What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies and counseling to treat substance use disorders — primarily opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. MAT is the evidence-based standard of care for opioid addiction and has been shown to reduce illicit drug use, decrease overdose deaths, reduce criminal activity, and improve treatment retention compared to abstinence-only approaches.
Who Is It For?
MAT is appropriate for individuals with opioid use disorder (heroin, prescription opioids, fentanyl), alcohol use disorder, and as part of co-occurring disorder treatment. MAT is not "trading one drug for another" — it is evidence-based medicine that treats a medical condition.
What to Expect
MAT involves regular appointments with a prescriber (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant with appropriate certification), medication management, drug screening, and counseling. Medications used include buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone (at licensed opioid treatment programs), and naltrexone (Vivitrol). The right medication is determined by clinical assessment.
Need Help Choosing the Right Level of Care?
Call 988 for crisis support, or call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 for a free referral to a treatment program that matches your needs and insurance.
How Long Does It Last?
MAT duration is individualized. Research shows that longer duration of MAT is associated with better outcomes — many patients continue for a year or more, and indefinite maintenance may be appropriate for some individuals, similar to medication management for other chronic conditions.
How It Connects to the Continuum of Care
MAT can be combined with any level of care — residential, PHP, IOP, or outpatient. It is most effective when integrated with behavioral therapy and peer support.
The Continuum of Care
| Level | Hours/Week | Setting | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Detox | 168 (24/7) | Inpatient | Residential or PHP |
| Residential | 168 (live-in) | Inpatient | PHP or IOP |
| PHP | 25–30 | Outpatient/Day | IOP |
| IOP | 9–12 | Outpatient | Outpatient counseling |
| MAT | Varies | Outpatient | Ongoing |
| Sober Living | Ongoing | Residential | Independent living |
Find Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Programs Near You
The directory below shows facilities offering medication-assisted treatment across the Southeast. Filter by state, insurance, or condition.
49 facilities found
