow-through with the subsequent steps in the treatment.
