Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with behavioral health therapies such as counseling. The goal of medication assisted treatment is to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.
MAT is a combined treatment pathway including both pharmacological and behavioral healthcare for substance use disorders. It has been shown to reduce drug use, rates of disease that may be associated with drug use, as well as overdoses. It has also been shown to promote recovery among individuals with opioid- and other substance use disorders.
MAT has also been shown to:
- Increase treatment retention rates: individuals are likely to stay in treatment due to the tailored approach that the combination of medication and behavioral health are able to provide.
- Decrease criminal activity related to substance use: criminal activity, arrests, probation violations/revocations, and rates of reincarceration are shown to be lower among individuals receiving MAT.
- It may also increase individuals’ ability to gain or maintain employment.
Medication Assisted Treatment can be used as a treatment method for individuals who have opioid use disorders (often referred to as Medication for Opioid Use Disorder or MOUD) as well as individuals who have alcohol use disorders (AUD).
There are multiple FDA-approved medications that can be used for MAT; individuals will work with their provider to determine which medication is the best fit for them and their recovery.
- Naltrexone: Opioid antagonist that blocks the euphoric highs and sedative effects of opioids as well as reducing cravings. Naltrexone can be prescribed outside of an OTP; any provider with the ability to prescribe medication can prescribe naltrexone. (Primary Care Providers Can Prescribe with Confidence | FDA)
Sources: