The most misunderstood treatment in medicine
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) — using FDA-approved medications alongside counseling to treat substance use disorders — is the most evidence-based treatment available for opioid and alcohol use disorders. Yet it remains underused, misunderstood, and stigmatized. Many people (and even some providers) incorrectly believe that using medication to treat addiction is "just replacing one drug with another."
This guide explains what MAT actually is, why it works, and how to access it.
What MAT is
MAT is the combination of FDA-approved medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. The medications relieve withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and normalize brain chemistry — making it possible for people to engage in counseling and build the skills and support systems needed for sustained recovery.
MAT for opioid use disorder
Three FDA-approved medications treat opioid use disorder:
- Buprenorphine (brand names Suboxone, Subutex) — a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal
- Methadone — a full opioid agonist dispensed through licensed clinics
- Naltrexone (brand name Vivitrol) — an opioid blocker that prevents the effects of opioids
MAT for alcohol use disorder
- Naltrexone — reduces cravings and the reinforcing effects of alcohol
- Acamprosate — reduces post-acute withdrawal symptoms
- Disulfiram — causes unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed
MAT reduces overdose deaths by over 50%[1]. It is not "trading one addiction for another" — it is evidence-based medical treatment that saves lives. The stigma around MAT prevents many people from accessing the most effective treatment available.
Finding a MAT provider
Search BehavioralHealthGuide.org filtering for "Substance Use" and "MAT" as specialties. Many primary care physicians now offer buprenorphine — you don't need to go to a specialized clinic. SAMHSA's treatment locator also helps identify local MAT providers. Call ahead and ask specifically about MAT availability and which medications the provider offers.