What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. The SAMHSA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) both recognize MAT as a first-line treatment for opioid use disorder.

For more on why MAT saves lives, see our earlier deep dive.

The Three FDA-Approved MAT Medications

Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade)

• How it works: Partial opioid agonist — activates opioid receptors enough to prevent withdrawal and cravings without producing a significant high
• Forms: Sublingual film/tablet (Suboxone), monthly injection (Sublocade)
• Access: Can be prescribed by any licensed provider (the X-waiver requirement was eliminated in 2023)
• Best for: Most people with opioid use disorder. Flexible, effective, and widely available

Methadone

• How it works: Full opioid agonist — activates opioid receptors to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings. Carefully dosed and monitored
• Forms: Liquid or tablet, dispensed daily at certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs)
• Access: Available only through federally certified clinics
• Best for: People with severe opioid use disorder, long histories of use, or those who haven’t responded to buprenorphine

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

• How it works: Opioid antagonist — blocks opioid receptors entirely, preventing any effect from opioids
• Forms: Monthly injection (Vivitrol) or daily pill
• Access: Requires 7-14 days of opioid abstinence before starting (can precipitate severe withdrawal if started too soon)
• Best for: People who have completed detox and want to prevent relapse. Also FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder

Choosing the Right Medication

The best medication depends on your individual situation — substance history, health conditions, lifestyle, and treatment goals. Talk to a provider who specializes in addiction medicine. Find MAT providers near you through Red Door Recovery Network.

Myths About MAT

• Myth: “MAT is just trading one addiction for another.” Fact: MAT medications are carefully dosed to prevent withdrawal and cravings without producing euphoria
• Myth: “You’re not really sober on MAT.” Fact: Recovery looks different for everyone. If MAT keeps you alive and functioning, that IS recovery
• Myth: “MAT should only be short-term.” Fact: Some people benefit from long-term or indefinite MAT, just as diabetics benefit from long-term insulin