What Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is when prescription medicines are combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders (SUDs).1,2 MAT is an evidence-based treatment approach that is effective for treating both alcohol and opioid use disorders.2, 4 MAT helps people stay in treatment, maintain recovery, and reduce cravings and opioid overdose risk.1
Who Is Medication-Assisted Treatment For?
MAT involves the use of FDA-approved medicines to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD).1, 2, 4 The various prescription medicines used as part of an MAT regimen can help ease withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings, prevent the rewarding effects of alcohol or opioids, and increase your safety in the event of an opioid overdose.1 As part of a combined treatment approach, the incorporation of behavioral therapy helps address the underlying issues that led to your substance use.
Though it is a helpful treatment option for many and is the standard of care for many treatment programs, there are several considerations that clinicians might weigh prior to starting a person on MAT.5, 6 Before you commit to or start any type of treatment plan, it is a good idea to speak honestly about your substance use with your doctor. They can assess your treatment needs and help you make the right decision for recovery. Factors they’ll consider include:5
- The most appropriate treatment setting for your recovery needs.
- Your willingness to stop using substances and attend treatment.
- Whether you have any co-occurring physical or mental health disorders.
- How you tend to react to medicine.
- Your support system.
MAT Medicines
MAT medicines by themselves don’t cure addiction, but they can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.2
Medicines for Alcohol Use Disorder
The goal of MAT for alcohol use disorder is to reduce the physical cravings associated with alcohol, as well as any anxiety or depression that may worsen the addiction.1 This treatment plan also helps reduce the risk of relapse by helping stabilize the struggling individual’s mood so they can better cope with their environment and better manage their cravings. These drugs all target different brain pathways that are involved in alcohol consumption, thus reducing its rewarding effect and decreasing physical cravings for it. There are 3 FDA-approved medicines for treating AUD.1
Medicines for Opioid Use Disorder
Certain MAT medicines for opioid treatment may be started in detox, but they are also an important part of ongoing recovery for many people.6 These FDA-approved medicines can be used for weeks, months, or even years, depending on your treatment needs.2
MAT Therapies
While helpful, medicines aren’t a cure-all. Going beyond simply prescribing medicines, medication-assisted treatment entails a more comprehensive approach that incorporates professional counseling and behavioral therapy.6 Some common therapy approaches used in MAT include:12
Will Insurance Pay for Medication-Assisted Treatment in Las Vegas?
Most health insurance plans offer some coverage for substance use disorder treatment.8 The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) is a federal law that requires most health insurance plans to cover behavioral health issues, including SUDs, at the same level as physical health issues.8 This and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have expanded insurance benefits for effective, evidence-based treatments for substance use disorders, including MAT.5, 8 The ACA also prevents insurance companies from denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition, including substance use disorders.9
What are the Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment?
The primary benefit of MAT for alcohol is that medications used in this form of treatment have been proven to effectively reduce the desire for alcohol in some individuals struggling with AUD. Naltrexone reduces pleasure and satisfaction derived from drinking and its effects, while disulfiram causes unpleasant side effects when combined with alcohol, making it less desirable. These effects can be significantly helpful in recovery.1 Additionally, medications available as part of MAT for alcohol use disorder may increase the chances of preventing relapse, as they decrease the likelihood of returning to drinking once the struggling individual has stopped or reduced their consumption. Medication-assisted treatment may also provide greater access to recovery services and support for struggling individuals who didn’t benefit from traditional forms of treatment alone.13
What are the Risks of Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Despite the many benefits associated with using MAT for alcohol, there are some risks involved as well. Some common side effects linked to medications used in this type of treatment include nausea, headaches, fatigue and anxiety.14-16 Additionally, if taken incorrectly or without proper monitoring by a healthcare provider, there is a risk that these medications could cause serious harm or even death due to increased levels of intoxication or overdose. For example, Disulfiram can cause severe, life-threatening health conditions or death if consumed with a large dose of alcohol.14-16
It’s important to note that individuals should only engage in MAT for alcohol use disorder when prescribed by a qualified medical provider after an assessment has been conducted to ensure it is the right choice for them.1, 13
What is the Length of MAT programs?
The typical length of MAT for alcohol is usually based on the struggling individual’s progress in their recovery. Generally, the basic framework of treatment for both alcohol and drug addiction treatment consists of three phases: initiation, stabilization, and maintenance. Each phase may last anywhere between six months to a year or even longer, depending on the treatment-seeking individual’s response to treatment. The doctor may adjust the dosage or completely change the medication if they conclude that the struggling individual isn’t responding to it as expected.17
How to Start Medication-Assisted Treatment in Las Vegas
American Addiction Centers is a leading provider of MAT in Nevada and across the nation. We offer evidence-based treatment plans that are tailored to meet your unique recovery needs. Our licensed clinicians offer a full range of clinical care, from medical detox to outpatient treatment. Call our free, confidential helpline 24/7 at to learn more about how we can help you leave behind the pain of addiction.