Addiction to opioids it can feel overwhelming for you and the people who care about you. Cravings can be intense, withdrawal can be painful, and relapse can occur even when motivation is strong. If you’ve tried to quit smoking before, you may be wondering if there’s a safer, more effective way to recover. This is where medication assisted therapy (MAT) comes in.
MAT is an evidence-based approach to opioid addiction treatment that combines FDA-approved medications with treatment and support. It’s not about replacing one addiction with another. It’s about giving your brain and body the stability they need to heal. This article explains what MAT is, how it works and who it may be suitable for.
What is Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment is a treatment approach for opioid use disorder that uses medication alongside counseling and behavioral therapy. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT is one of the most effective treatments for opioid addiction when combined with therapy. MAT treats opioid addiction as a medical condition, not a moral failing. MAT helps with:
- Reduction of withdrawal symptoms
- Decreased cravings
- Stabilizing brain chemistry
- Reducing the risk of relapse and overdose
Why is opioid addiction so difficult to treat without support?
Opioids change the way the brain regulates pain, pleasure and stress. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on opioids just to feel normal. These symptoms are often severe enough to lead to a relapse. MAT helps reduce these symptoms so recovery becomes more manageable. When opioid use is stopped suddenly, the body reacts strongly. Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Muscle pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety or panic
- Insomnia
- Intense longing
Common drugs used in MAT
Several drugs are used in MAT. Each works differently and the right choice depends on your needs, history and recovery goals.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone)– Suboxone is one of the most commonly used MAT medications. Suboxone has a “ceiling effect,” meaning that higher doses do not increase euphoria, making it safer than full opioids. How it works:
– Buprenorphine partially activates opioid receptors
– Reduces cravings and withdrawal without causing a full opioid high
– Naloxone helps prevent misuse
Methadone -Methadone is a long-acting opioid drug that has been used for decades. Methadone can be especially helpful for people with long-term or severe opioid addiction. How it works:
– Fully activates opioid receptors in a controlled dose
– Prevents withdrawal and cravings
– Must be taken under strict medical supervision
Vivitrol (Naltrexone)– Vivitrol is an opioid-free option given as a monthly injection. Vivitrol can be a good option for people who want an opioid-free approach to MAT. How it works:
– Completely blocks opioid receptors
– Prevents opioids from producing euphoria
– Requires full detox before starting
Are MATs really effective? According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), it is effective. Studies show that people who receive MAT are up to 50% less likely to relapse compared to those who do not receive medication support.
– MAT reduces opioid use
– MAT reduces the risk of death from overdose
– MAT improves treatment retention
– MAT increases long-term recovery results²
Addressing common myths about MAT
“MAT simply replaces one drug with another.“
This is one of the most common misconceptions. MAT drugs are clinically prescribed, carefully monitored, and used to stabilize and not induce intoxication. They help normalize brain function so healing and restorative work can actually take place.
“You’re not really sober if you’re on the mat.“
Recovery is about health, stability and quality of life, not suffering. Medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, recognize MAT as a legitimate treatment.
“MAT is for short term use only.“
Some people use MAT in the short term. Others benefit from long-term use. The duration of MATs depends on individual needs and not on a fixed schedule. Who is MAT best for? MAT can be particularly useful if:
– Combating intense cravings for opioids
– Have relapsed after detoxification or abstinence treatment
– You have a history of overdose
– Use fentanyl or heroin
– They have co-existing mental health conditions
MAT and Treatment: Because both matter, medication alone is not enough. According to SAMHSA, combining medication with behavioral therapy leads to the best results. Quality MAT programs combine medication with individual therapy, group counseling, trauma-informed care, and relapse prevention planning.
MAT in residential treatment: In a residential treatment setting, MAT provides stability while you work on deeper recovery goals. Residential MAT programs allow:
– Close medical monitoring
– Emotional support
– Mental health treatment
– Structured daily therapy
MAT in Ohio: Why Access Matters – Ohio continues to be heavily impacted by the opioid crisis. According to the Ohio Department of Health, opioid overdose remains the leading cause of accidental death in the state. Access to medication-assisted treatment in Ohio plays a critical role in reducing overdose deaths and supporting long-term recovery.
Are MATs right for you? MAT is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many people, it can save lives. A medical and clinical evaluation can help determine:
– Which medicine is suitable
– How MAT fits into your treatment plan
Opioid addiction is a medical condition. MATs are medical care. If willpower alone hasn’t worked, that doesn’t mean recovery isn’t possible. It might just mean you need the right tools. Medication-assisted treatment helps create the stability needed to heal, grow, and build a life beyond addiction. You deserve treatment that meets you with compassion and works.
Sources
Ohio Department of Health – Opioid Overdose Data
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Medication-assisted treatment
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder
National Academies of Sciences – Opioid Use Disorder Medications Save Lives
American Medical Association (AMA) – Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
