Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a dynamic approach that incorporates prescription medication and counseling to help adults whose lives have been disrupted by opioid addiction. Decades of research has documented both the safety and effectiveness of MAT. The medication component of MAT can make it easier for people to stop using opioids without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. This is a significant benefit, as the distress of opioid withdrawal can make it quite difficult for someone to end their opioid use on their own. Another benefit of MAT is that the length of time people use medications can be adapted according to their needs and preferences. Some MAT patients take medication for a relatively brief period of time, while others continue to do so for several months or even years. In addition to taking medication, MAT patients also take part in counseling sessions. Counseling can help adults address the psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of opioid addiction and recovery. During counseling sessions, adults can gain valuable insights about addiction and begin to make the lifestyle changes that can empower them to achieve long-term recovery.
