Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction: A Guide

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Despite its effectiveness, MAT remains underutilized for opioid addiction treatment.

Understanding MAT

What Is MAT?

Medication-assisted treatment involves:

• FDA-approved medications
• Combined with counseling
• Behavioral therapies
• Whole-patient approach
• Evidence-based effectiveness

Why MAT Matters

The treatment gap is significant:

• Fewer than 1 in 5 people with opioid use disorder receive MAT
• Highly effective when available
• Reduces mortality significantly
• Improves treatment outcomes
• Decreases criminal activity

How Effective is MAT?

Mortality Reduction

MAT saves lives:

• Patients had 59% lower risk of dying from opioid overdose
• MAT recipients cut risk of death from all causes in half
• Prevents fatal overdoses
• Stabilizes brain chemistry
• Allows focus on recovery

Relapse Prevention

Without MAT, outcomes are poor:

• 59% relapsed within one week after detox alone
• MAT dramatically improves retention
• Patients on MAT 15+ months showed significantly lower relapse rates
• Long-term treatment produces best outcomes

Additional Benefits

MAT also:

• Decreases opioid use
• Reduces criminal activity
• Improves employment
• Enhances social functioning
• Decreases infectious disease transmission

FDA-Approved Medications

Methadone

How it works:

• Full opioid agonist
• Prevents withdrawal and cravings
• Long-acting (24+ hours)
• Dispensed daily at clinics
• Highly effective for severe addiction

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Characteristics:

• Partial opioid agonist
• Lower overdose risk
• Can be prescribed by qualified physicians
• Taken at home (after stabilization)
• Combined with naloxone to deter misuse

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

How it works:

• Opioid antagonist (blocks effects)
• No abuse potential
• Monthly injection available
• Requires complete detox first
• Good for motivated individuals

Dispelling MAT Myths

Myth: "MAT Is Just Substituting One Drug for Another"

Reality:

• MAT medications are FDA-approved treatments
• They normalize brain chemistry
• Taken as prescribed, they don't produce euphoria
• Similar to treating diabetes with insulin
• Part of comprehensive treatment

Myth: "You're Not Really Sober on MAT"

Reality:

• MAT stabilizes brain function
• Allows normal daily functioning
• Removes obsessive drug-seeking
• Supports recovery activities
• Many recover successfully with MAT

Myth: "MAT Should Only Be Short-Term"

Reality:

• Duration should be individualized
• Some need long-term or indefinite treatment
• Stopping too soon increases relapse risk
• 15+ months shows best outcomes
• Treatment decisions made with patient

Myth: "MAT Isn't Real Treatment"

Reality:

• MAT is evidence-based medicine
• Supported by decades of research
• Endorsed by major medical organizations
• Most effective treatment available
• Combines medication with therapy

Getting Started with MAT

Finding Treatment

Access options:

• SAMHSA treatment locator
• Primary care physicians (buprenorphine)
• Opioid treatment programs (methadone)
• Addiction specialists
• Hospital-based programs

What to Expect

Treatment process:

• Comprehensive assessment
• Medication selection based on needs
• Counseling and behavioral therapy
• Regular monitoring
• Ongoing support

Final Thoughts

Medication-assisted treatment represents the most effective approach for opioid addiction, significantly reducing overdose deaths and improving outcomes. Despite persistent myths, MAT is evidence-based medicine that saves lives.

Amity Behavioral Health offers MAT as part of comprehensive opioid addiction treatment. Contact us to learn about your options.