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Treatment · Evidence-Based Care SAMHSA-verified · Updated September 2026

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications — such as buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, or naltrexone (Vivitrol) — with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT is clinically proven to reduce opioid use, prevent overdose deaths, decrease criminal activity, and improve treatment retention.

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Key takeaways — Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

  • ✓Typical duration: Ongoing (12+ months recommended). Cost range: $5,000 - $15,000/year. Success rate: 60-75% with evidence-based care.
  • ✓Best fit when matched via the ASAM continuum — the clinical framework used by placement specialists and insurers.
  • ✓Under the Mental Health Parity Act, major carriers (Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, UHC, Medicaid) cover it at parity with medical care.
  • ✓Effective for alcohol, opioid, stimulant, and poly-substance use disorders — see all substances treated.
  • ✓Free 5-minute placement check: (833) 567-5838 — licensed specialist, no email capture, SAMHSA-verified directory.

What medication-assisted treatment (mat) actually looks like

Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications — such as buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, or naltrexone (Vivitrol) — with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT is clinically proven to reduce opioid use, prevent overdose deaths, decrease criminal activity, and improve treatment retention.

Clinical placement into medication-assisted treatment (mat) follows the ASAM Criteria, a six-dimension assessment used by virtually every licensed program in the US. The framework evaluates withdrawal risk, medical complications, emotional/behavioral conditions, readiness to change, relapse potential, and recovery environment. A placement specialist (or admitting clinician) scores each dimension and matches the patient to the appropriate medical detox, residential, IOP, outpatient, or MAT program.

What insurance covers

Under the federal MHPAEA parity law, commercial plans must cover medication-assisted treatment (mat) at parity with medical care. That means same copays, same deductible rules, same pre-authorization requirements as any other medical procedure. Most medication-assisted treatment (mat) admissions involve a deductible ($0–$2,000 typically), then 10–40% coinsurance. Medicaid coverage varies by state — residents of Medicaid-expansion states have broader access. Our directory filters all 21,568 SAMHSA-verified centers by carrier.

Evidence base & outcomes

Per NIDA’s research-based principles, effective treatment combines clinical therapy (cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management) with FDA-approved medications where applicable, plus structured aftercare. Programs lasting 90+ days produce materially better outcomes than shorter stays. For opioid and alcohol use disorders, MAT combined with therapy outperforms therapy alone by 2–3× on 12-month sobriety measures.

The basics

What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders — primarily opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. It is a “whole-patient” approach: the medication steadies brain chemistry, blunts cravings, and blocks the high, so the therapy can do its work. When it targets opioids specifically, clinicians now call it MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder).

The biggest myth about MAT is that it “replaces one drug with another.” It does not. Under medical supervision these medications do not produce a high — they stabilize the brain so a person can rebuild their life. Does medication-assisted treatment work? Emphatically yes: it is the single most effective treatment for opioid addiction, and the evidence below shows why.

MAT vs MOUD: are they the same?

Effectively yes. MAT is the umbrella term for using medication plus therapy for any substance use disorder; MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder) is the specific term when the target is opioids. Many clinicians now prefer MOUD because it emphasizes that the medication is the treatment, not merely an “assist.”

The whole-patient approach

MAT is not medication alone. It pairs the medication with counseling, behavioral therapy, and support so both the biology and the psychology of addiction are treated together — the same integrated logic behind dual diagnosis care.

The MAT medications: a complete list

There are three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder and three for alcohol use disorder. This is the full list of MAT drugs and how each one works.

Buprenorphine
Type
Partial opioid agonist
How
Eases cravings and withdrawal with a “ceiling effect” that lowers overdose risk
Forms
Suboxone, Zubsolv (with naloxone), Subutex, Sublocade (monthly injection)
Treats
Opioid use disorder
Methadone
Type
Full opioid agonist
How
Prevents withdrawal and cravings; dispensed daily at certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs)
Forms
Oral liquid or tablet
Treats
Opioid use disorder
Naltrexone
Type
Opioid antagonist (blocker)
How
Blocks the euphoric effects of opioids and alcohol; started only after you are fully detoxed
Forms
Vivitrol (monthly injection), oral tablet
Treats
Opioid & alcohol use disorder
Acamprosate
Type
Anti-craving
How
Reduces cravings and the lingering discomfort after quitting drinking
Forms
Campral (oral)
Treats
Alcohol use disorder
Disulfiram
Type
Deterrent
How
Causes an unpleasant reaction if you drink alcohol, discouraging use
Forms
Antabuse (oral)
Treats
Alcohol use disorder

FDA-approved medications per SAMHSA and MedlinePlus (NIH).

Which MAT medication is right for me?

There is no single best drug — the right choice depends on your substance, medical history, home situation, and preference for flexibility versus structure. The three opioid medications are compared in detail just below.

The three opioid-treatment medications explained

Choosing between buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone comes down to how each works and your situation. Here is buprenorphine vs methadone vs naltrexone at a glance.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

A partial agonist, so it relieves cravings and withdrawal without a full high, and its ceiling effect makes overdose less likely. Often prescribed as Suboxone (buprenorphine + naloxone) as a film or tablet, or the monthly Sublocade injection. Since 2023 any DEA-registered clinician can prescribe it in an office, no special waiver needed.

Methadone

A full agonist and the oldest MAT medication, highly effective for severe opioid use disorder. It must be dispensed daily at a certified opioid treatment program (OTP), which adds structure but less flexibility. It carries breathing and heart-rhythm cautions, so dosing is carefully supervised.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

An antagonist that blocks opioids and alcohol entirely — there is no high to relapse toward. Given as the monthly Vivitrol injection or a daily pill. The catch: you must be fully opioid-free (about 7–10 days) before starting, or it triggers withdrawal. It treats both opioid and alcohol use disorder.

MAT for opioid use disorder (MOUD)

How MAT works for opioid addiction

Medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder — heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers — is the gold standard of care. All three opioid medications reduce illicit use, keep people in treatment longer, and dramatically cut the risk of a fatal overdose, which matters more than ever in the fentanyl era. That is how MAT helps protect against overdose death: a person retained on medication is far less likely to return to risky street-opioid use. Because it keeps people alive and engaged in care, MAT is considered both a primary treatment and a form of harm reduction.

MAT for fentanyl

For fentanyl specifically, higher or longer buprenorphine inductions are sometimes needed because fentanyl lingers in the body, so this should always be done with a clinician. Whichever medication is used, MAT works best paired with counseling and, where appropriate, a structured intensive outpatient or residential program.

RehabFlow catalog data

What our directory data shows

These figures come from our own catalog of 21,568 U.S. treatment facilities across 54 states and territories and 4,542 cities — counted directly from the listings on this site, not quoted from another source.

30.9%
of facilities offer medication-assisted treatment — 6,669 of 21,568
21,568
facilities in the catalog, each with its own listing page
4,836
list Joint Commission accreditation (22% of the catalog)
54
states & territories covered, 4,542 cities

Where medication-assisted treatment is most available

The five states with the most facilities offering medication-assisted treatment in our catalog:

523
CA
494
NY
382
PA
342
OH
281
FL

How we counted — and what we do not publish

Method: counts are computed directly from the 21,568 facility listings in the RehabFlow catalog, which are built from SAMHSA-sourced facility records plus each program’s own published service list. A facility is counted once per category regardless of how many locations it operates. Figures are recalculated daily, so they move as the catalog is updated. Because MAT requires a licensed prescriber or a certified opioid treatment program, availability is narrower than for talk-therapy services — which is why this share is lower than for counselling-based services.

What we deliberately do not publish: we do not report percentages of facilities by insurance carrier. Carrier fields in bulk facility records are self-reported and frequently list every major insurer, which would make any “X% accept this plan” figure misleading. Insurance acceptance changes contract by contract, so it has to be verified per facility — call the program or (833) 567-5838 and we will check it for you.

MAT for alcohol use disorder

MAT is not only for opioids. Three FDA-approved medications treat alcohol use disorder, and they are widely underused given how well they work.

Naltrexone

Reduces the reward and cravings from drinking; the same medication used for opioids, available as a pill or the monthly Vivitrol shot.

Acamprosate (Campral)

Eases the ongoing cravings and unease that linger for months after quitting, helping maintain abstinence.

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Causes an unpleasant physical reaction if you drink, working as a strong deterrent for motivated patients.

Does MAT work? What the evidence shows

Why MAT outperforms counseling alone

The research is overwhelming and consistent across federal agencies: medication-assisted treatment saves lives, and for opioid use disorder it works better than counseling or “willpower” approaches on their own.

~50%
lower risk of death for people with opioid use disorder on methadone or buprenorphine (NIDA)
Higher
treatment retention and fewer relapses than counseling alone
Fewer
overdoses, ER visits, and infections — and it helps protect against overdose death

Sources: NIDA, SAMHSA.

MAT cost and insurance coverage

Is MAT covered by insurance?

Yes. Under the federal parity law and the ACA, commercial plans must cover medication-assisted treatment on par with other medical care. Medicaid and Medicare cover MAT too, including the medications and counseling — Medicaid is the largest single payer for buprenorphine in the country.

What it costs out of pocket

Costs vary by medication and setting: generic buprenorphine and naltrexone pills are inexpensive, while the monthly Vivitrol and Sublocade injections and daily methadone-clinic dosing cost more. With insurance most people pay a modest copay. Many clinics offer sliding-scale fees — call (833) 567-5838 for a free benefits check.

How to start MAT

Access is easier than it used to be. In 2023 the federal X-waiver was eliminated, so any DEA-registered clinician can now prescribe buprenorphine — no special certification and no cap on patients. Here is how getting started usually works.

  1. 1

    Assessment

    A clinician confirms the diagnosis and recommends the right medication for your substance, health, and goals.

  2. 2

    Induction

    Buprenorphine and methadone are started while you are in mild withdrawal; naltrexone is started only after you are fully detoxed. This first dose is medically supervised.

  3. 3

    Stabilization & maintenance

    Your dose is adjusted until cravings are controlled, then maintained alongside counseling. MAT is typically recommended for 12+ months, often longer — there is no rush to stop.

To find a MAT clinic or buprenorphine doctor near you, browse SAMHSA-verified treatment centers or call our free helpline at (833) 567-5838.

Safety, side effects, and common myths

“Isn’t this just swapping one addiction for another?”

No. Taken as prescribed, MAT medications do not produce a high or intoxication — they normalize brain function. Physical dependence on a prescribed, stable medication is not the same as addiction, which is compulsive use despite harm.

Side effects and safety

Common side effects are usually mild (constipation, nausea, headache). Methadone requires careful dosing for breathing and heart-rhythm safety; naltrexone carries a liver caution at high doses. All are far safer than continued opioid or heavy alcohol use, and are safely used long-term under a clinician.

Sources

SAMHSA: Medications for substance use disorders · NIDA: Medications to treat opioid use disorder · MedlinePlus (NIH): Buprenorphine · DEA: Removal of the X-waiver (2023) · U.S. Dept. of Labor: Federal parity law (MHPAEA)

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): cost & duration at a glance

Dimension Typical range
DurationOngoing (12+ months recommended)
Self-pay cost$5,000 - $15,000/year
Typical insurance coverageRequired to be covered under ACA
Success rate (engaged participants)60-75%
After-care recommendedYes — sober living, peer support, or continued outpatient for 6–12 months

Who is this treatment for?

MAT is most effective for individuals with opioid use disorder (heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers) or alcohol use disorder. It is not "replacing one drug with another" — it stabilizes brain chemistry, blocks euphoric effects, and relieves cravings so the person can focus on recovery work.

What does medication-assisted treatment (mat) include?

Comprehensive medical assessment
FDA-approved medications (buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone)
Individual and group counseling
Regular drug screening
Psychiatric support for co-occurring disorders
Care coordination and case management
Peer support and recovery coaching
Ongoing monitoring and dosage adjustments

Need help finding medication-assisted treatment (mat) near you?

Call (833) 567-5838 — Free & Confidential

Insurance coverage for medication-assisted treatment (mat)

Required to be covered under ACA. Verify your specific benefits:

Aetna Aetna BlueCross BlueShield BlueCross BlueShield Cigna Cigna UnitedHealthcare UnitedHealthcare Anthem Anthem Humana Humana Kaiser Permanente Kaiser Permanente Medicaid Medicaid Medicare Medicare TRICARE TRICARE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is medication-assisted treatment (mat)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment combines FDA-approved medications — such as buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, or naltrexone (Vivitrol) — with counseling and behavioral therapies. MAT is clinically proven to reduce opioid use, prevent overdose deaths, decrease criminal activity, and improve treatment retention.
Who should consider medication-assisted treatment (mat)?
MAT is most effective for individuals with opioid use disorder (heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers) or alcohol use disorder. It is not "replacing one drug with another" — it stabilizes brain chemistry, blocks euphoric effects, and relieves cravings so the person can focus on recovery work.
How long does medication-assisted treatment (mat) last?
Typical duration for medication-assisted treatment (mat) is Ongoing (12+ months recommended). However, treatment length should be individualized based on clinical assessment, progress, and insurance coverage.
How much does medication-assisted treatment (mat) cost?
The average cost is $5,000 - $15,000/year. Required to be covered under ACA. Many facilities offer sliding-scale fees and payment plans. Call (833) 567-5838 to verify your specific coverage.
What is the success rate of medication-assisted treatment (mat)?
Success rates for medication-assisted treatment (mat) are approximately 60-75% for sustained recovery. Success improves with longer treatment duration, aftercare participation, and addressing co-occurring disorders.
What are the medications used in MAT?
For opioid use disorder there are three FDA-approved medications: buprenorphine (often as Suboxone), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol). For alcohol use disorder there are also three: naltrexone, acamprosate (Campral), and disulfiram (Antabuse). Each works differently, and a clinician matches the medication to your substance and situation.
What is the difference between buprenorphine and methadone?
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist with a ceiling effect that lowers overdose risk, and since 2023 any DEA-registered clinician can prescribe it in an office. Methadone is a full agonist, very effective for severe opioid use disorder, but it must be dispensed daily at a certified opioid treatment program. Buprenorphine offers more flexibility; methadone offers more structure.
What is the difference between naltrexone and buprenorphine or methadone?
Naltrexone is an antagonist that blocks opioids and alcohol entirely, so there is no high to relapse toward, but you must be fully detoxed for about 7 to 10 days before starting or it triggers withdrawal. Buprenorphine and methadone are agonists that prevent withdrawal and cravings and can be started while you are still in mild withdrawal.
Does medication-assisted treatment work?
Yes. MAT is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder. Federal research shows methadone and buprenorphine roughly halve the risk of death for people with opioid use disorder, improve treatment retention, reduce relapse, and help protect against fatal overdose. It works best combined with counseling.
Is MAT just replacing one drug with another?
No. Taken as prescribed, MAT medications do not produce a high or intoxication; they stabilize brain chemistry so cravings and withdrawal fade. Physical dependence on a stable prescribed medication is not the same as addiction, which is compulsive use despite harm. MAT lets people rebuild their lives.
Is medication-assisted treatment covered by insurance?
Yes. Under the federal parity law and the ACA, commercial plans must cover MAT on par with other medical care. Medicaid and Medicare also cover the medications and counseling, and Medicaid is the largest single payer for buprenorphine. Verify your specific plan before starting, or call (833) 567-5838 for a free benefits check.
How do I start MAT or get a Suboxone prescription?
Since the X-waiver was eliminated in 2023, any DEA-registered clinician can prescribe buprenorphine, so access is easier than ever. It starts with an assessment, then a medically supervised first dose (induction), then dose stabilization alongside counseling. Browse SAMHSA-verified centers or call (833) 567-5838 to find a MAT provider near you.
What is MOUD?
MOUD stands for medications for opioid use disorder. It is the newer, preferred term for MAT when it specifically treats opioid addiction with buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. MOUD and MAT-for-opioids mean the same thing.
Can MAT treat fentanyl addiction?
Yes, MAT treats fentanyl use disorder, but because fentanyl lingers in the body, buprenorphine induction sometimes needs a higher dose or a modified schedule to avoid precipitated withdrawal. This should always be done with a clinician. Methadone and naltrexone are also used for fentanyl addiction.
How long do you stay on MAT?
There is no fixed limit. MAT is typically recommended for at least 12 months and often much longer, because stopping too early raises relapse and overdose risk. Many people stay on medication for years, and that is a safe, evidence-based choice made with a clinician. There is no rush to taper off.

Find medication-assisted treatment (mat) by state

CA TX FL NY PA IL OH GA NC MI NJ AZ WA MA CO TN All 50 States →

Explore other treatment types

Inpatient Rehab Programs 30-90 days • 40-60% Outpatient Treatment Programs 3-6 months • 30-50% Medical Detox Programs 3-10 days • 70-80% completion Dual Diagnosis Treatment 60-90 days (residential) or 3-6 months (outpatient) • 45-65% Sober Living Homes 3-12 months • Ongoing support Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) 2-4 months • 35-55%

Last updated: September 3, 2026 • Reviewed by RehabFlow Editorial Team • Data sourced from SAMHSA

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Published by RehabFlow
SAMHSA-sourced directory · September 2026

Listings are sourced from the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator and cross-checked against public CDC and NIDA data. This page is informational, not medical advice — see our editorial policy for how we verify and update facts.

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