Medication Assisted Treatment
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is the combination of medication, counseling and behavioral therapy for the treatment of substance use disorder. Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can help treat substance use disorder successfully and help sustain recovery for people struggling with addiction.
MAT is also used to prevent or reduce opioid overdose. It is used primarily for addiction to opioids such heroin and prescription pain medication that contain opiates. The medication used for medication assisted treatment functions to normalize brain chemistry, block euphoria and relieve physiological cravings. It allows the body to function without negative and euphoric effects. Research shows that MAT has reduced the need for inpatient detox, improve patient survival, increase retention in treatment, decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders, increase the ability to acquire and maintain employment and improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorder and are pregnant.
The FDA has approved several medications to treat alcohol and opiate use disorders. These medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings. Medications used for MAT are evidence-based treatment options and do not just substitute one drug for another. Common medications used to treat alcohol disorder include Acamprosate, disulfiram (Antabuse), and naltrexone. They do not cure alcohol use disorder, but are most effective in people who participate in a MAT program. Buprenoprhine and Naltrexone are used to treat opioid use disorders to opioids including heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. The medications used for medication assisted treatment are safe to use for months, years or even a lifetime.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (Last Updated: 11/29/2021). Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)US Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment
