Medication Assisted Treatment

Commonly used MAT Medications

Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic opioid medication that reduces withdrawal symptoms in people addicted to heroin or other narcotics without causing the "high" associated with problem drug use. Methadone stabilizes people. This helps maximize their treatment and recovery experience.

Buprenorphine/Naloxone
Buprenorphine is an opioid medication that both acts on and blocks the euphoric and sedative effects in the brain. Naloxone is a narcotic drug that reverses the effects of other narcotic medicines when taken intravenously. Together they reduce the risk of relapse, overdose and withdrawal symptoms.
Brand names include: Suboxone®, Zubsolv®, Bunavail®, Sublocade® and Cassipa®.

Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a medication that blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of drugs such as heroin, morphine, hydrocodone and codeine. It comes in a pill form or as a long-acting injectable. Brand names include Vivitrol® and ReVia®.

MAT Effectiveness

The ultimate goal of MAT is full recovery, including the ability to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach has been shown to:

• Improve patient survival
• Increase retention in treatment
• Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment
• Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant

Please note: It is important to check your Schedule of Benefits to see if your plan covers MAT.