More and more Americans are using Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to manage opioid use disorder.

 

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.

​

Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery.

​

A common misconception associated with MAT is that it substitutes one drug for another. Instead, these medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. MAT programs provide a safe and controlled level of medication to overcome the use of an abused opioid. And research has shown that when provided at the proper dose, medications used in MAT have no adverse effects on a person’s intelligence, mental capability, physical functioning, or employability.

​

One such medication used is Buprenorphine. First approved for clinical use in 2002, Buprenorphine is the first medication for opioid use disorder that can be used in a doctor's office. It is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

​

The FDA has approved the following buprenorphine products:

• Bunavail (buprenorphine and naloxone) buccal film

• Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) film

• Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets

• Buprenorphine-containing transmucosal products for opioid dependency

​

If you'd like more information, call 410-758-1306.