Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

What is MAT?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is defined as the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat a patient with substance use disorder(s).  This ‘whole patient’ approach is standard of care for treatment of substance use disorders, and that is what we follow at Lee Memorial.  The Lee Health System practices this approach for our clients. 

MAT Medications for alcohol and opioid use disorders

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several  different medications to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders.  MAT medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body.  MAT is important because it is evidence based treatment options for substance use disorders.  

Alcohol use medications such as acamprosate, disulfram and naltrexone  are all used in the MAT approach to alcohol use disorders.

To learn more about MAT for alcohol use disorders view:  Medication for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: a brief guide-2015 as well as: TIP 49: incorporating alcohol pharmacoltherapies into medical practice.

Opioid use medications used in the practice include but are not limited to Buprenorphine, Sublocade, Naltrexone, and Vivitrol.

To learn more about MAT for opioid dependence please download TIP 63:medications for opioid use disorder- introduction to medications for opioid use disorder treatment (part 1 of 5)- 2020