Medication Assisted Treatment Center (MAT) in Mississippi
- Authored By: Defining Wellness
- Reviewed By: Dr. John Elgin Wilkaitis
- Last Updated: December 5th, 2022
Dr. John Elgin Wilkaitis
Dr. John Elgin Wilkaitis completed medical school at The University of Mississippi Medical Center and residency in general psychiatry in 2003. He completed a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 2005. Following this, he served as Chief Medical Officer for 10 years of Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare a private health system including a 105-bed hospital, residential treatment, and intensive outpatient services.
Admissions Question?
If you find yourself among the millions of people who battle with addiction and want to stop, chances are you have questions as to where to start. We’re here to help.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Evidence-based Medicine
Medication Assisted Treatment, commonly referred to as MAT, utilizes medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders. Medication in conjunction with behavioral therapies is an evidence-based method that has been proven effective in helping sustain long-term recovery. Primarily geared toward those struggling with opioids and/or alcohol abuse, MAT offers additional support that can be beneficial in the right circumstances.
Not all clients are a fit for MAT. Our clinical and medical teams work as a unit to assess each client, listening to their concerns and goals for their treatment experience. We make recommendations based on physical health, history of use, and emotional state as to whether MAT is a path to consider. Our priority is always to meet the needs of each client individually, helping them to obtain the best tools to maintain lasting recovery.
Not all clients are a fit for MAT. Our clinical and medical teams work as a unit to assess each client, listening to their concerns and goals for their treatment experience. We make recommendations based on physical health, history of use, and emotional state as to whether MAT is a path to consider. Our priority is always to meet the needs of each client individually, helping them to obtain the best tools to maintain lasting recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Unique to You
There are many differing opinions on the use of MAT in a treatment setting. Our stance at Defining Wellness Centers is that whatever is in the best interest of our client is what we will recommend. We don’t believe in a ‘one size fits all’ philosophy of treatment, and recognize that everyone’s treatment plan is going to look a bit different, as we tailor to the needs of each client. We will never push a client into something that they are uncomfortable with, as for recovery to be sustainable, clients have to be open to and willing to continue the recommendations that are implemented while in treatment.
Currently, there are three drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid dependence. Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone are all available as options and have been demonstrated to be safe and effective in combination with. When utilizing these treatments, clients are routinely re-evaluated to determine the appropriateness of continued use.
Currently, there are three drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid dependence. Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone are all available as options and have been demonstrated to be safe and effective in combination with. When utilizing these treatments, clients are routinely re-evaluated to determine the appropriateness of continued use.
Medications approved by the FDA for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence:
- Bunavail (buprenorphine and naloxone) buccal film
- Cassipa (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film
- Probuphine (buprenorphine) implant for subdermal administration
- Sublocade (buprenorphine extended‐release) injection for subcutaneous use
- Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film for sublingual or buccal use, or sublingual tablet.
- Subutex (buprenorphine) sublingual tablet
- Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets
Methadone products approved by the FDA for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence:
- Dolophine (methadone hydrochloride) tablets
- Methadose (methadone hydrochloride) oral concentrate
Naltrexone products approved by the FDA for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence:
- Vivitrol (naltrexone for extended-release injectable suspension) intramuscular
Prescribed MAT medications aid in normalizing brain chemistry, blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieving psychological cravings, and normalizing body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug. While not a path for everyone to take, for some individuals who have struggled with prolonged use of substances, MAT can provide support to help one navigate the early days of their recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment Coupled with Therapy
Defining Wellness Centers looks at all options for each client. Together, the treatment team and client will collaborate to determine a plan of action based on the client’s needs. We encourage everyone in our program to take advantage of all of the great tools at their disposal, including our Biotechnology & Wellness Lab, our holistic modalities like Yoga and Pilates, and the amazing therapeutic clinical sessions we offer, both in one-on-one and group formats.
We don’t make any recommendations lightly and weigh the pros and cons of each to best serve our clients. We’re dealing with an epidemic of epic proportions and MAT is one of the tools in our treatment arsenal to combat opioid and alcohol addiction. We would be remiss if we didn’t consider every option at our disposal and educate our clients on their choices. MAT is effective when combined with ongoing clinical therapeutic support, and we can’t stress how important it is to continue working on the issues that led to addiction in the first place. Medication can be a support in maintaining lasting sobriety, but medication alone won’t keep someone sober. Our team aids clients in making healthy decisions through all levels of care, so that they can build a healthy future for themselves. If you’re interested in learning more about MAT options at Defining Wellness Centers, call us today at
We don’t make any recommendations lightly and weigh the pros and cons of each to best serve our clients. We’re dealing with an epidemic of epic proportions and MAT is one of the tools in our treatment arsenal to combat opioid and alcohol addiction. We would be remiss if we didn’t consider every option at our disposal and educate our clients on their choices. MAT is effective when combined with ongoing clinical therapeutic support, and we can’t stress how important it is to continue working on the issues that led to addiction in the first place. Medication can be a support in maintaining lasting sobriety, but medication alone won’t keep someone sober. Our team aids clients in making healthy decisions through all levels of care, so that they can build a healthy future for themselves. If you’re interested in learning more about MAT options at Defining Wellness Centers, call us today at
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If you are ready to take the step towards a new life, call Defining Wellness today and learn more about how we can help you.
