Bshs 455 - Treatment Approaches

Treatment approaches

By

Jessica Sheehan, Lisa Mendez, Maleka Smith, Nancy Gatny, Natalie Arista, and Rebecca Bake

Latera Davis

BSHS/455

November 16, 2015

Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.

1. MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioid.

1. Prescribed MAT medications is used for a number of reasons.

1. Normalizing brain chemistry.
2. Blocks euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids.
3. Relieves physiological cravings.
4. Normalizing body functions without negative effects of the abused drug.

1. Opioid Treatment Plan (OTPs)

1. OTPs focuses on improving the quality of those receiving treatment.

1. OPTs provides a range of services.

1. Reduces, eliminates, or prevents the use of illicit drugs.
2. Helps to decrease any potential criminal activity.

1. Medications used in MAT.

1. Methadone.

1. Tricks the brain into thinking it is still getting the abused drug.

1. The person is not getting high and feels normal, so withdrawal does not occur.
2. It is the only drug used in MAT approved for women who are breastfeeding or pregnant.

1. Buprenorphine

1. Suppresses and reduces cravings.

1. Comes in pill or sublingual tablet form.

1. Naltrexone

1. Blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of the drug.

1. Prevents feelings of euphoria if the patient relapses.

1. Alcohol use disorder medications.

1. Disulfiram

1. Treats chronic alcoholism.
2. Effective in people who have gone through detoxification or in the abstinence stage.
3. Should not be taken while intoxicated, or within 12 hours after ingestion of alcohol.

1. Side effects will occur within 10 minutes after alcohol ingestion.

1. Nausea.
2. Headache.
3. Vomiting.
4. Chest pains.
5. Difficulty breathing.

1. Acamprosate

1. Used by those who have stopped drinking and want to avoid drinking.
2. Does not prevent withdrawal symptoms after people drinking alcohol.
3. Is used on the fifth day of abstinence, with a full effectiveness in five to eight days.
4. Offered in tablet form, taken by mouth three times per day, at the same time daily.

1. Side effects.

1. Diarrhea.
2. Upset stomach.
3. Appetite loss.
4. Anxiety.
5. Dizziness.
6. Difficulty sleeping.

1. Naltrexone

1. Blocks the euphoric effects and feelings of intoxication.

1. Reduces drinking behaviors.
2. Helps aid in avoidance of a relapse.

A common misconception associated with MAT is that it substitutes one drug for another. The truth is, the medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. MAT programs provide a safe and controlled level of medication to overcome the use of abused opioids. There are no adverse effect on a person when provided at the proper dosage.

Reference:

McNeece, C. A., & DiNitto, D. M. (2012). Chemical Dependency: A Systems Approach (4th ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection Database.