MAT Basics
What is MAT?
Medication Assisted Treatment
What is an early benefit of MAT?
MAT helps people feel more stable in early recovery.
Is MAT simply replacing one addiction with another?
False—MAT is not “just replacing one drug with another.”
What is one treatment outcome MAT improves?
People on MAT are more likely to stay in treatment.
How can MAT support work or job stability?
MAT can help people maintain employment.
What does MAT include besides medication?
MAT combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies.
What does MAT improve when it comes to treatment engagement?
MAT helps people stay in treatment longer.
Can someone on MAT be in recovery?
True—people on MAT can be considered in recovery.
What serious risk does MAT help reduce?
MAT lowers the risk of overdose.
How does MAT impact legal or court-related outcomes?
MAT can help reduce involvement with the criminal justice system.
What conditions is MAT used to treat?
MAT is commonly used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders.
What does MAT reduce that makes recovery more manageable?
MAT helps reduce intense cravings that can lead to relapse.
Does MAT mean a person isn’t sober?
False—MAT does not mean someone is “not really sober.”
What does MAT reduce related to relapse?
People using MAT are less likely to return to regular substance use.
What everyday life areas can MAT improve?
MAT supports daily functioning like sleep, focus, and mood.
How does MAT help the body during recovery?
MAT works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
What does MAT help people focus on besides “not using”?
MAT allows people to focus on rebuilding their lives, not just avoiding substances.
Is MAT always meant to be temporary?
True—MAT can be short-term or long-term depending on the person.
What should MAT be paired with for best outcomes?
MAT is most effective when combined with counseling.
How can MAT help with family or social relationships?
MAT can improve relationships by increasing emotional stability.
What does “evidence-based” mean when talking about MAT?
MAT is considered evidence-based because it has been studied and shown to work for many people.
What part of the body does MAT help stabilize?
MAT supports brain chemistry affected by long-term substance use.
Is it always safer to stop MAT as soon as possible?
False—stopping MAT too early can increase relapse risk.
How does MAT compare to abstinence-only approaches for many people?
MAT improves long-term recovery outcomes compared to no medication.
What long-term life outcome is associated with MAT?
MAT improves overall quality of life for many people in recovery.