Understanding Opioid Addiction Treatment
The opioid epidemic has claimed over 600,000 lives in the United States since 1999, with synthetic opioids (primarily fentanyl) now responsible for approximately 75% of overdose deaths. Effective treatment exists, but access remains the primary barrier — fewer than 20% of people with opioid use disorder receive MAT.
Modern opioid treatment centers on medication-assisted treatment as the evidence-based standard of care. Combined with behavioral therapy, MAT addresses both the biological and psychological dimensions of opioid use disorder.
MAT for Opioid Use Disorder
Buprenorphine (Suboxone) is the most widely prescribed MAT medication, available from any DEA-licensed prescriber since the 2023 X-waiver elimination. Methadone requires dispensing through federally licensed OTPs. Naltrexone (Vivitrol) blocks opioid receptors entirely and is administered monthly by injection.
Sources & References
- [1] CDC. Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic. 2024.
- [2] NIDA. Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder. 2024.
- [3] SAMHSA. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. TIP 63. 2021.