Medication-Assisted Treatment (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. There are some major changes occurring with the waiver process with this medication. We will update you all as we get more information.
Medication Information
Methadone, buprenorphine, and Naltrexone are all FDA approved medications for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. Learn more about these medications below.
- Methadone
Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. You can only receive Methadone while being supervised by a doctor in a clinic setting.
- Naltrexone
A non-addictive medication that blocks other opioids from attaching to opioid receptors in the brain. This means it blocks the effects of other opioids. Naltrexone can be taken as a pill or as a monthly injection.
- Buprenorphine aka Suboxone
Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. You can receive Buprenorphine as a daily tablet, cheek film, or implant.
Benefits of MAT
The goal of MAT is to treat the 'whole-patient', so the patient can go on to live an independent life. Some benefits of MAT include:
Increases participation in SUD treatment
Improves individuals' treatment outcomes
Decreased opioid use
Reduces needle-sharing and risk of HIV and Hepatitis C contraction
You can find more information about MAT on the SAMHSA website
SAMHSA Buprenorphine Locator
Find practitioners authorized to treat opioid dependency with buprenorphine by state.
Click on the SAMHSA Icon to the left or go to the SAMHSA Buprenorphine Locator.
Select a state from the map or use the drop down lists to view all of the practitioners waived to provide buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD (Opioid Use Disorder) in a city, state or zip code.
WHCHC Addiction Medicine
Have more questions about MAT on the Big Island?
