Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs have become popular for treating opioid use disorder. What’s the difference between MAT and MOUD? MAT programs involve medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. In contrast, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) refer to using medication as a stand-alone treatment. Understanding these concepts and their differences is essential for you or a loved one to receive the best treatment.
At Insight Into Action Therapy, we offer a medication-assisted treatment program that combines medications with therapy and counseling to treat opioid use disorder. Our program is tailored to the individual’s unique needs and includes individual and group therapy sessions. We are LGBTQ-friendly and offer nutrition education/counseling as part of our program.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use disorder, don’t wait to get help. Contact Insight Into Action Therapy today at 703.935.8544 to learn more about our MAT program and how we can help you on your journey toward recovery.
What Is MAT?
MAT is a comprehensive approach to treat OUD that includes medication and therapy. MAT works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and optimizing patient participation in other forms of treatment. It is essential to understand that MAT isn’t a substitute for addiction but a form of treatment.
What Is MOUD?
MOUD refers to any medication used specifically to treat OUD. This medication can be used as part of MAT or as a stand-alone treatment. The medications used for MOUD such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone work by suppressing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. These benefits can increase patient participation in other forms of treatment.
Differences Between MAT and MOUD
MAT and MOUD are often used interchangeably, but they are different concepts. The former includes medication-assisted treatment and psychotherapy, while MOUD only involves medication use. MAT can be seen as an umbrella term encompassing MOUD. In MAT, the medication used is not the only treatment method employed, while MOUD relies solely on medication to treat opioid use disorder.
An essential factor that sets MAT apart from MOUD is its comprehensive approach to treating SUDs. MAT reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms and helps build coping mechanisms and life skills to maintain abstinence. MAT is more effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, providing a holistic approach to treating opioid use disorder.
On the other hand, MOUD as a stand-alone treatment may not address the underlying issues that lead to opioid use disorder. Patients using MOUD may need to continue using it for extended periods of time, whereas MAT may be used for shorter periods.
How Insight Into Action Therapy Can Help
At Insight Into Action Therapy, we strive to provide comprehensive care to our clients with SUDs. We offer both medication-assisted treatment and stand-alone medication options. Our clinicians work with clients to determine the best course of treatment for them. The MAT program utilizes medication, counseling, and psychotherapy techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy.
We also offer MOUD stand-alone treatment options to achieve withdrawal and maintenance of abstinence. Our MOUD stand-alone options include buprenorphine and naltrexone.
We provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to recover from OUD and other SUDs. Our clinicians ensure that clients receive the right treatment options while maintaining confidentiality and respect for their privacy.
Enroll in MAT or MOUD Today at Insight Into Action Therapy
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use disorder, please contact us today to start on the path toward recovery. We use a comprehensive approach to treatment that to help you or your loved one achieve a successful recovery. Our team of expert clinicians is here to help, so please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today at 703.935.8544 or online to take the first step toward recovery.
