The information on this website is for education and resource purposes only.  Not One More Alabama (NOMA) does not recommend one treatment modality over another. An individual seeking treatment should research all pathways to recovery to find the best fit for him or her.  The mission of NOMA is to provide resources, education and support to those impacted by addiction.  We encourage you to thoroughly research all options and discuss them with your healthcare provider to insure the best treatment for you.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders. A combination of medication and behavioral therapies is effective in the treatment of substance use disorders, and can help some people to sustain recovery. 

MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug.

Medications for MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and MAT programs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs. Combining medications used in MAT with anxiety treatment medications can be fatal. Types of anxiety treatment medications include derivatives of Benzodiazepine, such as Xanax or valium.

What Medications are Used?

Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid dependence and addiction to short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. People may safely take medications used in MAT for months, years, several years, or even a lifetime. Plans to stop a medication must always be discussed with a doctor.

​Methadone (brand names include Dolophine, Methadose):
A full opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without causing the same euphoria as illicit opioids when taken as prescribed. It must be dispensed daily in a highly regulated, federally certified opioid treatment program (OTP) clinic.

Buprenorphine (brand names inclue Suboxone, Subutex, sublocade, Zubsolv, Bunavail, Brixadi):
A partial opioid agonist that also reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It has a "ceiling effect," which lowers the risk of overdose. Buprenorphine can be prescribed in a medical office setting by a certified clinician and is available in various forms, including sublingual tablets or film, injections, and implants. It is often combined with naloxone (e.g., in Suboxone) to prevent misuse.

Naltrexone (brand names include Vivitrol, ReVia):
An opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors in the brain, preventing any opioid drug from producing a "high" or euphoric effect. It does not produce physical dependence and requires that a patient be opioid-free for at least 7 to 10 days before initiation to avoid precipitated withdrawal. It is available as a daily oral pill or a once-a-month extended-release injection (Vivitrol). 

How Do I Find a MAT provider?

Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) provide MAT for individuals diagnosed with an opioid use disorder. OTPs also provide a range of services to reduce, eliminate, or prevent the use of illicit drugs, potential criminal activity, and/or the spread of infectious disease. OTPs focus on improving the quality of life of those receiving treatment.