Table of Contents
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and support to help people recover from opioid or alcohol use disorders.
It works by…
- Reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Supporting long-term recovery
- Helping people rebuild their lives
MAT is a proven medical treatment that helps people heal and thrive.
People receiving MAT are…
- More likely to stay in recovery
- Less likely to overdose
- More able to rebuild relationships, careers, and health
Terminology
You may hear medication-assisted treatment referred to as…
MOUD: Medication for Opioid Use Disorder
MAR: Medication Assisted Recovery
MAT is a proven medical treatment that helps people heal and thrive.
How Does MAT Work?
MAT helps the brain heal from opioid dependence
When someone uses opioids regularly, their brain gets used to the drug and starts to depend on it to feel normal.
MAT uses safe, prescribed medications to:
- Relieve cravings and withdrawal
- Stabilize brain chemistry
- Allow people to focus on recovery, not survival
MAT can replace chaos with stability. These medicines help the brain find balance again.
The Medications:
Full vs Partial Agonists
What’s an agonist?
Opioids attach to receptors in the brain that control pain and feelings of reward. Different MAT medications interact with those receptors in three different ways:
Full Agonists (like Methadone)
- Fully activate the opioid receptors.
- Prevent withdrawal and cravings.
- Taken in controlled doses.
Partial Agonists (like Buprenorphine/Suboxone)
- Activate the receptors just enough to stop cravings and withdrawal.
- Has a “ceiling effect” – taking more won’t increase the effect or cause a stronger high. This makes it safer and harder to misuse.
Antagonists (like Naltrexone/Vivitrol)
- Block opioid receptors completely.
- Prevent opioids from having any effect if used.
The Medications:
Full vs Partial Agonists
What Types of MAT Are There?
Different medications help people recover from opioid use disorder in different ways.
There are three main types of FDA approved MAT medications for opioids.
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Subutex®)
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol®)
Each one helps the brain find balance – but they work a little differently and are offered in different settings. Let’s look at each medication in the following slides.
Remember: There’s no “one-size-fits-all” in recovery! Just options that fit your life and needs.
Methadone & Buperenorphine
These medications reduce cravings and withdrawal safely
Methadone
- What it does: Fully activates the brain’s opioid receptors to stop cravings and withdrawal.
- Access: Usually given daily at specialized clinics (called opioid treatment programs).
- Positives: Works well for people with long-term or severe opioid use.
- Barriers: Must visit clinic often; limited availability in rural areas.
Buprenorphine(Suboxone®)
- What it does: Partially activates opioid receptors – enough to stop cravings, but has a ceiling effect, so it’s safer and harder to misuse
- Access: Can be prescribed in outpatient settings by doctors.
- Positives: Easier access, safe to take at home, fewer side effects.
- Barriers: Some areas lack prescribers; stigma and cost can be issues.
Naltrexone & Access Options
Naltrexone (Vivitrol®)
- What it does: Blocks opioids completely. Opioids won’t have any effect if used.
- Access: Usually given as a monthly shot by a healthcare provider. Also available as tablets.
- Positives: Non-addictive, no withdrawal, great for people already detoxed.
- Barriers: Must be fully off opioids before starting (7-10 days), which can be difficult.
Access to MAT Can Vary…
- Inpatient treatment centers – can start medications while detoxing and provide 24/7 support while staying at the treatment center.
- Outpatient clinics or primary care – allow people to live at home while getting treatment and support.
- Telehealth programs – some offer virtual appointments from home and medication delivery.
MAT isn’t just one medication; it’s a range of tools that make recovery safer, more stable, and more successful.
What The Evidence Shows
MAT reduces the risk of overdose and death
Source: Mortality risk during and after opioid substitution treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. 2017
People who take medicines like methadone or buprenorphine are far less likely to die from overdose than those who try to quit “cold turkey.” These medicines keep withdrawal and cravings under control, which means fewer relapses, fewer overdoses, and a better chance at long-term recovery.
Staying on MAT improves outcomes
Source: Methadone Maintenance vs 180-Day Psychosocially Enriched Detoxification for Treatment of Opioid Dependence, 2000
A study shows that patients on MAT remained in treatment nearly 3x longer (438.5 days) than those in abstinence-only programs (174 days). MAT programs also show higher success rates, with 60% or more of patients staying engaged in care and experiencing fewer overdoses and relapses.
MAT stabilizes brain chemistry and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, so people can focus on rebuilding their lives, not just fighting urges.
Fast Answers about MAT
Is MAT just “substituting one drug for another”?
No – these medicines treat the brain and help the brain heal from dependency and a lack of natural dopamine production, caused by continued use of opioids (flooding the brain with “fake” dopamine). They stabilize brain chemistry that’s been changed by opioid use, so
people can focus on healing, working, and rebuilding relationships. Research shows MAT reduces overdose deaths and helps people stay in recovery. (Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024)
Is MAT safe?
Yes! Prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider, MAT is safe and effective. These medicines are approved by the FDA and recommended by the CDC, SAMHSA, and NIH. Side effects (like mild nausea or fatigue) can occur at first, but most fade as the body adjusts. The benefits (lower overdose risk, better treatment retention, and improved quality of life) can far outweigh the risks. (Sources: CDC, Medications for OUD, 2023. SAMHSA, MAT Overview, 2024)
Supporting Someone Interested in MAT
If someone you care about is thinking about Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), you can help them stay safe and supported.
Listen Without Judgment
Open and non-judgmental communication is key to maintaining a supportive relationship. Ask your loved one to share their thoughts, feelings, and progress without fear of judgment. Be an active listener and offer reassurance. Acknowledge that setbacks are a normal part of the process.
Support Daily Life
Offer to help with practical needs, such as remembering appointments, cooking or ordering meals, offering rides or childcare, and asking what you can do to support them through this journey.
Respect Boundaries & Confidentiality
Don’t share their treatment info without permission. MAT is a personal health decision, and people deserve to feel safe and in control of their process. Trust is important between a support person and the person starting MAT. Ask their preferences for keeping this information private, even from family and mutual friends.
Celebrate Progress
Recovery is a gradual process that requires time, patience, and understanding. Set realistic expectations for your loved one’s progress and celebrate all victories. like appointments kept or reduced cravings – not just being “drug free”. Avoid placing pressure on them. Remember that supporting someone is about consistent encouragement, not judging setbacks.
Encourage Professional Guidance
Encourage talking to a trained provider instead of trying to figure it all out yourselves. Doctors, nurses, counselors, and harm reduction programs can explain MAT, answer questions, and help create a safe treatment plan. You can offer to help find a provider or go with them to an appointment – but respect their choices and preferences.
Get Curious!
Reflect on what actions or sentiments helped you feel supported during a hard time. Then, reflect on what made you feel worse or defeated during a hard time. Then, ask your loved one what would help vs hinder this process, as a person providing support. If they’re unsure, you can offer what helped or didn’t help you during challenging times.
Local Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Resources
Nevada County has a number of local MAT options, including inpatient, outpatient and telehealth options. Your options for MAT will depend on your insurance and what program is the best fit for you.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS
MAT is a proven medical treatment that helps people heal and thrive.
If you have Medi-Cal or might be eligible
📞 Call Nevada County Behavioral Health’s Access Line at 530-265-1437 to:
- Learn more about local MAT options
- Get a screening to see if MAT is the right option for you
🌐 Visit Behavioral Health’s website at:
bit.ly/NevCoSUD
If you have private insurance
📞 Call the Member Services phone number on the back of your insurance card to learn more about your local MAT options
Interested in exploring local options online?
- 🔍︎ Search for local MAT treatment options by: insurance, type of treatment (outpatient, inpatient, etc.), and drug(s)
- 📝 Find a list of local MAT providers
- 💡 Learn more about MAT