What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

From the Guidelines

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach for treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid and alcohol use disorders, that combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT uses FDA-approved medications to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of substances, relieve physiological cravings, and stabilize body functions. For opioid use disorder, common medications include methadone (typically 80-120 mg daily), buprenorphine (often 16-24 mg daily), and naltrexone (380 mg monthly injection or 50 mg daily oral) 1. Some key points about MAT include:

• MAT is effective because it addresses the biological aspects of addiction while psychological components are addressed through therapy 1.
• This comprehensive approach significantly reduces overdose deaths, criminal activity, and infectious disease transmission while improving treatment retention and social functioning.
• Unlike abstinence-only approaches, MAT recognizes addiction as a chronic medical condition requiring ongoing management, similar to diabetes or hypertension.
• Clinicians should offer or arrange evidence-based treatment (usually medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine or methadone in combination with behavioral therapies) for patients with opioid use disorder (recommendation category: A, evidence type: 2) 1.
• Treatment duration varies by individual needs but is often long-term, with some patients benefiting from years of medication support.
• MAT has been shown to be more effective in preventing relapse among patients with opioid use disorder, and using behavioral therapies in combination with these treatments can reduce opioid misuse and increase retention during maintenance therapy and improve compliance after detoxification 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder, however, should not be categorically denied to patients taking these drugs Medication should be prescribed in consideration of the frequency of visits. Medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a treatment approach for opioid use disorder that combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapy.

• Key components of MAT: medication, counseling, and behavioral therapy
• Goal of MAT: to help patients manage their opioid use disorder and achieve recovery
• Medications used in MAT: such as methadone and buprenorphine, which help to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings 2, 3, 3

From the Research

Definition of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a treatment approach that combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) and other substance use disorders 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
• MAT encompasses select medications that are proven effective treatments for OUD, including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone 4, 5, 6.

Components of MAT

• The components of MAT include:
  • Medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings 4, 5, 6.
  • Counseling and behavioral therapies to address the underlying causes of addiction and promote long-term recovery 4, 5, 6, 8.
  • Regular monitoring and follow-up to ensure patient safety and treatment effectiveness 5, 8.

Benefits of MAT

• MAT has been shown to be an effective treatment approach for OUD, with benefits including:
  • Reduced risk of overdose and death 4, 5.
  • Improved treatment outcomes and increased likelihood of long-term recovery 4, 5, 6.
  • Increased access to treatment, particularly in rural areas 4, 8.

Barriers to MAT

• Despite its effectiveness, MAT faces several barriers, including:
  • Stigma and misconceptions about medication-assisted treatment 7.
  • Limited availability of treatment providers and services 5, 8.
  • Regulatory requirements and restrictions on medication prescribing 8.