Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT)
Medication for addiction treatment (MAT) is considered a best practice and endorsed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). MAT involves the use of proven anti-craving medications, with or without therapy and counseling, to reduce addiction to alcohol, opioids and other drugs. By impacting brain chemistry, MAT medications help reduce physical cravings for alcohol, opioids and other drugs without the negative or euphoric effects associated with them.
What medications are used for MAT?
Some of the medications used for MAT are:
| Brand Name | Generic Name | Alcohol Use | Opioid Use |
| Antabuse® | Disulfiram | x | |
| Campral® | Acamprosate | x | |
| Dolophine® | Methadone | x | |
| ReVia®, Depade® | Naltrexone (pill) | x | x |
| Subutex® | Buprenorphine (for withdrawals during acute detoxification) | x | |
| Suboxone® | Buprenorphine plus naloxone | x | |
| Sublocade® | Buprenorphine extended-release (injectable) | x | |
| Vivitrol® | Naltrexone (injectable) | x | x |
Who can provide MAT?
A range of prescribing providers can be trained and receive waivers to provide MAT, including:
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Clinical nurse specialists
- Certified registered nurse anesthetists
- Certified nurse-midwives
What do MAT providers do?
MAT providers support members’ long-term recovery by:
- Prescribing MAT and anti-craving medications
- Referring patients to higher levels of care as necessary
- Coordinating with other healthcare providers
- Monitoring the use of prescribed treatment medications and non-prescribed and/or illicit substances through routine and clinically-indicated drug toxicology screening, and through query of prescription drug monitoring program databases.
- Partnering with patients to help them meet their goals.