Why Medication Assisted Treatment Is Necessary For Some

Taran Goodballet is here to talk about Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT. Taran has a PharmD or Doctorate of Pharmacy. She is a licensed pharmacist and part of Camelback Integrated Health and Wellness. She is a neuropharmacology expert with extensive training in treating psychiatric disorders and patient-tailored pharmaceutical approaches. She’s passionate about helping people with mental health and continued recovery. She has intricate knowledge of polypharmacy and drug interactions and can prescribe medications and adjust dosages. 

In this interview, she shares her background and why she is passionate about mental health and recovery. We also dive into Medical Assisted Treatment and talk about what it is and how it can be used to help overcome addiction and become a bridge to wellness. We talk specifically about the three main MAT therapies consisting of buprenorphine or suboxone, methadone, and naltrexone. We discuss the importance of continued recovery and finding the underlying issues that started the addiction. We also talk about other modalities and how healing is a continuing process.  

[01:56] Starting in 1999, all pharmacists have to have a PharmD or Doctorate of Pharmacy. After that, they can get licensed as a pharmacist.  [03:09] Taran knew she was going to go into the medical field. She loved the chemistry aspect of being a pharmacist.  [04:18] She's been working in mental health care for four years. She's done pharmacology in every medical category. Taran has a lot of experience with Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT.  [06:33] Because of her childhood, doing mental health work as a pharmacist was extremely appealing to Taran. She grew up around substance abuse. [08:01] She wanted to assist people in finding help.  [09:13] She's always doing continuing education and looking for new certificates. [11:06] Anyone with a diagnosis of a substance abuse disorder, could be a candidate for medication assisted treatment. It may depend on what substance they use and the available treatments. [13:09] The three main MAT therapies are buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone.  [14:00] Naltrexone can be used for opioids, alcohol and even gambling. It binds to opioid receptors and blocks cravings.  [15:39] There should be a plan to come off of it, but it can be used long-term. [16:28] Buprenorphine or suboxone is used to help with detox and withdrawal cravings. A good candidate would be someone who uses opioids and is having cravings after withdrawing. [20:17] Taran talks about using suboxone and then starting naltrexone. They also have other comfort meds that can help with the transition. They have new modalities to help come off of the suboxone.  [22:49] There's an underlying reason why substance abuse starts. MAT is to help survive, not heal the underlying reason. They need to get in a state of mind to work on cognitive modalities to heal the underlying problems.   [26:28] Diet, nutrition, and sleep also needs to be addressed. Our nervous systems need to be protected. The brain can constantly change. Medication can help get to a point to do the work and address the underlying problems.  [29:36] Taran talks about ESKetamine and patient benefits of building new neural pathways combined with therapy. [33:50] Methadone is used at Methadone clinics. It can be a helpful harm reduction tool. Taran prefers the other modalities and their benefits. [35:50] Her vision is to help people deal with substance abuse and recovery. She knows there is beauty on the other side.  [37:10] Camelback Integrated Health and Wellness has the goal of continuing support for people who go through recovery. We offer all of the needed support to stay in recovery.  [37:54] Anyone who needs extra support with recovery or mental health is a good candidate for Camelback.  [39:27] The goal is to help people after they go through a program with continued support. [40:55] Taran shares her morning routine.  [43:40] Let us know what resonated with you! 

Links mentioned in this episode:

Camelback Recovery I Love Being Sober YouTube Taran Goodballet, PharmD LinkedIn