Medication-Assisted Treatment

MAT is not weakness. It is medicine. It reduces overdose deaths by 50–60%.

What Is MAT?

MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and support to treat substance use disorders. The evidence is unambiguous: MAT works better than willpower alone. This is because addiction is a brain disease with a neurological basis — it responds to medicine.

"Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce all-cause mortality by 50%. If that statistic were true of any cancer drug, it would be front-page news."

Medications

Tap any medication to expand clinical details

What it does

Partial opioid receptor agonist. Reduces cravings, eliminates withdrawal, and does not produce full euphoria at therapeutic doses.

Who it is for

People with opioid use disorder (OUD)

Key facts

  • "Ceiling effect" limits overdose risk — increasing the dose past a threshold produces no additional effect.

  • Monthly injectable form (Sublocade) is available — no daily pill to manage.

  • May be taken indefinitely. Just like insulin for diabetes, duration is determined by medical need — not a timetable.

  • The DATA 2000 Act allows any DEA-waivered provider to prescribe. Telehealth options are widely available.

"Am I just trading one addiction for another?"

No. Dependence (the body adapting to a medication) is not the same as addiction (compulsive use despite harm). Buprenorphine is treatment — the same way metformin treats diabetes. Stable dosing supports a normal life; that is the goal.

How to access

Any DEA-waivered prescriber, many telehealth providers. Use the SAMHSA locator below.

What it does

A full opioid antagonist — completely blocks opioid receptors so no euphoria is possible. Monthly injectable form (Vivitrol) removes the daily adherence burden.

Who it is for

People with opioid or alcohol use disorder. Must be fully detoxed from opioids before starting (minimum 7–10 days).

Key facts

  • No DEA scheduling — any licensed physician can prescribe, no special waiver needed.

  • For alcohol use disorder: reduces heavy drinking days by 25% and cravings significantly.

  • The Sinclair Method (targeted dosing taken one hour before drinking, rather than daily) achieves 78% controlled drinking or abstinence rates in research trials.

  • Genetic factor: people with the OPRM1 A118G variant respond more strongly to naltrexone.

How to access

Any physician. No special licensing required.

What it does

A full opioid agonist with a long half-life (24–36 hours). Eliminates withdrawal entirely, reduces cravings, and stabilizes opioid receptors.

Who it is for

Severe opioid use disorder — particularly effective for high-frequency use, long histories, or prior treatment failures.

Key facts

  • Strongest evidence base of any MOUD for high-severity cases.

  • Reduces HIV transmission, criminal activity, and all-cause mortality.

  • Take-home doses are earned over time as patients demonstrate stability.

  • COVID-era policy changes expanded take-home access — ask your OTP about current flexibility.

How to access

Must be dispensed through licensed Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). Daily clinic visits are required initially.

What it does

Modulates GABA and glutamate systems to reduce post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS): anxiety, restlessness, dysphoria, and insomnia in early abstinence.

Who it is for

People with alcohol use disorder focused on abstinence after detox. Most effective when started within a few days of stopping alcohol.

Key facts

  • Takes 2–3 weeks to reach full therapeutic effect — start as early as possible after detox.

  • Does not help with active drinking; works best paired with commitment to abstinence.

  • Most beneficial in the first 6–12 months when PAWS symptoms are highest.

  • Well-tolerated with minimal drug interactions — suitable for people with liver impairment (unlike disulfiram).

How to access

Any physician. Often covered by insurance when alcohol use disorder is documented.

Finding Help

Find a buprenorphine prescriber near you

SAMHSA Treatment Locator — search by ZIP code

Open locator

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free, confidential, 24/7 — treatment referrals

1-800-662-4357

Telehealth buprenorphine

Many providers can evaluate and prescribe buprenorphine via video visit — no in-person appointment required to start treatment. Search the SAMHSA locator above and filter for telehealth providers.

Medication Tracker

For users on MAT — a personal reminder tool

MAT Dose Tracker

Personal reminder tool — always follow your prescriber's instructions

0days in a row

HALE is not a substitute for professional medical care. The information on this page is educational and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescriber before starting, changing, or stopping any medication.