Date of Award

2025

Degree Name

Healthcare Administration

College

College of Business

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Alberto Coustasse, Dr.PH. MD, MBA, MPH

Abstract

Introduction: The opioid crisis had a profound impact on public health across the United States and West Virginia, with overdose deaths reaching unprecedented levels by 2021. Traditional abstinence-only rehabilitation programs demonstrated limited success, largely due to high relapse rates and insufficient mental health support. These programs often overlooked the complex relationship between opioid addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are common among those with substance use disorders. In contrast, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), when supplemented with behavioral therapies and antidepressant medications, has shown greater success in improving recovery outcomes and reducing relapse rates. This study examined relevant literature and incorporated expert interviews to evaluate how integrated treatment approaches improve recovery rates and reduce opioid relapse.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with behavioral therapy and antidepressants in improving recovery rates, reducing relapse, and enhancing mental health outcomes among individuals with opioid use disorder.

Methodology: This study utilized a literature review combined with a semi-structured expert interview. Three university databases—PubMed, ProQuest, and EBSCOhost—were searched, which identified 3,636 sources. After applying inclusion criteria focused on the opioid epidemic in the United States and West Virginia, 36 sources were selected, with 14 included in the results section. The literature review was supplemented by expert insights to provide a comprehensive evaluation of Medication-Assisted Treatment and mental health therapy in opioid addiction recovery.

Results: The research demonstrated that combining Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with behavioral therapy substantially improved recovery outcomes compared to MAT alone or traditional abstinence programs. Patients receiving both MAT and therapy demonstrated higher quality of life, greater reductions in opioid use, and better mental health outcomes, including decreased depression and anxiety symptoms. Treatment retention rates and recovery success were significantly higher in programs incorporating therapy, while abstinence-only approaches resulted in higher relapse rates.

Discussion/Conclusion: The findings demonstrated that combining Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with behavioral therapy and antidepressants was associated with improved recovery rates, reduced relapse, and better mental health outcomes. However, outcomes varied depending on treatment duration and specific therapy components. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of integrated treatment approaches as patient needs and healthcare practices continue to evolve.

Subject(s)

Health services administration.

Health facilities -- Business management.

Drug addiction -- Treatment.

Drug addiction -- Rehabilitation.

Drug addiction -- Relapse.

Opioids.

Anxiety -- Mental health.

Mental health.

Behavior therapy -- Treatment.

Depression, Mental.

Antidepressants -- Treatment.

West Virginia.

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