Breaking the Stigma Behind Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Addiction is a complex disease that can be very difficult to overcome. In the past, addiction was treated using behavioral therapies, counseling, and peer support. This traditional recovery approach can be effective for many people, but rates of relapse are still extremely high. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, between 40-60% of people who seek treatment for substance use disorder relapse at some point after leaving treatment. However, a newer approach toward addiction treatment is thought to provide a more comprehensive, integrated approach. This approach is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT programs combine traditional addiction treatment with FDA-approved medications to deliver a whole-person approach to recovery.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT is an integrated treatment approach that combines behavioral therapy, counseling, and pharmacotherapy. While patients participate in intensive therapy and healing services, they also take medications that help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and alleviate drug cravings. When a patient isn't consumed by thoughts about using drugs or alcohol and isn't struggling with severe withdrawal symptoms, they will be more likely to remain in treatment, complete their treatment program, and even stay sober after treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) even reports that MAT can reduce the risk for overdose and transmissible blood-borne illnesses. MAT can be used to treat addictions to opioids or alcohol. There aren't currently any medications approved by the FDA to treat benzodiazepine addiction or stimulant addiction.

Medications used to treat opioid use disorder include:

- Buprenorphine

- Methadone

- Naltrexone

Medications used to treat alcohol use disorder include:

- Naltrexone

- Disulfiram

- Acamprosate

Why is There Stigma Surrounding Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Even though MAT has been clinically proven to be highly effective, there is some stigma surrounding the use of prescription medications to treat drug and alcohol addiction. Some people believe that doing so is replacing one addiction with another. Others believe that people who are using MAT are not actually sober--but this couldn't be further from the truth. While it is true that some opioid treatment medications, such as methadone, can be abused and addictive, these medications are actually safer than the opioids that are abused on the street. The dosage a person takes is highly monitored by medical professionals. And, because the medications are prescribed by a doctor and filled by a pharmacy, there is no risk that they contain dangerous additives or synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

With a recent wave of fentanyl overdose deaths associated with counterfeit and illegal drugs being laced with fentanyl, the risk for overdose among opioid users is extremely high. It is much safer to take a regulated dose of a safe medication than it is to abuse drugs on the street. Additionally, the medications used in MAT today are far safer than the ones used a decade ago. For example, today, we have injectable forms of Naltrexone (Vivitrol) and buprenorphine (Sublocade) that are administered once per month by a medical professional. There is no risk for abuse for either of these medications.

Understanding The Truth About Medication-Assisted Treatment

Since there are many myths and misconceptions about medication-assisted treatment (MAT), it's important to know the truth. Understanding the truth can help shatter the stigma behind MAT, enabling more people to get the life-changing treatment they deserve.
Consider the following points:

- The medications are only dispensed by a licensed and trained medical professional.

- Medication-assisted treatment has been proven more effective when used long-term and in combination with behavioral therapies and support groups.

- Studies have found that it produces higher success rates and decreased rates of relapse.

- People who take MAT medications ARE sober! Recovery looks different for everyone.

The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Aside from alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings, SAMHSA reports many additional benefits of MAT. These include:

- Improve patient survival rates.

- Increase retention in treatment.

- Decrease illicit opiate use and drug-related criminal activity among people with substance use disorders.

- Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment.

- Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant.

- Reduce the risk of HIV/AIDs and Hepatitis C transmission associated with intravenous drug use.

You shouldn't let the stigma and myths surrounding MAT stop you from getting the help you need. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, don't hesitate to speak to your doctor about your available treatment options.