Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. This combination of services assists a person in achieving long-term and stable recovery.  Medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and OTPs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs.

Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people struggling with problematic use MAT can help sustain recovery. MAT is also used as a risk reduction measure to prevent or reduce opioid overdose.

Medication assisted treatment is voluntary and available to persons of any sex, ethnicity, and physical or mental condition, including pregnant women and mentally ill individuals with OUD.

*a portion of this information can be found at SAMHSA.gov