Learning library
Medications for addiction treatment
What is medication assisted treatment (MAT)?

What is medication assisted treatment (MAT)?

Medication assisted treatment is a type of recovery treatment for people suffering from an addiction. It...

Medication assisted treatment is a type of recovery treatment for people suffering from an addiction. It usually entails them being prescribed a controlled course of methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone and is often accompanied by counselling or group therapy. There are unfortunately a lot of misconceptions that fly around about MAT, partly due to the prevalence of abstinence-based treatment programs. Critics argue that MAT replaces an addiction to one substance for an addiction to another.

However, that is not the case. Participants in MAT programs receive a controlled dose of methadone or buprenorphine which is enough to curb cravings and withdrawal without the high they would get from a larger dose. Research has shown that when provided at the proper dose, medications used in MAT have no adverse effects on a person’s intelligence, mental capability, physical functioning, or employability.

Buprenorphine has become particularly popular as a treatment because it is safer than methadone. MAT is an internationally recognized form of treatment and significantly reduces the risk of overdose and death in the patient. It is a great option of treatment for people with a severe opioid use disorder who want to stop using opioids but struggle going cold turkey.

There is still a lack of access to MAT programs in the US, and availability can depend on the state you live in or your level of healthcare coverage. Unfortunately, stigma has resulted in political barriers that might have made these services easier to access, but they are regarded as being very effective by many medical experts. They are also a lot cheaper than going to an inpatient rehab facility.

🗓️
Book with Confidant

Book with a vetted Confidant Health provider

Book appointment
This article has been medically reviewed by
Erin Hillers
Erin Hillers
Erin Hillers
Nurse Practitioner

Erin is a Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of experience in midwifery and women's health. She has spent the past 5 years specializing in the treatment of opioid and alcohol use disorders.

Book appointment
👍
Recommended reading
5 mins
read time
Can you get Naltrexone Without a Prescription?
2 mins
read time
Can You Overdose on Naltrexone?
2 mins
read time
Can You Buy Naltrexone Over The Counter?
5 mins
read time
Can You Take Naltrexone While Pregnant?
5 mins
read time
Common Opioid Treatment Programs and How They Work
5 mins
read time
Do Naltrexone Side Effects Go Away?
2 mins
read time
Does Gabapentin Help with Opioid Withdrawal?
2 mins
read time
Does medication assisted treatment (MAT) work?
5 mins
read time
Does Xanax Help with Opiate Withdrawal?
5 mins
read time
How do I start medications for OUD through Confidant?
5 mins
read time
How Long Does It Take For Low Dose Naltrexone To Work?
5 mins
read time
How Long Does It Take for Naltrexone to Work?
5 mins
read time
How Long Does Naltrexone Last?
5 mins
read time
How Naltrexone Treats Opioid Use Disorder
2 mins
read time
Is naltrexone a controlled substance?
2 mins
read time
Is Naltrexone Addictive?
2 mins
read time
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
5 mins
read time
Methadone Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment
5 mins
read time
Naloxone vs. Naltrexone: Prescription, Uses, Administration, and More
5 mins
read time
Naltrexone Shot (Vivitrol): Dosages, Administration, and More
2 mins
read time
Opioid Addiction: Causes, Signs, Treatments and More
5 mins
read time
Opioid Allergy
2 mins
read time
The Brain and Addiction
2 mins
read time
Synthetic and Semi-Synthetic Opioids: Types and Effects
1 min
read time
What drugs will test positive for buprenorphine?
1 min
read time
What is 'MAT certification'?
1 min
read time
What is a MAT waiver?
7 mins
read time
What is an Opioid Antagonist, and How Does it Work?
1 min
read time
What is medication assisted treatment (MAT)?
5 mins
read time
What is Opioid Use Disorder?
2 mins
read time
What Pain Medicine can be Taken with Naltrexone?
2 mins
read time
What to Avoid When Taking Low Dose Naltrexone
6 mins
read time
What You Need to Know About Naltrexone Withdrawal Symptoms
2 mins
read time
What You Should Know About Naltrexone Withdrawal
2 mins
read time
When is the Best Time to Take Naltrexone?
2 mins
read time
Where to Find Medicated Assisted Treatment Programs "Near Me"
Confidant mobile app screens
Get immediate access to the care you need today

Scan the QR code below to download the app.

QR code to download the app
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play