Substance Misuse can be treated using research-based methods. Treatment enables people to counteract the disruptive effects of substance misuse on their brain and live a healthy and productive life. Much like other chronic diseases such as asthma, substance use treatment is not a cure but a way of managing the condition. A person that has entered treatment for substance misuse is also known as being in recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is a combination of medication, counseling, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is considered the most effective method of treatment for opioid misuse. MAT is the combination of three FDA-approved medications paired with counseling that often utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy. The three most common opioid medications are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Each MAT medication works differently to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms and/or block opioids’ euphoric effects on the brain depending on whether they are opioid agonists or antagonists. Patients will respond differently to the various medications, and it is recommended that an individual consult with a healthcare provider to find the right form of treatment for them. Just like treatment for any medical condition it’s unlikely that the same exact treatment plan will work for everyone.
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist, so it reduces the opioid craving while blocking the euphoric effects of the opioid. This medication must be provided under the supervision of a health professional.
What happens when a person experiences a setback?
A setback, often referred to as a relapse (learn more about person-first language here) occurs when a person begins misusing substances after an attempt to stop. Recovery is not a linear process for everyone and some may experience setbacks as part of their recovery. This is also similar to other chronic illnesses in that if a person stops following their treatment plan, they may be more likely to have a setback. Newer treatment options have been developed to reduce setbacks.
NIDA. 2023, September 25. Treatment and Recovery. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery on 2024, July 29
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