Find Medication-Assisted
Treatment (MAT) Programs

What Is MAT?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders. MAT is the evidence-based gold standard for opioid use disorder (OUD) and is also effective for alcohol use disorder. Despite widespread stigma — the misconception that MAT is "trading one drug for another" — the science is unambiguous: MAT saves lives, dramatically reduces illicit drug use, and enables people to function and engage in recovery.

The medications used in MAT work on the same brain receptors as addictive substances, but in a controlled and therapeutic way. They reduce or eliminate cravings, block withdrawal symptoms, and in some cases block the euphoric effects of opioids — making relapse less rewarding. Combined with counseling and social support, MAT has the strongest evidence base of any opioid addiction treatment available.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist — it activates opioid receptors but with a ceiling effect that limits sedation and overdose risk. Available as Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone film dissolved under the tongue) and Sublocade (a once-monthly injectable), it is the first-line treatment for opioid use disorder in most clinical settings. As of 2023, any DEA-registered prescriber can prescribe buprenorphine for OUD — the previous X-waiver requirement was eliminated, dramatically expanding access.

Clinical research shows buprenorphine reduces opioid use by 50–65%, decreases overdose death rates, reduces crime, and improves social and occupational functioning. It is recommended for long-term maintenance therapy — not just short-term detox.

Methadone

Methadone is a full opioid agonist with 50+ years of evidence supporting its effectiveness for opioid use disorder. It completely eliminates withdrawal and cravings at the right dose and is particularly effective for people with severe, long-term opioid dependence. Methadone for OUD must be dispensed through federally certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs), typically requiring daily clinic visits initially.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist — it completely blocks opioid receptors with no abuse potential. Available as daily oral tablets (ReVia) or a once-monthly injection (Vivitrol), it's an option for highly motivated people who have completed full detox from opioids. Vivitrol is also FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder. While it has lower retention rates than buprenorphine and methadone for opioid dependence, it is valuable for certain populations, particularly those in criminal justice settings where controlled substances are a concern.

MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder

Three medications are FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder and dramatically underused. Naltrexone (oral or Vivitrol) reduces cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol — studies show it cuts relapse rates by 36%. Acamprosate reduces the anxiety and dysphoria of early sobriety, helping maintain abstinence. Disulfiram causes an unpleasant physical reaction when alcohol is consumed, working through deterrence. Only about 10% of people with AUD who could benefit from medication are ever offered it — ask your doctor.

How to Access MAT

For buprenorphine: Use RecoveryFinders to find prescribers near you. Primary care doctors, urgent care clinics, and addiction specialists can all prescribe it. Telehealth has also dramatically expanded buprenorphine access — you may be able to start treatment via video appointment.

For methadone: Find licensed Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) through RecoveryFinders and select "Opioid Treatment Program" as a service type. OTPs are certified and regulated by SAMHSA.