What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment, commonly called MAT, is the use of FDA-approved medications — combined with counseling and behavioral therapies — to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). It is the evidence-based gold standard recommended by every major medical organization, including SAMHSA, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and the CDC.
At Mediversity in Turnersville, NJ, our addiction medicine program provides MAT to patients across South Jersey in a stigma-free, medically supervised environment.
Why MAT Works: Addressing the Biology of Addiction
Opioid use disorder is a complex brain disease, not a moral failure. Repeated opioid exposure fundamentally changes the brain’s reward circuitry, stress response, and impulse control. These changes persist long after drug use stops, which is why willpower alone has such a poor track record in sustaining recovery.
MAT medications work by:
- Reducing withdrawal symptoms that drive relapse in early recovery
- Blocking opioid receptors so that using opioids produces little to no euphoria (reducing the incentive to use)
- Stabilizing brain chemistry, allowing patients to function normally and engage in therapy and recovery work
- Reducing cravings that otherwise overwhelm patients even months into recovery
FDA-Approved MAT Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
Buprenorphine / Naloxone (Suboxone)
The most commonly prescribed MAT medication in outpatient settings. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist — it activates opioid receptors enough to prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings, without producing a full opioid effect. Naloxone is added to prevent misuse (it blocks opioid effects if injected). Suboxone is taken as a sublingual film or tablet daily. Available as a generic (buprenorphine-naloxone) and brand versions (Suboxone, Zubsolv, Bunavail).
Methadone
A full opioid agonist that eliminates withdrawal and cravings completely. Very effective for patients with severe opioid use disorder, but can only be dispensed through federally certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). Requires daily clinic visits initially, with take-home doses earned over time with demonstrated stability.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
An opioid antagonist that completely blocks all opioid receptors. Available as a daily oral pill or monthly injection (Vivitrol). Patients must be completely opioid-free before starting (at least 7–10 days, or longer for methadone). Excellent option for motivated patients who have already detoxed and want protection against relapse.
The Role of Counseling in MAT
Medication alone is not sufficient for sustainable recovery. Evidence consistently shows that MAT works best when combined with:
- Individual counseling (CBT, motivational interviewing)
- Group therapy and peer support
- Addressing co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, trauma)
- Social support — housing, employment, family
- Recovery community engagement (NA, SMART Recovery)
At Mediversity, our addiction medicine team coordinates with behavioral health to ensure patients receive integrated care.
How Long Should Patients Stay on MAT?
This is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — questions in addiction medicine. Research clearly shows that longer durations of MAT produce better outcomes. The risk of relapse drops significantly with sustained treatment, while stopping MAT early dramatically increases overdose risk.
There is no universally correct answer — treatment duration is individualized. Some patients benefit from MAT for 1–2 years; others benefit from longer-term or indefinite maintenance. This is a medical decision made collaboratively between patient and physician, based on clinical factors and individual recovery goals.
Who Qualifies for MAT?
MAT is appropriate for adults with a diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD). This includes dependence on:
- Prescription opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, hydromorphone)
- Heroin or illicit fentanyl
A comprehensive clinical evaluation determines the appropriate medication, dose, and level of care. No prior detox or sobriety period is required to start buprenorphine — in some cases, we can initiate treatment on the same day as evaluation.
Same-Day MAT Starts in South Jersey
At Mediversity in Turnersville, NJ, we offer compassionate, evidence-based addiction medicine services with minimal barriers to starting treatment. If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid use disorder in South Jersey, learn more about our addiction medicine program or contact us today. You do not have to be ready to stop today — you just have to be willing to start.