Medications Used in MAT
The FDA has approved several different medications to treat opioid addiction:
MAT for Opioid Use
Disorder (OUD)
Buprenorphine and buprenorphine products
Medication that inhibits the action of other opioids, prevents cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and dramatically lowers the risk of overdose. Offered as a daily dissolving tablet or film placed under the tongue or inside the cheek, as a monthly injection, or as a 6-month implant under the skin. Buprenorphine can be prescribed by a properly trained and waivered physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant in a primary care office or other setting, as well as in an opioid treatment program. Long-term maintenance (at least two years) cuts overdose rates in half; short-term treatment without continued MAT increases overdose rates and is not considered standard of care.
Methadone
Medication that prevents cravings and withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of overdose so long as it is administered in a controlled environment (such as an opioid treatment program). Methadone increases overdose risk if used illicitly or when prescribed for pain management, and it does not inhibit the effect of other narcotics. Offered as a daily liquid dispensed only in highly regulated specialty opioid treatment programs, also known as narcotic treatment programs.
Naltrexone
Medication that blocks the effects of opioids while reducing cravings. Offered as a daily pill or monthly injection. Naltrexone has been shown to reduce the risk of overdose in short-term trials; longer term trials do not yet show an impact on mortality. Naltrexone is not a controlled substance and can be prescribed or administered in any health care or SUD setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an opioid?
An opioid is a type of drug found in some prescription pain medicines, as well as in certain “street drugs” such as heroin. Prescription opioids can assist with controlling pain when used under a doctor’s order. Opioids may be addictive and cause side effects, and even death, when used incorrectly.
Opioids are natural or synthetic chemicals that reduce feelings of pain. Common prescription opioids include:
Hydrocodone (Vicodin®)
Oxycodone (OxyContin®)
Oxymorphone (Opana®)
Codeine
Morphine
Methadone
Fentanyl
Are opioids necessary?
Opioid medications are one of many ways to treat pain. Before deciding whether taking opioid medications is necessary, it may be helpful to understand the type of pain that you are experiencing.
Acute pain: pain that usually starts suddenly and has a known cause, like an injury or surgery. The pain will normally decrease as your body heals.
Chronic pain: pain that lasts 3 months or more and can be caused by a disease, condition, injury, medical treatment, inflammation, or even for an unknown reason.
Prescription opioids can be used to treat severe acute pain, but there is no evidence that they are as effective for long-term use in the treatment of chronic pain. If you are prescribed an opioid, the best approach is to try the lowest possible dose in the smallest quantity. Opioids should only be used when necessary and only for as long as necessary. For acute pain this is generally 3 days or less; more than 7 days is rarely needed.
Before taking opioid medication for chronic pain:
Discuss pain treatment options with your doctor, including ones that do not involve prescription drugs.
Tell your doctor about your medical history and if you or anyone in your family has a history of substance misuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Discuss all of the risks and benefits of taking prescription opioids.
Talking openly with your healthcare provider will help to make sure you’re getting care that is safe, effective, and right for you. Set up a follow-up appointment with your doctor to reevaluate your pain and, if you have been taking opioids for more than a few days, give you guidance on the best way to cope with possible withdrawal symptoms when you stop.
Will I get addicted to opioids?
Anyone who takes opioids, prescription or otherwise, can become addicted to them. It is possible to also develop tolerance—meaning that over time you may need higher doses to relieve your pain, putting you at higher risk for a potentially fatal overdose. You can also develop physical dependence—meaning you have withdrawal symptoms when the medication is stopped.
Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you or anyone in your family has a history of substance misuse or addiction to drugs or alcohol. Also, never take opioids in higher amounts or more often than prescribed.
What is MAT?
MAT is the use of prescription medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a whole-person approach to the treatment of specific substance use disorders (SUD), such as Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Research shows that a combination of MAT and behavioral therapies is a successful method to treat OUD.
What does the MAT treatment process involve?
The components of MAT services may include, but are not limited to, the following: Initial Assessment Treatment Planning Medications Counseling
Is counseling required with MAT services?
Counseling is an important part of treatment and is usually required with all MAT medications.
In certain treatment settings, a patient must receive, at minimum, 50 minutes of counseling with a therapist or counselor. In other settings, counseling is not required, but highly encouraged.
Where can MAT services be provided?
MAT services can be provided in a variety of settings and accessed through a large network of physicians and treatment facilities, including many primary care physicians. Find a treatment provider near you.
What medications are typically used in MAT?
FDA-approved medications used in MAT for the treatment of OUD include, but are not limited to:
Buprenorphine and buprenorphine products
Methadone
Naltrexone
See Medications Used in MAT for more information.
Will MAT be covered by my insurance plan?
MAT is covered by many Medi Cal, Medicare, and private insurance plans. Ask a licensed MAT provider for more information.No Cost Treatment is available to those without a funding, ask us How-?
What is the source of information?
Below are the sources of information.
MAT Expansion Project in California http://www.californiamat.org
MAT Resources https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/External-Links.aspx
Addiction Resources: Training and Resources
Samhsa supports MAT: https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/training-resources/support-organizations
Medi-Cal Helpline: 1-800-541-5555 (facetime Link-?)
Solano County Mental Health https://admin.solanocounty.com:4433/depts/mhs/default.asp
Solano County Mental Health Crisis Line: 24/7 707 428-1131
Suicide Prevention Line: 1800 273-TALK (8255)
*NOTE: The medications listed here are not inclusive of all the FDA-approved medications used in MAT.
Naloxone for Opioid Overdose
Naloxone is a life-saving medication that reverses an opioid overdose. Naloxone is safe for lay people to use, as it is harmless if misused, and has no effect on an individual if opioids are not present in their system. Naloxone blocks opioid receptor sites, reversing the toxic effects of the overdose, restarting breathing and waking people up from unconsciousness.
Naloxone can be given by intranasal spray or injection (in the muscle, under the skin, or in a vein) and should be given when someone appears to have overdosed (unconscious, with slowed breathing, or if breathing has stopped).
“Opioid agonist treatment, often called OAT, coupled with peer to peer supportive services-uses medications such as Buprenorphine and Methadone to treat opioid addiction, reduce drug-related harms and support long-term recovery.”
