There’s no magic cure for addiction, but there are tools that can make recovery more attainable — and one of the most notable is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This evidence-based treatment combines the use of FDA-approved medications and therapy to promote lasting recovery. At NorthStar Transitions in Boulder, Colorado, we offer MAT to help individuals struggling with opioid use disorder rebuild their lives, one step at a time.
Learn how our MAT program can help manage withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings and enhance your ability to maintain long-term sobriety, paving the way for a healthier future.
MAT is an integrated and clinically driven approach to managing opioid use disorder. It combines the use of FDA-approved medications with ongoing support and, in some cases, outpatient therapy, to help individuals get started on the road to recovery.
MAT addresses one of the main hurdles of opioid addiction — withdrawal — and enhances the ability to function normally. When used under the supervision of a doctor, it can significantly improve long-term outcomes and has been recognized for its safety and effectiveness.
"MAT offers a lifeline of sorts to those struggling with opioid addiction. It provides a clear path to recovery and helps individuals regain control of their lives."
Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) work by acting on certain opioid receptors in the brain. However, they do so in a way that provides relief from withdrawal symptoms, curbs drug cravings and blocks the high associated with other opioids, such as heroin or fentanyl.
There are three commonly used medications for treating opioid use disorder: methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. Methadone is a full agonist that binds strongly to opioid receptors and is subject to strict regulations regarding its use and administration. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist, meaning it doesn't fully activate the opioid receptors, giving it a built-in ceiling effect that reduces the risk of overdose. Naltrexone is a bit different — it is an opioid antagonist that binds to opioid receptors but does not activate them. It won’t provide relief from withdrawal symptoms but will block the euphoric and sedating effects of illicit opioids.
There is abundant evidence showing that MAT works. Some of the proven benefits of using MAT for opioid use disorder include:
Some people believe that MAT replaces one addiction with another. This is a common misconception that doesn’t reflect the reality of what MAT is or how it works. When an individual begins MAT, they move from taking opioids in an unsafe manner to a highly regulated, FDA-approved prescription medication specifically designed to treat opioid addiction.
In opioid-dependent individuals, MAT doesn’t cause the high associated with heroin, fentanyl and painkillers. Instead, medications like buprenorphine bind to opioid receptors in the brain to significantly reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings while preventing the effects of other opioids, making it easier to function normally and pursue recovery.
Medication is administered under the careful guidance of trained medical professionals. The risk of overdose is low when used as directed, and MAT has been clinically proven to reduce the likelihood of relapse. When combined with other evidence-based treatment modalities, MAT provides individuals with the stability they need to get sober and build a healthier lifestyle.
If you’ve experienced repeated relapses or find that withdrawal symptoms make it difficult to stop using opioids, MAT could provide the stability you need to progress in your recovery. Additionally, if you’re looking for a treatment method that can be integrated into your daily life without requiring extended stays at a treatment facility, MAT might be the ideal solution.
Consulting with a provider like NorthStar Transitions who specializes in addiction treatment is a crucial step in determining if MAT is suitable for you. We can assess your health history, addiction severity and recovery goals to recommend an approach tailored to your needs.
Contact Us to Get Started
At NorthStar Transitions, our MAT program is designed to support individuals on their journey to recovery. We combine the use of evidence-based medications like buprenorphine with personalized treatment plans to stabilize clients and help them develop the coping skills they need to break free from addiction and build a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Our MAT program is designed to fit seamlessly into your everyday life without interfering with ongoing responsibilities like work, school or family. Beginning treatment is the first step toward reclaiming your life, and the dedicated team at NorthStar Transitions is here to support you from start to finish, ensuring you have the tools and resources needed for a successful recovery.
At NorthStar Transitions, we pride ourselves on our team of highly skilled professionals, each dedicated to providing exceptional care and support. Our staff includes addiction specialists, licensed therapists and other healthcare professionals, all working together to help our clients succeed. Our medical team is trained in the latest medication-assisted treatment protocols, ensuring that clients receive the most effective and safest treatment options available.
Ready to explore a new path to recovery? Contact NorthStar Transitions in Boulder, Colorado, to learn more about our MAT program for opioid use. Our team is here to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your health. Start your journey toward a healthier lifestyle today by calling us at 866-407-2240 or filling out our online contact form.
