MAT

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use or opioid abuse disorders.  MAT bridges the biological and behavioral components of addiction. This combination is effective in the treatment of substance use disorders and can help some people sustain recovery.
  • How does MAT work?

    MAT can work one of two ways. We can give people opiates that activate the same receptors but are absorbed into the blood over a longer period of time preventing withdrawl symptoms and breaking the psychological link between taking a drug and immediately feeling high. We can also give someone a non-opioid drug that sits on those same receptors and blocks them, so if they relaspse, they won't feel anything.

  • Is medication assisted treatment effective?

    Studies have shown that using MAT the outcomes are much better. It decreases the risk of relapse .  MAT also helps to prevent overdoses from occurring after recovery. Even a single use of opioids after detox can result in a

    life-threatening or even fatal overdose.

  • is MAT better than abstinence?

    MAT is evidence-based and is the recommended

    course of treatment for opioid addiction. American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, American Medical Association, The National Institute on Drug Abuse, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies emphasize MAT as first line treatment.

  • What medications are used in medication assisted treatment?

    Medication assisted treatment is the use of anti-craving medicine such as naltrexone (Vivitrol), buprenorphine (Suboxone) or methadone. They uses these types of medication along with comprehensive therapy and support to help address issues related to opioid dependence, including withdrawl, cravings and relapse prevention.