Medication that treats the disorder, not just the symptoms.
FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder, prescribed and monitored by a clinician alongside counseling, not in place of it.
Overview
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medication, such as buprenorphine (including Suboxone), to treat opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder directly, reducing cravings and withdrawal so the rest of recovery becomes possible. It is prescribed and monitored by a clinician at a stable, therapeutic dose, and is always paired with counseling rather than offered as a stand-alone fix.
Most people start with an assessment to confirm it is a fit, and continue with counseling alongside the medication itself.
Who This May Help
MAT is worth discussing in any of these situations.
- You are managing opioid use, including heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioids
- You are managing alcohol use and want to reduce cravings or relapse risk
- You have tried to stop before and found withdrawal or cravings too difficult to manage alone
- You are worried about the risk of overdose if you return to use after a period of abstinence
- You are already taking a medication like buprenorphine or naltrexone and want it managed by a new provider
- You want medication and counseling working together rather than choosing one or the other
What to Expect
Starting MAT is a medical process, done carefully rather than all at once.
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An assessment
To confirm MAT is appropriate for your situation and identify which medication fits best.
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A careful start
Starting a medication like buprenorphine is timed against your last use to avoid triggering withdrawal, and your clinician will walk you through exactly when and how.
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Counseling alongside it
Medication addresses the physical side; counseling addresses everything else, and the two are offered together, not separately.
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Ongoing monitoring
Regular follow-up to check how the medication is working, adjust the dose if needed, and support a long-term, stable plan.
Medication-Assisted Treatment(MAT) FAQs
Is MAT the same as substituting one addiction for another?
No. MAT medications are prescribed and monitored by a clinician at a stable, therapeutic dose, and are used alongside counseling, not in place of treatment. This is one of the most common misconceptions about MAT, and it does not hold up against how the medication actually works.
Which medications are used?
Most commonly buprenorphine, including Suboxone, for opioid use disorder. Your clinician will discuss which option fits your specific situation.
Do I have to be in withdrawal to start?
It depends on the medication. Your clinician will explain the right timing for your situation so the start is as comfortable as possible.
How long do people stay on MAT?
This varies widely and is a decision you make together with your clinician. Some people use it for months, others longer, and any change is planned rather than stopped abruptly.
Do I still need counseling if I am on medication?
Yes. Medication and counseling address different things, and MAT is offered alongside counseling, not as a replacement for it.