TREATMENT FROM A-Z

Opioids alter the chemistry of the brain by attaching to opioid receptors and reducing the perception of pain. MAT curbs cravings and blocks the euphoric effects of opioids by using FDA approved drugs like Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone.

Learn more about medications for Opioid Use Disorder: TIP 63: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder – 2021

MAT has proven to be clinically effective and to significantly reduce the need for inpatient withdrawal management (detoxification services). The treatment approach has been shown to:

• Improve patient survival.

• Increase retention in treatment.

• Decrease illicit use and other criminal activity among people with SUD.

• Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment.

• Improve birth outcomes among women who have SUD and are pregnant.

MAT trades one addiction for another.

• FACT: MAT bridges the biological and behavioral components of addiction. Research indicates that a combination of medication and behavioral therapies can successfully treat SUDs and help sustain recovery. (15)

MAT is only for short-term use.

• FACT: Research shows that patients on MAT for at least 1-2 years have the greatest rates of long-term success. There is currently no evidence to support benefits from stopping MAT. (16)

An individual’s condition is not severe enough to require MAT.

• FACT: MAT utilizes a multitude of different medication options (agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists) that can be tailored to fit the unique needs of the patient. (17)

Increases the risk of overdose in patients.

• FACT: MAT helps to prevent overdoses from occurring. Even a single use of opioids after withdrawal management (detoxification) can result in a life-threatening or fatal overdose. Following withdrawal management (detoxification), tolerance to the euphoria brought on by opioid use remains higher than tolerance to respiratory depression. (18)

Providing MAT will only hinder recovery.

• FACT: MAT has been shown to assist patients in recovery by improving quality of life, level of functioning, the ability to handle stress and MAT helps reduce mortality while patients begin recovery.

There is no proof that MAT is better than abstinence.

• FACT: MAT is evidence-based and is the recommended course of treatment for opioid addiction. American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, American Medical Association, The National Institute on Drug Abuse, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and other agencies emphasize MAT as a first line of treatment. (19)

Most insurance plans do not cover MAT.

• FACT: Thirty-one state Medicaid FFS programs covered methadone maintenance treatment provided in outpatient programs. 20 State Medicaid agencies vary as to whether buprenorphine is listed on the Preferred Drug List (PDL), and whether prior authorization is required (a distinction often made based on the specific buprenorphine medication type). Extended-release naltrexone is listed on the Medicaid PDL in over 60 percent of states. (21)

Medications for substance use disorders are administered, dispensed, and prescribed in various settings such as a SAMHSA-accredited and certified opioid treatment program (OTP) or practitioners’ offices depending on the medication.

• Opioid Treatment Program Directory

• SAMHSA’s Buprenorphine Treatment Physician Locator

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline; Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357); Text: 435748

• Substance Use Treatment Locator