Myths About Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Separating Fact from Fiction About Opioid Addiction Treatment
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for treating opioid use disorder. However, despite its proven success, there are still many misconceptions surrounding MAT that can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need.
At True North Recovery and Wellness Center in Salt Lake City, we believe education is an important part of recovery. Understanding the truth about MAT can empower individuals and families to make informed decisions about treatment.
What Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
What is MAT?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based method that combines behavioral therapies and medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder or nicotine use disorder.
There are three FDA-approved medications for the treatment of OUD.
- Buprenorphine
- Methadone
- Naltrexone
Addiction treatment experts consider MAT to be the gold standard of care for the treatment of OUD.
How MAT for opioid use works:
Long-lasting changes in brain chemistry can make it difficult for people with OUD to abstain from using opioids because physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings can be overwhelming. MAT can help reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal and curb opioid cravings that can lead to relapse.
What the evidence shows:
- Evidence shows that MAT is effective in treating OUD, reducing drug-related disease and criminal recidivism and more effective than either behavioral interventions or medication alone in treating OUD.
- According to the American Society of Addiction (ASAM), individuals receiving MAT as part of their OUD treatment are 75 percent less likely to die from a drug overdose than those not receiving MAT.
- Facilitating patient access to MAT when medically appropriate can reduce overdose deaths.
FACT:
When used appropriately, medications used to treat addiction are not addicting, as they do not cause patients to use them compulsively or in an unhealthy way. Rather, these medications support patients in their recovery. Patients taking medications to treat addiction should be considered in recovery. Characterizing certain medications as “addictive” is confusing to people who don’t understand how these medications work and perpetuates stigma against patients with addiction.
Common Myths About MAT
Myth #1: “MAT is just replacing one addiction with another”
The Truth:
This is one of the most common misconceptions about MAT. Medications like methadone and buprenorphine are prescribed and monitored by medical professionals at controlled doses. They do not produce the same euphoric effects as illicit opioids when used as directed.
Instead, these medications help:
- Reduce cravings
- Prevent withdrawal symptoms
- Stabilize brain chemistry
MAT allows individuals to function normally and focus on recovery – it is treatment, not substitution.
Myth #2: “You’re not really sober if you’re on MAT”
The Truth:
Recovery looks different for everyone. MAT is a medically supported form of recovery that helps individuals regain stability and improve their quality of life.
Many medical and recovery organizations recognize MAT as a legitimate path to sobriety because it:
- Supports long-term recovery
- Reduces the risk of relapse
- Decreases overdose risk
Being in recovery means improving your health and your life – and MAT helps make that possible.
Myth #3: “MAT is only a short-term solution”
The Truth:
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for recovery. Some individuals may use MAT for a shorter period, while others may benefit from longer-term treatment.
Research shows that longer engagement in MAT often leads to better outcomes, including reduced relapse rates and improved stability.
At True North, treatment plans are individualized to meet each person’s needs and recovery goals.
Myth #4: “You have to hit rock bottom before starting MAT”
The Truth:
You do not have to wait until things get worse to seek help. In fact, early intervention leads to better outcomes.
If opioid use is affecting your life, relationships, or health, MAT can provide the support needed to regain control before the situation escalates.
Myth #5: “MAT is unsafe”
The Truth:
MAT medications are FDA-approved and clinically proven to be safe and effective when used under medical supervision.
In fact, MAT has been shown to:
- Reduce opioid-related overdose deaths
- Improve treatment retention
- Support long-term recovery success
At a licensed and accredited treatment center like True North, patient safety is always a top priority.
Myth #6: “MAT doesn’t address the real problem”
The Truth:
MAT is not just medication – it is a comprehensive treatment approach. At True North Recovery and Wellness Center, MAT is combined with counseling, therapy, and support services that address the underlying causes of addiction.
Our programs include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Life skills development
- Community-based support
This integrated approach helps individuals build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
Why MAT Works
Medication Assisted Treatment is effective because it treats addiction as a chronic medical condition, not a moral failing. By stabilizing brain chemistry and reducing cravings, MAT allows individuals to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives.
MAT has been proven to:
- Increase long-term recovery success
- Reduce illicit opioid use
- Lower risk of overdose
- Improve overall quality of life
MAT at True North Recovery and Wellness Center
At True North Recovery and Wellness Center in Salt Lake City, we provide compassionate, evidence-based MAT services tailored to each individual.
Our MAT program includes:
- Methadone maintenance treatment
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone® & Subutex®)
- Vivitrol® (naltrexone injection)
- Counseling and behavioral health services
- Outpatient treatment programs
- Court-approved services and support
As a CARF-accredited provider, we are committed to delivering high-quality care in a safe, supportive environment.
Get the Facts - Start Your Recovery Today
Misinformation about MAT can prevent people from seeking life-saving treatment. The truth is that Medication Assisted Treatment is a safe, effective, and proven path to recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, help is available.
Don’t let myths stand in the way of recovery. Real help starts here.