Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including opioid treatment programs (OTPs), combines behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.
About MAT

Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA- approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.

Find information on physical ailments often diagnosed in MAT patients. Also known as common comorbidities, these include viral hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS.

Information and Training Resources
Medications to Treat Opioid Addiction

There are three medications commonly used to treat opioid addiction:

  • Methadone – clinic-based opioid agonist that does not block other narcotics while preventing withdrawal while taking it; daily liquid dispensed only in specialty regulated clinics
  • Naltrexone – office-based non-addictive opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of other narcotics; daily pill or monthly injection
  • Buprenorphine – office-based opioid agonist/ antagonist that blocks other narcotics while reducing withdrawal risk; daily dissolving tablet, cheek film, or 6-month implant under the skin

Check with your doctor on the right one for you.

Legislation, Regulations, and Guidelines

MAT for opioid addiction is subject to federal legislation, regulations, and guidelines, including DATA 2000 and federal regulation 42 CFR 8.

SAMHSA's Dear Colleague Letters offer providers of MAT services guidance on emerging issues related to opioid treatment.

Access Model Guidelines for State Medical Boards.

Learn more about special circumstances for providing buprenorphine.

Certifications of OTPs

Find directions to:

Regional OTP Compliance Officers within SAMHSA's Division of Pharmacologic Therapies (DPT) determine whether an OTP is qualified to carry out opioid treatment.

Last Updated: 02/07/2018