Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment: What You Need to Know
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. Learn how MAT works and why it is considered the gold standard in addiction treatment.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment, commonly referred to as MAT, is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders. It combines the use of FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a comprehensive, whole-person approach to recovery.
MAT is primarily used to treat opioid use disorders (including addiction to prescription painkillers and heroin) and alcohol use disorders. The medications used in MAT are prescribed by licensed medical providers and are carefully monitored throughout the course of treatment.
How Does MAT Work?
The medications used in MAT work by normalizing brain chemistry, blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, relieving physiological cravings, and stabilizing body functions without the negative effects of the abused substance. This allows individuals to focus on the behavioral and psychological aspects of their recovery.
Common medications used in MAT include buprenorphine (often prescribed as Suboxone), naltrexone, and methadone. Each medication works differently, and the choice of medication depends on the individual patient, their history, and their specific clinical needs.
Why Is MAT Effective?
Research consistently shows that MAT is one of the most effective treatments for opioid use disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT has been shown to:
- Reduce opioid use and opioid-related overdose deaths
- Increase treatment retention
- Improve social functioning
- Reduce criminal activity among people with substance use disorders
- Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant
MAT Is Not Replacing One Addiction with Another
One of the most common misconceptions about MAT is that it simply replaces one drug with another. This is not accurate. The medications used in MAT are carefully prescribed and monitored by medical professionals. They are designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms so that individuals can participate fully in counseling and therapy.
When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, MAT medications help restore balance to brain circuits affected by addiction, allowing the brain to heal while the individual works on the behavioral aspects of recovery.
Getting Started with MAT at Integrative Recovery Care
At Integrative Recovery Care, our MAT program is delivered by licensed medical providers in a structured outpatient setting. We combine medication management with individual and group counseling to give our clients the best possible foundation for lasting recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, contact us to learn more about how MAT can help. Call us at (304) 521-2551 or submit an intake form through our website.