More About Rehabs with Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses specific prescription medications to help with withdrawal and cravings for alcohol and opioids. Many programs offer or require counseling and therapy too, so patients address both the biological and psychological sides of addiction. Someone getting treatment for alcohol or opioid use disorder may first encounter MAT during detox, since medications like methadone can ease uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous, withdrawal symptoms.
After detox and initial treatment, MAT can reduce cravings and lower the pleasurable effects of alcohol and opioids to support people in recovery. One medication, disulfiram, even causes an unpleasant reaction to alcohol if someone drinks while taking it.
MAT can be a crucial part of recovery, both for immediate safety and for maintaining sobriety long-term. To learn more about how it works, see our full guide to medication-assisted treatment. It's not the right fit for everyone, and that's okay. It's simply one of many options available to help you on your journey.
Medications Used in MAT
MAT generally treats either alcohol or opioid use disorder, though one option can help with both.
Alcohol MAT:
- Disulfiram (causes unpleasant reactions to alcohol)
- Acamprosate (reduces cravings for alcohol)
Opioid MAT:
- Methadone (reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings)
- Buprenorphine (also reduces cravings)
Alcohol and Opioid MAT:
- Naltrexone (reduces cravings)
How Do You Get MAT?
MAT clinics distribute MAT medications. Rehabs may prescribe and distribute MAT too, especially if they offer detox. Some outpatient programs also offer MAT for people in alcohol or opioid recovery. If you're not sure which setting fits your situation, our guide to understanding levels of care can help you compare options.
MAT is prescribed by a psychiatrist, a medical doctor, or, in some cases, a nurse practitioner. You don't need daily clinic visits for every MAT prescription. Buprenorphine, for example, can be picked up at a pharmacy and self-administered.
At outpatient MAT clinics, you typically go daily to receive your approved dose. Staff monitor the process to confirm you're taking the medication and to check in, providing support as needed. Some MAT medications can be misused to achieve a high similar to opioids, which is why monitoring is often part of the process.
Risks of MAT
People undergoing MAT may face stigma, since some still argue against its legitimacy as a treatment option. MAT medications can come with side effects that providers can't always predict, along with a slight, but present, potential for misuse. MAT during detox usually poses fewer risks, since it's short-term.
Your prescriber or treatment team can help you decide if MAT is right for you. Loop in your support system too, especially if you'll need help with rides or scheduling.
Benefits of MAT
One of the most prominent benefits of MAT is its ability to help people stay in recovery, which can be lifesaving. It can also make withdrawal safer and more tolerable, whether symptoms are severe or just uncomfortable. MAT supports treatment retention, meaning people are more likely to stay in treatment once they start. It also reduces the likelihood of overdose, and for opioid use disorder specifically, many programs pair MAT with education on naloxone, the medication used to reverse an opioid overdose in an emergency.
Questions to Ask Your Provider About MAT
If you're looking to start MAT, you can contact an MAT clinic near you or look into a residential treatment program that offers MAT. Staff at either option can answer questions and walk you through the process during an initial assessment. You can also ask your primary care provider about MAT. When talking to a professional, consider asking:
- Why might MAT be a good option for me?
- What risks are there?
- What type of MAT would best fit my needs?
- What are the possible side effects?
- How long would I be on the medication?
- How would I get the medication?
- What will MAT cost, and is it covered by my insurance? Our guide to paying for treatment covers options if you are uninsured or underinsured.
Medication-assisted treatment can ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery, but it's just one option among many. Browse rehabs with medication-assisted treatment to find a program that fits your needs, or connect with a treatment provider on Recovery.com to ask about MAT availability.