April 1, 2022
Now more than ever, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is needed in our communities. Substance use disorders are steadily on the rise across most demographics, including women, the privately insured, and people with higher incomes. Challenging common
stereotypes,
75% of
those struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) are in the workforce. Currently
only about 1 in 10 people with a SUD receive any type of
specialty treatment and over 100,000 people died from
overdose last year in the U.S.
What is medication assisted treatment (MAT)?
MAT is the use of medications along with counseling to treat substance use disorders, including opioid and alcohol use. The established purpose and effectiveness of MAT is to prevent cravings and to block the effects of alcohol and opioids without the
negative and euphoric effects of illicit substances.
What are the benefits of MAT?
- Improve patient survival and quality of life
- Increase retention in treatment
- Can be taken daily and can be managed at home with clinical oversight
- Medications are available at most pharmacies (except for Methadone for opioid use disorders, and Vivitrol which is an injectable administered in a doctor’s office)
Who can provide MAT?
MDs, DOs, PAs, and ARNPs who have a
valid DEA license can apply for a waiver and do not need to complete special
training if treating 30 or fewer MAT patients. Learn more about the waiver process.
- If treating more than 30 MAT patients, a free Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funded training is required.
- Methadone needs to be dispensed in a methadone-licensed clinic.
To help members find care, providers who offer MAT services will be listed as authorized to dispense medication-assisted treatment for opioid use in our Provider Directory. If you provide MAT
services that aren’t reflected in our directory, please send an updated demographic form to our Provider Relations team, or attest to your status via our quarterly provider survey.
This is the first article in a series highlighting the importance of medication-assisted treatment and breaking down the stigma of substance use disorder.