If you struggle with substance abuse and want help to stop using but can’t take time away from your daily responsibilities, it’s time to learn about medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Karen Hanks, MD, and the compassionate team at Priority Health offer MAT to adults living in and around Union City, Tennessee. MAT includes medications that stop cravings and withdrawal symptoms and therapy that supports your long-term recovery. To learn more about MAT, call the office or book an appointment online today.
request an appointmentWhat is medication-assisted treatment?
MAT treats substance use disorders, including alcohol dependence and opioid addictions, using a combination of medication and therapy.
The team at Priority Health prescribes medications that are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for outpatient treatment. As a result, you can receive MAT without taking the time or going to the expense of inpatient treatment.
Am I a good candidate for medication-assisted treatment?
The MAT program at Priority Health can treat any substance use disorder with medications approved by the FDA for outpatient use. However, the MAT medications currently available primarily treat two substance use problems:
Opioid addiction
The team at Priority Health offers MAT for people addicted to any type of opioid. They use a medication called Suboxone® to stop your cravings and withdrawal symptoms as you detox from the drug. You can also receive Suboxone and other medications to prevent cravings during your recovery.
Alcohol dependence
Several FDA-approved medications are available for treating people with alcohol dependence, including naltrexone for detox and acamprosate and disulfiram to support your recovery.
What should I expect during medication-assisted treatment?
You begin MAT in the office or the Suboxone Clinic at Priority Health. The team closely monitors your first treatment and makes sure you have the best dose for preventing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
You keep taking your medication at home while going to the clinic for follow-up appointments. Regular visits are essential for as long as you stay in MAT. This allows the team to evaluate your progress and change medications or doses as needed to support your ongoing health.
After you finish detoxing and enter recovery, you continue meeting with the team on a regular basis so they can make medication changes as needed and offer ongoing support.
Why does medication-assisted treatment include therapy?
Medications do an exceptional job of treating a physical addiction, but therapy helps you manage the habits, emotions, thoughts, and life challenges that may tempt you to start using alcohol or drugs again.
Using this whole-person approach achieves the best results. It teaches a wide range of skills needed to succeed in life and that are often challenging for people with substance use disorders.
Therapy is always personalized to meet your needs, whether that means learning to communicate with co-workers, managing anger, or improving social skills.
To learn how medication-assisted treatment can help you, call Priority Health or request an appointment online today.