Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a highly effective and widely respected service for adults who have become addicted to heroin, prescription painkillers, and other opioids. MAT has been endorsed by several reputable healthcare organizations, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). The two main components of MAT are prescription medication and therapy. The medications that are authorized for use in MAT can ease the cravings and other withdrawal symptoms that would typically occur when a person stops using opioids. When a person takes this medication as directed by the prescribing physician, they may be able to end their opioid use without experiencing the intense distress that is characteristic of opioid withdrawal. In addition to taking a prescription medication, MAT patients also participate in therapy. Therapy sessions can be optimal opportunities for people to learn about the disease of addiction, improve their conflict resolution capabilities, and acquire the relapse prevention skills that will support their recovery from opioid addiction.
