Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses FDA approved medications combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to successfully treat and stabilize individuals dealing with addictions. MAT is generally used to treat opioid abuse, such as heroin and opiate-containing prescription pain relievers. MAT treatment programs are clinically oriented and customized to suit the needs of each individual.

The prescribed medications in MAT helps with:

• Readjusting and normalizing brain chemistry
• Inhibit the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids
• Ease physiological cravings
• Regulate body functions without the adverse effects of the addictive substance

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) include MAT for individuals diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. OTP also offers various treatments to minimize, eradicate, or avoid the consumption of illegal drugs, possible criminal activities, and infectious disease transmissions. OTP aims to enhance the quality of life of those who seek treatment.

In addition to prescription medicine, federal law mandates patients seeking care in an OTP receive medical, counseling, occupational, educational, and other assessment and recovery services. The law permits MAT practitioners to offer care and services in several environments, including hospitals, correctional facilities, offices, and remote clinics. As of 2020, it has been recorded that OTP is located in every US state and territories except Wyoming and Guam.

MAT has proved to be clinically successful as it greatly reduces or alleviates severe withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. Medications provided through MAT programs help patients avoid relapses and life-threatening health complications. MAT offers a combination of medications along with a comprehensive behavioral treatment plan designed specifically for each individual seeking treatment. MAT also provides support services that address most patients’ needs. The end goal of MAT is an effective recovery, which also includes the ability to follow a life of self-direction.

This approach to treatment has been shown to:

• Enhance recovery of patients.
• Boost treatment retention.
• Reduces illegal use of opioids and other unlawful activities by individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
• Improve the capability of patients to obtain and maintain jobs.
• Increase birth results among pregnant women struggling with substance use disorders.
• Help reduce a person’s risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C by minimizing relapse potential.

MAT is unfortunately underused tremendously. For example, as per SAMHSA’s Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) 2002-2010, the percentage of heroin admissions with treatment and recovery plans that included receiving medication-assisted opioid therapy declined from 35 percent in 2002 to 28 percent in 2010. The poor acceptance of these evidence-based treatment alternatives for alcohol and opioid abuse is partly due to false assumptions regarding replacing one drug with another. Discrimination against MAT patients is also another reason, despite state and federal laws prohibiting it. Other factors include a lack of training for physicians and negative views on MAT within communities and among medical professionals.

To prevent such discrimination and promote MAT as a viable treatment option, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created a brochure designed to support patients with MAT and raise public awareness. Under the Confidentiality Regulation, 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 2, personal health records related to drug use and alcohol addiction must be handled with a higher degree of confidentiality compared to other medical information.

Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are used by medical professionals to treat opioid abuse and short-acting opioid addiction such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic drugs, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. Individuals can take medications used in MAT safely for months, years, or even for life. However, patients who wish to discontinue MAT medications must seek professional and medical assistance before doing so.

The most popular drugs used to treat alcohol use disorder are disulfiram, acamprosate, and naltrexone. Although none of these medications are considered a cure for alcoholism, they help minimize the chances of a relapse and help achieve long term recovery.