Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. MAT is considered the gold standard for opioid addiction and is also effective for alcohol use disorder.
FDA-Approved MAT Medications
For opioid addiction:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade) — A partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal without producing significant euphoria. Can be prescribed by qualified physicians in office settings. Available as sublingual film, tablet, or monthly injection.
- Methadone — A full opioid agonist administered through federally regulated clinics (OTPs). Requires daily in-person dosing initially, with take-home privileges earned over time. Most effective for severe opioid addiction.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol) — An opioid antagonist that blocks opioid effects entirely. Available as daily oral tablet or monthly injection. Requires complete opioid detox before initiation. Eliminates the possibility of opioid euphoria.
For alcohol addiction:
- Naltrexone — Reduces alcohol cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking. Available oral or injectable.
- Acamprosate (Campral) — Helps restore brain chemistry disrupted by chronic alcohol use. Reduces post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) — Causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed. Acts as a deterrent rather than addressing cravings directly.
The Evidence for MAT
MAT is the most rigorously studied treatment for opioid addiction, with decades of clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness. Studies consistently show that MAT reduces opioid use by 50-80% compared to abstinence-based approaches, cuts overdose death rates by more than half, decreases criminal activity and infectious disease transmission, and improves employment and social functioning.
Despite this evidence, MAT remains controversial in some recovery communities. Critics argue it "replaces one drug with another." This view is medically inaccurate — MAT medications, when properly dosed, do not produce impairment and allow normal functioning. The stigma against MAT is one of the most significant barriers to effective addiction treatment in the United States.
MAT Is Not Just Medication
The "assisted" in MAT is important. Medication alone is less effective than medication combined with counseling. Quality MAT programs include individual and group therapy, regular clinical assessments, drug testing, case management, and connection to support groups. The medication stabilizes brain chemistry while therapy addresses the behavioral and psychological aspects of addiction.
Duration of Treatment
There is no predetermined endpoint for MAT. Some patients take medication for months, others for years, and some for life. NIDA and SAMHSA guidelines recommend that MAT duration be individualized based on clinical need. Premature discontinuation of MAT medications is associated with high relapse rates.
Find MAT providers in your area by browsing our state directory or calling (855) 392-7460.