Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. For opioid use disorder specifically, MAT is considered the gold standard of care by every major medical organization including the WHO, AMA, ASAM, and NIH.
MAT is not "replacing one drug with another." These are evidence-based medications that normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and stabilize body functions — allowing patients to engage in therapy and rebuild their lives.
MAT Medications Compared
Buprenorphine (Suboxone) is a partial opioid agonist available in daily sublingual films/tablets or monthly injections (Sublocade). It can be prescribed in office-based settings. Methadone is a full opioid agonist dispensed daily at federally licensed clinics. Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is an opioid antagonist available as a monthly injection, requiring full detox before initiation.
Access to MAT: Current Landscape
The elimination of the X-waiver in 2023 significantly expanded the number of providers who can prescribe buprenorphine, though access gaps remain — particularly in rural areas. Methadone remains restricted to federally licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Our directory includes both office-based buprenorphine prescribers and OTPs.
Sources & References
- [1] NIDA. Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder. 2024.
- [2] SAMHSA. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. TIP 63. 2021.
- [3] WHO. Guidelines for the Psychosocially Assisted Pharmacological Treatment of Opioid Dependence. 2009.