Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a time-tested approach that offers a path to recovery for adults who have developed opioid use disorder, which is the clinical term for opioid addiction. MAT programs provide patients with prescription medications that can minimize the drug cravings and other distressing symptoms that are characteristic of opioid withdrawal. When patients take these medications as directed by the prescribing physician, they may have an easier time ending their opioid use. In addition to receiving medication, MAT patients also take part in counseling sessions. The counseling component of MAT can help patients address the behavioral and social aspects of opioid addiction and recovery. During counseling, patients can learn to identify their triggers, or the circumstances that might threaten to push them back into the downward spiral of opioid abuse. They can then develop strategies for avoiding or responding to these triggers in the healthiest possible manner. Counseling sessions can also be ideal forums for people to practice stress management, conflict resolution, and healthy communication skills, which can serve them well throughout their recovery journey.
