A doctor in a laptop screen surrounded by medication-assisted treatment for meth

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Meth Addiction

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines prescriptions medications with counseling and therapy to overcome meth addiction. Your healthcare provider wants to give you the best chance at recovery and may recommend MAT as part of your personalized plan.

The medications ease the physical battles, while counseling supports your mental and emotional healing. With MAT, you have a compassionate, well-rounded system to help you reclaim your life.

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What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder, and nicotine addiction. Recently, this treatment is being increasingly used to treat methamphetamine use disorder (MUD), with promising results.

How does MAT work?

MAT combines specific medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to support your whole recovery. It is an effective and clinically proven method that is widely used by healthcare professionals.

What does MAT do?

The goal of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is to stabilize your brain chemistry and reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, so you can focus on staying sober without the discomfort of these symptoms.

Medication for Meth Addiction Treatment

A placebo-controlled trial has shown that naltrexone and bupropion – which are currently used to treat other addiction disorders and conditions – can also work for methamphetamine addiction.

Although the FDA has not cleared medications for meth addiction treatment yet, you can still benefit from MAT by working with a healthcare provider. At Eleanor Health, we can develop a personalized prescription plan that addresses your unique needs.

It’s important you speak with a licensed professional before taking medication for substance use for appropriate dosage, frequency, and reduced negative side effects.

A man looks at his Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) prescription

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a medication used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. Recent research shows promising results using naltrexone to treat meth addiction. It works by blocking the rewarding effects of these drugs in your brains. This reduces cravings and helps you stay sober. Naltrexone has been used in combination with Bupropion for more effective results.

Bupropion

Bupropion is a medication that is commonly used to treat depression and aid people who want to quit smoking. It works by modulating your neurotransmitter levels. This has a positive effect on your mood, and may reduce cravings. It has shown promise during MAT clinical trials to treat meth addiction.

Other Medications

Other medications are being tested to help people with methamphetamine use disorder:

Topiramate can reduce cravings by increasing GABA, a calming neurotransmitter in the brain.
Ibudilast reduces brain inflammation, which might help with withdrawal symptoms.
Methylphenidate boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, improving concentration.
Modafinil influences brain chemicals to help keep you awake and alert.

Benefits of MAT for Meth Addiction

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can offer many benefits to help you overcome meth addiction. The positive effects of these medications support your physical and mental recovery, making it easier for you to quit and stay off meth.

1. Reduces Cravings: Medications can help you manage and reduce the intense cravings for methamphetamine, making it easier to avoid using the drug.

2. Eases Withdrawal Symptoms: MAT can help you feel more comfortable by easing the physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that occur when you stop using methamphetamine.

3. Improves Mood and Stability: Some medications can help stabilize your mood and improve overall mental health, which can be affected by methamphetamine use.

4. Supports Long-Term Recovery: By reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, MAT makes it easier for you to stay in treatment and work towards long-term recovery.

5. Reduces Risk of Relapse: With fewer cravings and better mood stability, you’re less likely to relapse and return to using methamphetamine.

6. Enhances Overall Well-Being: MAT helps you improve your daily functioning, relationships, and ability to work, leading to a better quality of life.

Sound like Eleanor Health might be right for you?

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What to Expect

What you can expect when getting started with MAT treatment at Eleanor Health.

A provider speaks with an Eleanor Health care team member to refer their patient for addiction treatment

step 1

A call with our team at no cost to you

We will chat with you about our program and make sure it is the right fit for you. This call is judgment-free, private, and secure. We will ask you questions, such as: What health concerns are you calling about? Are there any barriers preventing you from receiving care? What insurance do you have?

step 2

Book your first appointment

If we sound like a good fit, we will schedule your first appointment in your first call. In most cases, we can see you within 2 days, if not the same day or next day. This appointment can be virtual or in-person based on your preference. Depending on your insurance, it could also be at no cost to you.

Person attends a virtual therapy appointment

step 3

Your first appointment

At your first appointment, you will meet with a care team member who will create your customized treatment plan. The care team member could be a nurse, a doctor, a therapist or a care coordinator depending on your specific needs.

step 4

The journey to feeling better

Depending on your needs we will schedule your next appointments and ensure you are getting the right care. Aspects of this journey include: therapy, prescription refills, peer coaching, health coaching, and on-going support to truly get better.

Commonly Asked Questions

What medications treat meth addiction?

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for meth addiction, but several have shown promise in treating it, including:

Bupropion: Helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone: Reduces cravings and blocks the effects of meth.
Combination of Bupropion and Naltrexone: Has shown effectiveness in reducing meth use.
Methylphenidate, Modafinil, Ibudilast, and Topiramate: These are also being studied for their potential benefits in treating meth addiction.

MAT can be incredibly helpful in your recovery journey, and healthcare providers can still help you recover from your meth addiction with MAT as research moves forward.

Will my insurance cover these medications?

Insurance coverage for medications used in MAT can vary depending on your insurance plan and provider. Because the FDA has not yet approved medications to treat meth addiction as part of MAT, coverage might be limited. However, these drugs have been tested and approved for clinical use, so your healthcare provider can still prescribe them if your condition warrants them.

Eleanor Health accepts most major insurance plans. We have partnered with Aetna, Wellpoint, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, and United Healthcare. If you have a different insurance, we can work with your out-of-network benefits to ensure you still benefit from your plan.

Call us or use our insurance verification form to get in contact with our staff. One of our specialists will reach out to you to discuss what your insurance may cover and additional payment options.

Does Medication for Addiction Treatment work?

Yes, Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) has been proven to be effective for many substance use disorders. MAT reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to focus on recovery. Combining medications with counseling and behavioral therapies provides a comprehensive approach to treatment, improving the chances of long-term recovery.