Medication assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. Sometimes referred to as MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder), this approach is endorsed by SAMHSA, the CDC, and the World Health Organization as one of the most effective ways to reduce overdose risk, manage withdrawal, and support long term recovery.1,3,4
This guide covers how MAT works, which medications are available, where treatment is offered, what it costs, and how to connect with a provider. Whether you are exploring options for yourself or helping a loved one, the information here can help you take a more confident next step.
MAT: Key Facts
- MAT is considered the standard of care for opioid use disorder and is also used to treat alcohol use disorder. Leading organizations including SAMHSA, the CDC, ASAM, and the WHO endorse it as evidence based treatment.1,4,8
- Three FDA approved medications treat opioid use disorder (methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone), and additional medications for alcohol use disorder (naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram).
- MAT can begin during medical detox and continue through inpatient care, outpatient programs, and long term maintenance.2
- Research suggests that people receiving MAT with buprenorphine or methadone have significantly lower rates of fatal overdose compared to those who do not receive medication.2,3
- MAT is used alongside therapies like CBT, motivational interviewing, and peer support. Medication and therapy are most effective together.
- The clinical community is increasingly using the term MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder) to reflect that medication is a primary treatment, not just a supplement.1
In This Article:
- What is Medication Assisted Treatment?
- Addictions Treated with MAT
- FDA Approved Medications
- How MAT Fits into Modern Addiction Care
- Levels of Care & Settings for MAT
- The MAT Program Journey
- What Therapies are Used With MAT?
- Myths & Misconceptions
- Barriers to Accessing Treatment
- How Much Does MAT Cost?
- Medication Assisted Treatment FAQs
Introduction to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Battling addictions takes more than just psychotherapy. Many clients also need the assistance of medications. MAT provides added support by easing withdrawal symptoms and cravings and enhancing physical and emotional stabilization.
This whole person approach to addiction treatment reduces relapse and decreases the risk of drug overdose. The result is a lessening risk of infectious disease transmission and a decline in criminal activity associated with alcohol and other substance use disorders.
MAT vs MOUD: What Changed and Why It Matters
MAT and MOUD both refer to the use of FDA-approved medications to treat substance use disorders, but the language around them has shifted in recent years. Understanding the distinction can help when navigating clinical resources, provider conversations, and treatment directories.
MAT, or medication assisted treatment, has been the standard term for decades. It describes a model that combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. The word “assisted” was originally meant to signal that medication works alongside other forms of support.
MOUD, or medications for opioid use disorder, is a newer term that organizations like SAMHSA, NIDA, and the FDA have started to favor.1 The shift reflects updated clinical understanding: medication is not simply “assisting” other treatments. It is a core, evidence-based intervention on its own.
Research has shown that FDA-approved medications provide measurable benefits for people with opioid use disorder even when used without concurrent counseling, though combining medication with therapy for SUD typically produces the strongest outcomes.2
On this page and across Rehab.com, you will see both terms. When we refer to MAT, we mean the broader treatment approach that includes medication, therapy, and support services. When the term MOUD appears, it refers specifically to the three FDA-approved medications used for opioid use disorder: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
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Substance Use Disorders Treated with MAT
MAT isn’t a good fit for every single treatment plan. These medications are most effective when addressing conditions that involve opioids and alcohol. Here are several typical conditions that are suitable for medication assisted treatment.
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
MAT is considered standard practice in the treatment of OUD by many organizations. This includes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
Individuals with OUD face withdrawal symptoms that can be extremely uncomfortable and occasionally life-threatening. The use of medications reduces these withdrawal symptoms, curbs cravings and stabilizes brain chemistry.
For this reason people who use MAT as a part of their individualized treatment plan have higher rates of treatment retention. Up to 50-80% of those who receive buprenorphine or methadone have lower risks of drug overdose especially among those who abused fentanyl.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorders also carry life threatening withdrawal symptoms which is why medical supervision and medications are often needed. After withdrawal is managed MAT helps reduce cravings and support long term recovery. It lowers the risk of relapse and repeat withdrawal episodes.
One FDA approved medication to treat alcohol addictions is naltrexone. This medication blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and suppresses cravings by disrupting the reward pathway in the brain.
Emerging Research for Stimulants & Polysubstance Use
There are currently no FDA approved medications to treat stimulant addictions. But the ADAPT-2 study found that using injectable extended release naltrexone combined with bupropion could have promising outcomes in alleviating methamphetamine addiction.
Other studies are exploring medications like mirtazapine, topiramate and modafinil but results have been mixed.
FDA Approved Medications Used in MAT / MOUD
Here are a few common medication-assisted treatment prescriptions. Each one addresses specific symptoms and may be a part of your program, depending on your needs.
Methadone (Full Agonist)
With a clinical history spanning decades, methadone is a full opioid agonist with an extended duration of action that effectively treats opioid use disorders. It comes in liquid, powder, and diskette forms, working by binding to brain receptors to alleviate severe cravings and prevent withdrawal while simultaneously blocking the high produced by other opioids.
Because methadone is a powerful opioid itself, it is tightly regulated and can only be dispensed through certified Opioid Treatment Programs. These programs typically require patients to make daily clinic visits to receive their medication.
Suboxone (Partial agonist)
Suboxone is regularly used in the treatment of OUD. It’s a combination drug and contains both buprenorphine and naloxone.
- Buprenorphine is a partial agonist that attaches to opioid receptors to reduce withdrawal and cravings. While it can create some euphoria, it also has a ceiling effect. This means that after a certain dose, higher doses won’t increase the effects. This lowers the risk of misuse, respiratory depression, and overdose.
- Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. It discourages misuse of buprenorphine by triggering withdrawal symptoms when injected or snorted.
Suboxone comes in oral film or oral tablet and is dissolved under the tongue.
Buprenorphine also comes in extended-release form. Sublocade or Brixadi are given monthly by subcutaneous injection. This creates a deposit that slowly releases over time.
Naltrexone (Antagonist)
Naltrexone can treat opioid and alcohol use disorders by blocking the brain’s opioid receptors. This means that when an individual uses naltrexone as part of their MAT and takes an opioid such as heroin, it blocks the euphoric effects and reduces relapse risk. It also decreases the rewarding effects of alcohol to lessen cravings.
Naltrexone comes in two forms. ReVia is a daily oral form. Vivitrol is a long-acting injectable form.
Acamprosate (GABA)
Acamprosate is used to treat alcoholism. It works by stabilizing neurotransmitters in the brain, glutamate and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). By restoring the balance of these chemicals, individuals have a diminished desire to drink.
Acamprosate isn’t used in alcohol detox because it doesn’t treat withdrawal symptoms but may be used to support long term recovery and help to prevent relapse.
Disulfiram (Aversive)
Disulfiram is used for alcohol use disorders. It’s an aversive drug that disrupts the body’s ability to process alcohol. It creates an unpleasant physical reaction when it interacts with alcohol and leads to headache, chest pain, sweating, vomiting and weakness.
How MAT Fits into Modern Addiction Care
MAT may be used in the earliest stages of detox and also for long term maintenance treatment. When combined with various talk therapy approaches, 12 Step programs and aftercare MAT is an important component of a comprehensive treatment plan.
How MAT Works in the Brain
Addiction wreaks havoc on our brain’s neurotransmitters. It especially impacts those that affect our reward, motivation and mood regulation systems.
Opioid Receptor Agonists vs Antagonists
MAT utilizes FDA approved opioid agonists (methadone), partial opioid agonists (buprenorphine), opioid antagonists (naltrexone) and other medications to help those with opioid or alcohol use disorders.
These medications work by limiting or blocking drugs’ desired effects or mitigating cravings thus breaking the cycle of substance use and decreasing withdrawal symptoms and risks of drug overdose.
Impact on Cravings, Withdrawal & Neurochemistry
As addiction progresses the brain becomes accustomed to the effects these substances have on it. This creates a cycle of use to decrease cravings and higher or more frequent amounts to achieve the desired effects.
By disrupting the cycle brain chemistry becomes regulated. Your mood lightens and you’ll start to receive clarity to fully focus on the recovery journey.
Levels of Care & Settings for MAT Programs
MAT can be administered across multiple levels of care. That means this treatment option is present when you need it, regardless of your stage in recovery.
Inpatient/Residential Rehab
The 24/7 support found in inpatient or residential programs is an ideal setting for initiating MAT. This is especially true for individuals who need medically supportive detox.
Addiction specialists recommend intensive treatment for people with moderate to severe addictions, addictions to certain substances such as alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines and certain stimulants or who have co-morbid conditions like pregnancy, diabetes or heart, liver or kidney disease.
Many people with substance use disorders benefit from long-term use of MAT that supports recovery and prevents relapse. Starting MAT while in inpatient care helps you smoothly transition when you’re discharged to outpatient care.
Outpatient & Office Based Treatment (OBOT)
Individuals who don’t require inpatient detox or inpatient treatment may participate in MAT programs through their primary care provider or addiction specialist clinics.
These programs allow for flexibility that some people need due to family or work responsibilities. They’ll often visit their providers weekly and progress to monthly visits as stability improves.
Opioid Treatment Programs (Methadone Clinics)
These federally regulated outpatient clinics provide medications for people with opioid use disorders as part of their treatment plans. Individuals can obtain methadone or other meds while receiving close medical monitoring and support.
An individual first goes to the clinic daily to receive their dose of methadone. This daily check in with an addiction professional allows for close monitoring of complications or relapse risk.
As time progresses you may be eligible for take-home privileges at selected clinics, provided you pass drug screens and adhere to behavioral therapy and counseling.
TeleMAT & Bridge Clinic Models for Rural Access
Addiction isn’t just an urban problem. Many people living with alcohol or substance use disorders live in areas that lack access to treatment. Providers meet with clients via the internet and may utilize electronic prescribing for MAT.
Bridge clinics allow for a rapid start of MAT. This may be due to an emergency room visit or admission due to overdose. Prescribers often give enough medication to allow an individual to find long term treatment options that may be difficult to access in certain areas.
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The MAT Program Journey
The process for MAT often comes in stages. Below is a general timeline of how you’ll advance through a typical MAT program.
1. Comprehensive Assessment & Eligibility
- Candidates meet with addiction professionals to determine if the ASAM criteria for treatment are met. This includes assessing withdrawal risk and the person’s overall physical and mental health status.
- Individuals work with addiction professionals to make decisions on which medications would be most beneficial and the level of service required.
2. Detox & Induction Phase
- This may include instituting comfort and medication protocols, close medical monitoring for withdrawal symptoms and potential complications and the initiation of MAT.
3. Stabilization & Maintenance
- During the detox process individuals are closely monitored to determine the appropriate dose to reduce cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms.
- After the initial detox, individuals who want to begin MAT for long term recovery support work with their addiction professionals to determine the proper dose, plan for continued counseling and monthly monitoring screens that often include urine drug screens and evaluation of psychosocial progress.
4. Tapering, Relapse Prevention & Long Term Monitoring
- Those who use MAT work closely with their addiction team to determine if tapering or dose reductions are appropriate. Individuals receive education that reinforces overdose education and continued peer support.
What Therapies are Utilized In MAT Programs?
MAT alone isn’t the key to long term recovery. A successful program also includes medications alongside individual and group therapies to reinforce positive long-term habits.
Individual Therapy
Some of the most common therapies used alongside MOUD are:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)is the most common behavioral therapy approach. This goal oriented technique helps individuals recognize and replace unhealthy behaviors and develop positive coping skills for the future.
- Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) focuses on beliefs and coping skills. Individuals recognize destructive beliefs and adopt more realistic beliefs that support recovery.
- Contingency Management (CM) rewards individuals for positive behaviors. This may be through voucher based reinforcements or prize incentives.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) works best with highly motivated individuals and helps them to overcome the fear of change and negative emotions.
- Family and/or Couples Therapy operates through private or group sessions. It addresses the needs of both partners or family and changes unhealthy behaviors.
Peer/ Group Support, 12 Step, SMART Recovery
Along with MAT and one on one therapy, a comprehensive treatment plan should include peer support. This may be through programs such as SMART Recovery or the 12 Steps. These provide a place of acceptance and understanding and promote accountability.
Addressing Co-Occuring Mental Health Disorders
Many individuals facing the challenges of addiction also live with co-occurring mental health conditions. These can introduce unique challenges to dealing with SUD.
In addition to MAT, integrating services to address these underlying conditions is critical for long term recovery success.
How Much Does Outpatient MAT Cost?
The cost varies from one location and program to another. Here are approximate costs range, before insurance:
Methadone
Weekly methadone treatment can cost up to $270 per month.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine treatment costs around $100 per month.
Sublocade
Sublocade (injectible suboxone) treatment is more expensive, $600 to $1000 per month.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone treatment costs up to $1,175 per month.
Out of pocket expenses vary depending on insurance coverage. All state Medicaid plans currently cover MAT, and private insurance plans are required to provide the same benefits for substance use treatment that they do for other medical care.
MAT Myths & Misconceptions
Despite widespread clinical acceptance, there are a number of common myths that circulate around MAT and MOUD.
Myth: MAT is just trading one addiction for another
When used as prescribed, MAT medications do not produce the euphoric high associated with substance misuse. They stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and allow people to participate more fully in therapy and daily life. SAMHSA, the CDC, the WHO, and ASAM all endorse MAT as evidence-based treatment, not a substitute addiction.1,3,4
Myth: People on MAT are not truly in recovery
Recovery looks different for every individual. Many people on MAT maintain employment, rebuild relationships, and achieve long-term stability. SAMHSA recognizes MAT as a legitimate and life-saving form of treatment that supports sustained recovery.
Myth: MAT should only be used short term
Current clinical guidance supports individualized treatment duration. For many people, longer-term maintenance leads to better outcomes, including lower relapse rates and reduced overdose risk.2 Decisions about tapering or discontinuation should be made collaboratively between the person in treatment and their provider.
Myth: MAT medications are easy to misuse
Medications like buprenorphine have a built-in ceiling effect, meaning higher doses do not increase euphoria beyond a certain point. Formulations like Suboxone combine buprenorphine with naloxone, which discourages misuse by injection. Extended-release options such as Sublocade and Vivitrol further reduce diversion risk by delivering medication through monthly injections.
Myth: MAT is only for people with severe addictions
MAT can be appropriate across a range of opioid and alcohol use disorder severity levels. ASAM criteria guide providers in determining whether medication is a good fit based on individual clinical needs, not just the perceived severity of the condition.8
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Barriers to Accessing Medication Assisted Treatment
Although MAT is widely recognized as effective, access remains uneven across the United States. Understanding common barriers can help individuals and families plan ahead and advocate for the care they need.
Provider availability
Many counties, particularly in rural areas, lack a sufficient number of providers who prescribe buprenorphine or operate opioid treatment programs. Research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that nearly 30% of rural residents live in a county without a single buprenorphine prescriber.7 Learn more about the challenges of addiction treatment in rural communities.
Stigma
Misconceptions about MAT persist among some healthcare providers, employers, and community members. Some treatment programs still do not offer MAT, and people using these medications can face judgment even within recovery communities. The shift toward calling these treatments MOUD is part of a broader effort to reframe medication as a core component of evidence-based care rather than a secondary support.
Insurance and cost
While Medicaid and most private plans are required to cover substance use treatment under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, navigating prior authorizations, coverage limits, and copays can delay or complicate access. Some individuals also face gaps between insurance eligibility and program enrollment.
Regulatory requirements
Methadone can only be dispensed through federally certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs), which may require daily in-person visits early in treatment. Recent policy changes, including the removal of the DEA waiver requirement for buprenorphine prescribing in late 2022, have expanded prescribing access, but gaps remain.
Telehealth and bridge clinic models are helping address the gaps in these underserved rural areas.
FAQs
Many candidates are understandably concerned about entering a MAT program. Below are some common inquiries that can help determine if MAT is appropriate for you or your loved ones.
Most clinical guidelines recommend at least 12 months of MAT for opioid use disorder. However, treatment length varies by individual. Some people benefit from longer-term or indefinite maintenance, particularly when it supports sustained stability. Decisions about duration should be made collaboratively with a treatment provider.
Yes. Methadone and buprenorphine are recommended during pregnancy by SAMHSA, ACOG, and the WHO.5 Both are associated with better outcomes for the pregnant person and the newborn compared to unmedicated withdrawal. Breastfeeding is generally considered compatible with stable MAT, though individual guidance from a provider is important.
Most people can once they have stabilized on the medication which means they’re no longer having dizziness, drowsiness or impaired judgement. However, if a medical provider advises against it, always follow medical advice.
Research suggests telehealth MAT can produce outcomes comparable to in-person treatment for many individuals, with some studies showing similar or higher retention rates. Online addiction treatment can be particularly valuable for people in rural areas, those with transportation barriers, or anyone who prefers the privacy of remote care.
No. When taken as prescribed, MAT medications stabilize brain chemistry without producing the euphoric effects of misused substances. Leading health organizations including SAMHSA, the CDC, and the WHO recognize MAT as evidence-based treatment, comparable to using medication to manage other chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.1,3,4
Yes. Many people use MAT alongside 12 step programs, SMART Recovery, or other peer support groups. While some traditional recovery communities have historically been skeptical of medication, many have become more welcoming. The combination of medication and peer support often strengthens long-term outcomes.
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Addiction Centers Nearby that offer Medically Assisted Detox
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Resources
- SAMHSA. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. Treatment Improvement Protocol
(TIP) 63. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 18-5063. Rockville, MD: 2024. - Mattick RP, Breen C, Kimber J, Davoli M. Buprenorphine maintenance versus
placebo or methadone maintenance for opioid dependence. Cochrane Database Syst
Rev. 2014;(2):CD002207. - CDC. Evidence-Based Strategies for Preventing Opioid Overdose: What’s Working
in the United States. Atlanta, GA: 2018. - WHO. Guidelines for the Psychosocially Assisted Pharmacological Treatment of
Opioid Dependence. Geneva: 2009. - ACOG Committee Opinion No. 711: Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder in
Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(2):e81-e94. - Trivedi MH, Walker R, Ling W, et al. Bupropion and naltrexone in
methamphetamine use disorder. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(2):140-153. - Cole ES, DiDomenico E, Cochran G, et al. The role of primary care in improving
access to medication-assisted treatment for rural Medicaid enrollees with opioid
use disorder. J Gen Intern Med. 2019;34:936-943. - ASAM. The ASAM National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use
Disorder: 2020 Focused Update. J Addict Med. 2020;14(2S):1-91.
