Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): What to Know

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment, often called MAT, is the use of FDA-approved medications together with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders.

MAT is most often used to support people recovering from opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder. It can help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, lower the risk of overdose, and support long-term recovery.

Today, many treatment professionals also use the phrase medications for addiction treatment because it makes the purpose clearer: these medications are not replacing one addiction with another. They are evidence-based tools that help stabilize the brain and body while a person works on recovery.

Individualized Care at Cedar House

At Cedar House, treatment is not one-size-fits-all.

Each client is treated as an individual. At the start of care, clients meet with their case manager and treatment team to create a plan that fits their needs, history, goals, and level of support.

For some clients, MAT may be used to reduce the risk of overdose. For others, medication may help manage cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or the physical and emotional challenges that can come with early recovery.

In many cases, MAT works best as part of a larger recovery plan that includes therapy, education, relapse prevention, peer support, and continued care after treatment.

How Does MAT Work?

MAT works by helping the brain and body stabilize after substance use. Depending on the medication and the substance being treated, MAT may help:

• Normalize brain chemistry

• Reduce or relieve physical cravings

• Ease withdrawal symptoms

• Block the euphoric effects of opioids or alcohol

• Support more stable body functioning

• Lower the risk of relapse and overdose

MAT is not a shortcut, and it is not a cure by itself. It is one part of a comprehensive treatment plan. When combined with counseling and behavioral therapy, MAT can help people stay engaged in treatment and build a stronger foundation for recovery.

The goal is full recovery and the ability to live a healthier, more meaningful life free from active addiction.

What Conditions Can MAT Treat?

Medication-assisted treatment is most commonly used for:

• Opioid use disorder, including addiction to heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids

• Alcohol use disorder

• Withdrawal symptoms and cravings related to certain substances

• Overdose prevention and relapse prevention

For opioid use disorder, the FDA has approved three main medications: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. These medications have been shown to be safe and effective when used as prescribed as part of treatment.

For alcohol use disorder, medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram may be used along with counseling and behavioral therapies.

What Are the Benefits of MAT?

Research and clinical guidance show that MAT can provide important benefits for people with substance use disorders. When used as part of a complete treatment plan, MAT may help:

• Reduce the risk of overdose

• Reduce illicit opioid use

• Improve treatment retention

• Support long-term recovery

• Reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms

• Improve the ability to maintain work, family responsibilities, and daily stability

• Improve outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders

SAMHSA explains that medications can be used to treat substance use disorders, sustain recovery, and prevent overdose.

What Medications Are Used in MAT?

The medications used in MAT depend on the type of substance use disorder, the client’s medical needs, and the treatment plan created with clinical staff.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

Buprenorphine is used to treat opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can be prescribed or dispensed in office-based settings by qualified medical providers and should be part of a whole-person treatment plan that includes counseling and support.

Methadone is a long-acting medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It is typically provided through a certified opioid treatment program and can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids and may also be used to treat alcohol use disorder. It is not an opioid and does not cause physical dependence.

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

Naltrexone may help reduce alcohol cravings and the rewarding effects of alcohol.

Acamprosate may help support people who have stopped drinking by reducing symptoms that can make relapse more likely.

Disulfiram creates an unpleasant physical reaction when alcohol is consumed, which may help some people avoid drinking when used under medical supervision.

These medications are not cures by themselves, but they can be effective when combined with counseling, behavioral therapy, and ongoing support.

Naloxone for Overdose Reversal

Naloxone is not a treatment medication for long-term addiction recovery, but it is an important overdose reversal medication. It can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restore breathing when given in time.

For people at risk of opioid overdose, naloxone can be a life-saving tool.

Does MAT Replace One Drug With Another?

No. This is one of the most common misunderstandings about MAT.

When used as prescribed and monitored by medical professionals, medications like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone do not simply replace one addiction with another. They help reduce cravings, stabilize brain chemistry, prevent withdrawal, or block the effects of opioids.

For many people, this stability makes it possible to participate more fully in therapy, rebuild relationships, return to work, and stay engaged in recovery.

How Long Does MAT Last?

The length of MAT depends on the person.

Some people may use medication for a shorter period of time. Others may benefit from MAT for months, years, or longer. There is no single timeline that works for everyone.

The decision should be made with a qualified medical provider based on the person’s health, recovery progress, risk of relapse, and long-term goals.

MAT and Continued Care After Treatment

Cedar House offers evidence-based treatment options that are clinically driven and tailored to each client’s needs.

When clients need continued medication support after leaving Cedar House, the team can help connect them with Narcotic Treatment Programs, also called NTPs, or Opioid Treatment Programs, also called OTPs, in the area they are transitioning to.

This helps support a smoother transition and reduces the risk of gaps in care.

A Reminder About Child Safety

If medications are kept at home, they should always be locked in a safe place away from children.

Medication safety matters for every household, especially when children are present. Keep medications in their original containers, follow prescribing instructions, and ask a medical provider or pharmacist how to safely store or dispose of unused medication.

Interested in MAT at Cedar House?

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use, alcohol use, or another substance use disorder, help is available.

Cedar House can help you understand treatment options, discuss whether MAT may be appropriate, and create a recovery plan based on your needs.

Call Cedar House at 909-421-7120 to learn more about medication-assisted treatment and available recovery services.