Neurowellness Clinic
Kent Smalley, M.D.
Addiction Medicine Specialist & Behavioral Neurology located in Edmond, OK
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) helps you overcome an opioid addiction through a program that combines medications with counseling or behavioral therapy. As a specialist in addiction treatment and wellness, Kent Smalley, MD, at Neurowellness Clinic offers comprehensive MAT in the comfort of his office in Edmond, Oklahoma. With Dr. Smalley’s ongoing support and medications to stop withdrawal symptoms and cravings, you can move forward into recovery and an opioid-free life. To take the first step, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.
Medication Assisted Treatment Q & A
What is medication-assisted treatment?
The dual approach of MAT — combining medication with therapy — is highly effective because medications manage your withdrawal from opioids, but they don’t help you with the psychological, social, and behavioral challenges associated with opioid addiction.
Including therapy as an integral part of your MAT gives you the tools to produce long-lasting changes that support your ongoing recovery. The goal of MAT is to provide comprehensive support so you can achieve optimal wellness and return to a thriving, drug-free life.
What medications are used during my treatment?
Several medications are available to prevent withdrawal symptoms, reduce or stop cravings, and block the effects of opioids. They make it possible to stop taking opioids without physical suffering, and in the process, they help normalize your brain chemicals.
The medications typically used during MAT include:
- Buprenorphine
- Naloxone
- Suboxone®
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
Of these medications, Suboxone is often preferred for short-acting opioids like heroin and prescription painkillers.
What should I expect during treatment with Suboxone?
Suboxone contains two medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine treats withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone blocks and reverses the effects of opioids.
Treatment with Suboxone is provided in Dr. Smalley’s office, where he closely monitors your health throughout your MAT. You take the first dose of Suboxone when you’re in a state of mild-to-moderate withdrawal.
After your cravings stop, you enter a maintenance phase. You continue to take Suboxone as long as necessary to ensure you’re free of withdrawal symptoms and uncontrollable cravings.
Dr. Smalley works closely with you to determine when you can start to discontinue Suboxone therapy. When the time is right, he slowly tapers down the dose. If you feel like you might relapse or your cravings return at any time, Dr. Smalley can restart your Suboxone to keep you on track.
Why is therapy an important part of MAT?
Like all chronic health conditions, addiction can be managed to maintain your health, but it can’t be cured. Everyone with a chronic condition needs to learn how to properly manage their disease.
When your disease is substance abuse, management means participating in therapy so you can learn to control the habits, emotions, and circumstances that trigger your drug use.