What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)? A Guide to Addiction Recovery
Learn what medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is, how it works, medications used for opioid addiction, and how MAT can support recovery in Milwaukee.
Substance use and addiction can affect nearly every part of a person's life, from physical health and emotional well-being to relationships, work, and daily routines. For many individuals, recovery can be challenging, especially when cravings and withdrawal symptoms make it difficult to stop using substances on their own.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has emerged as an evidence-based approach to addiction recovery, particularly for individuals experiencing opioid use disorder. By combining appropriate medications with behavioral health support, MAT can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while providing greater stability throughout the recovery process.
At OM Behavioral Health, we understand that recovery looks different for everyone. We believe each person deserves compassionate, individualized care and access to treatment options that support their unique needs, goals, and journey toward lasting recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders that combines medication with behavioral health support when appropriate. It is most commonly associated with treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), but medications are also available for alcohol use disorder (AUD).
The goal of medication-assisted treatment is not simply to stop substance use. Effective treatment focuses on reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, improving stability, supporting continued engagement in care, and helping people build a sustainable path toward recovery.
Today, the term Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is increasingly used when referring specifically to FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder. SAMHSA explains that MAT has traditionally described medication combined with counseling and behavioral interventions, while MOUD refers specifically to medications approved for OUD.
At OM Behavioral Health, medication-assisted treatment is part of a comprehensive approach to addiction care. The clinic provides evidence-based medication options, including Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Sublocade, when clinically appropriate, along with addiction assessment and psychotherapy support.
How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work?
Addiction can affect the brain's reward, motivation, and stress systems. For someone with opioid use disorder, stopping opioids can also lead to withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings, making it difficult to maintain recovery without professional support.
Medications used in treatment can help address some of these challenges.
Depending on the individual's diagnosis, medical history, treatment goals, and other factors, a healthcare professional may recommend medication to:
Reduce opioid cravings
Ease or prevent withdrawal symptoms
Reduce the effects of opioids
Support continued participation in treatment
Reduce the risk of returning to uncontrolled opioid use
Help create greater stability during recovery
SAMHSA notes that medications for substance use disorders are evidence-based treatment options and can be used as part of a whole-person approach that may include counseling and behavioral therapies.
Treatment is individualized. There is no single medication or treatment plan that is right for everyone.
What Medications Are Used for Opioid Use Disorder?
Three medications are FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. Each works differently, and a qualified healthcare professional can determine which option may be appropriate based on an individual's circumstances.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while producing less intense opioid effects than full opioid agonists.
Buprenorphine is available in several formulations and may be used as part of an individualized treatment plan for opioid use disorder.
Suboxone is one commonly recognized medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone. OM Behavioral Health lists Suboxone among the medications it may use for addiction treatment when appropriate.
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist used to treat opioid use disorder. It can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and may help reduce the effects of other opioids.
For OUD, methadone is dispensed through certified opioid treatment programs under federal requirements.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone works differently from buprenorphine and methadone. It is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors rather than activating them.
Extended-release injectable naltrexone is FDA-approved for opioid use disorder and is also used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. It can help reduce opioid cravings and block the euphoric effects of opioids.
Vivitrol is a brand name for extended-release injectable naltrexone and is one of the medications listed by OM Behavioral Health as a potential option for addiction treatment.
What Is Sublocade?
Sublocade is an extended-release injectable form of buprenorphine used to treat opioid use disorder.
Unlike medications that require daily dosing, Sublocade is administered as a monthly injection by a healthcare professional. Whether it is an appropriate option depends on the individual's treatment history and medical circumstances.
Because medication options have different benefits, risks, dosing schedules, and eligibility requirements, treatment decisions should always be made with a qualified healthcare professional.
OM Behavioral Health lists Sublocade among the medication options it may provide as part of individualized addiction treatment.
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Just Replacing One Addiction With Another?
This is one of the most common misconceptions about medication-assisted treatment.
Medications used to treat opioid use disorder are not simply a replacement for illicit opioid use. They are evidence-based medical treatments designed to address the biological aspects of opioid use disorder.
SAMHSA states that FDA-approved medications for substance use disorders are evidence-based treatment options and notes that medications for OUD can help normalize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and support recovery.
Some medications used for OUD are themselves opioids, but they are used in carefully controlled medical treatment. The medication, dose, formulation, and treatment schedule are selected based on the individual's clinical needs.
The goal is to help a person move toward greater stability and improved functioning—not simply to substitute one uncontrolled substance use pattern for another.
What Are the Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment can offer several potential benefits for people with opioid use disorder.
Research supports the effectiveness of methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone in reducing illicit opioid use compared with no medication. Methadone and buprenorphine treatment have also been associated with a reduced risk of overdose death.
Potential benefits may include:
Reduced Cravings: Cravings can be a significant barrier to recovery. Appropriate medication may help reduce the intensity and frequency of cravings.
Fewer Withdrawal Symptoms: Certain medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms, making treatment more manageable.
Better Treatment Engagement: When withdrawal and cravings are better controlled, some individuals may find it easier to remain engaged in ongoing treatment.
Support for Long-Term Recovery: Medication can be part of a longer-term treatment plan. SAMHSA notes that medications for OUD can be used safely for periods ranging from months to, for some individuals, a lifetime.
A Whole-Person Approach: Addiction affects more than physical health. Emotional well-being, relationships, work, trauma, mental health, and other factors can influence recovery. For this reason, medication may be combined with psychotherapy, counseling, behavioral health services, and other forms of support.
What Can You Expect During a MAT Evaluation?
Starting treatment can feel overwhelming, especially if you are unsure what will happen during the first appointment.
At OM Behavioral Health, addiction treatment begins with an individualized assessment. The clinic states that Dr. Yogi Gundamraj personally evaluates each patient's situation and develops a treatment plan based on their needs. Initial consultations are listed as approximately 60–90 minutes, with follow-up appointments generally lasting about 60 minutes.
During an evaluation, your healthcare provider may discuss:
Your substance use history
Current symptoms and cravings
Previous treatment experiences
Physical and mental health history
Current medications
Treatment goals
Appropriate medication options
Additional therapy or behavioral health support
Being honest during an assessment can help your provider develop a safer and more appropriate treatment plan.
How Long Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Last?
There is no universal timeline for medication-assisted treatment.
Some people may use medication for several months, while others may benefit from longer-term treatment. SAMHSA notes that medications for opioid use disorder may be used from months to a lifetime, depending on the individual's needs.
Recovery should not be measured by how quickly someone stops taking medication.
Instead, treatment decisions should be based on clinical progress, stability, individual goals, and guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
If someone wants to change or stop their medication, they should speak with their healthcare provider rather than stopping treatment on their own.
Medication-Assisted Treatment in Milwaukee
Finding the right addiction treatment program can be an important first step toward recovery.
OM Behavioral Health provides outpatient addiction treatment in the Milwaukee metro area and offers medication-assisted treatment using medication options such as Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Sublocade when clinically appropriate. The practice also provides addiction assessments and psychotherapy support.
OM Behavioral Health is located in Brookfield, Wisconsin, and also offers telemedicine consultations for patients elsewhere in Wisconsin.
For individuals looking for medication-assisted treatment in Milwaukee, an individualized evaluation can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders that may combine medication with counseling and behavioral health services. The term MOUD is increasingly used specifically for FDA-approved medications used to treat opioid use disorder.
What medications are used in MAT for opioid addiction?
The three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. They work in different ways and are prescribed based on individual clinical needs.
Is medication-assisted treatment effective?
Research supports the use of medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and extended-release naltrexone for opioid use disorder. These medications can reduce illicit opioid use, while methadone and buprenorphine have also been associated with reduced overdose mortality.
Is MAT the same as replacing one addiction with another?
No. Medications used to treat opioid use disorder are evidence-based medical treatments designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal and support recovery. They are prescribed and monitored as part of an individualized treatment plan.
Can MAT be combined with therapy?
Yes. Medication can be combined with counseling, psychotherapy, and behavioral interventions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. SAMHSA supports a whole-person approach that can integrate medication with behavioral health services.
Can I receive medication-assisted treatment in Milwaukee?
Yes. OM Behavioral Health provides outpatient addiction treatment and medication-assisted treatment in the Milwaukee metro area, with services based in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The practice also offers telemedicine consultations for patients elsewhere in Wisconsin.
How do I know if medication-assisted treatment is right for me?
The best way to determine whether medication-assisted treatment is appropriate is to speak with a qualified healthcare professional. A comprehensive assessment can consider your substance use history, health, medications, treatment goals, and other factors before recommending an individualized treatment plan.
