MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT)

There are three drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid dependence: buprenorphine , methadone , and naltrexone . All three of these treatments have been demonstrated to be safe and effective in combination with counseling and psychosocial support. Everyone who seeks treatment for an OUD should be offered access to all three options as this allows providers to work with patients to select the treatment best suited to an individual’s needs.

Due to the chronic nature of OUD, the need for continuing MAT should be re‐evaluated periodically. There is no maximum recommended duration of maintenance treatment, and for some patients, treatment may continue indefinitely.

The goal of medication-assisted treatments is to control a specific set of conditions during the early stages of recovery. Once the conditions are addressed, the individual should taper off the medication as they replace negative coping skills with functional behaviors . Here’s a more expanded explanation of the goals of MAT:

MAT helps lessen the strong desire or urge to use substances, which can make quitting easier.

MAT lowers the chance of taking too much of a substance, which can be very dangerous

MAT also takes care of other mental health problems that people with substance use might have.

The goal of MAT is to help people live a substance-free life in the long run, even without medication.

MAT provides a legal and supervised way to get better and helps people avoid illegal substances.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use disorder or any other form of addiction, consider Medication-Assisted Treatment as a step toward recovery. Reach out to our OC Revive team to discuss treatment options and find a path that suits your individual needs. Recovery is possible; take the first step today toward a healthier, substance-free life. Let’s work together to break the chains of addiction and reclaim control over our lives.

Yes, MAT is safe. It uses FDA-approved medications, and when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, it can help people manage their substance use disorders effectively.

The duration of MAT varies from person to person. Some may require it indefinitely, while others might need it for a shorter period. The need for continuing MAT will be periodically re-evaluated by our OC Revive healthcare providers.

Ideally, everyone who seeks treatment for an opioid use disorder should be offered access to all three FDA-approved medications, allowing patients and providers to select the treatment best suited to individual needs.

No, MAT is not substituting one addiction for another. It helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, reducing the risk of relapse and aiding long-term recovery.

To start MAT, reach out to our OC Revive team. We can evaluate your condition, discuss your treatment options, and help determine if MAT is appropriate for you.

Yes, MAT can address co-occurring mental health conditions by incorporating counseling and behavioral therapies along with medication, providing a holistic approach to recovery.

Some medications used in MAT can be habit-forming, but when administered and monitored correctly by our healthcare providers, the risk of developing a new addiction is minimal.