What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment and How Does It Support Opioid Recovery?
Quick answer: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications, such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone, with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat opioid use disorder. The medications ease cravings and withdrawal, so you can focus on healing. People treated with methadone or buprenorphine are less likely to overdose or die than people who don’t get medication.
If you or someone you love is living with opioid use disorder, you’ve probably heard of medication-assisted treatment. You may also have heard mixed opinions about it. Maybe someone told you it’s “just swapping one drug for another.” Or maybe you’re wondering if it could finally make recovery feel possible.
We want to clear things up. Here’s what MAT is, how it works, and how it can support lasting opioid recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment is an evidence-based approach that uses medication alongside counseling and behavioral therapies. SAMHSA describes this as a whole-patient approach to treating substance use disorders. You may also hear it called MOUD, which stands for medications for opioid use disorder.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes opioid use disorder as a complex, treatable chronic medical condition from which people can recover. Just as someone with diabetes might take insulin and make lifestyle changes, MAT treats both the physical and emotional sides of opioid use disorder.
How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work?
Opioids change how the brain works over time. When someone stops using, the brain reacts with intense cravings and painful withdrawal symptoms. That’s a big reason why trying to quit “cold turkey” can be so hard, and why relapse is so common without support.
MAT medications work on the same brain receptors that opioids affect. Depending on the medication, they either calm cravings and withdrawal or block opioids from having an effect. This steadies the body and mind, giving you the space to do the deeper work of recovery in therapy.
The 3 FDA-Approved Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved three medications for opioid use disorder: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. All three have been shown to be safe and effective.
| Medication | How it works | How it’s taken | Access through BayPoint Health |
| Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade) | Partially activates opioid receptors to reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal, without the intense high | Film or tablet under the tongue, or a monthly injection | Can be prescribed in our outpatient setting |
| Naltrexone (Vivitrol) | Fully blocks opioid receptors, so opioids have no euphoric effect | Daily pill or once-monthly injection | Available in our outpatient setting |
| Methadone | Activates opioid receptors slowly to manage cravings and withdrawal | Daily liquid or tablet at a licensed opioid treatment program | We help coordinate referrals to licensed programs |
Your care team will help you decide which medication, if any, fits your health, history, and goals. For example, naltrexone usually requires being opioid-free for about 7 to 10 days before starting, while buprenorphine is often started once mild withdrawal begins.
How MAT Supports Opioid Recovery
Medication is one part of the picture. When it’s paired with therapy and support, MAT can help you:
- Lower your risk of overdose and death. NIDA reports that people with opioid use disorder treated with methadone or buprenorphine are less likely to die or overdose than people who don’t receive medication.
- Ease cravings and withdrawal. When you’re not fighting your body every minute, you can think clearly and focus on your goals.
- Stay in treatment longer. Feeling physically stable makes it easier to keep showing up for therapy and group sessions.
- Rebuild daily life. Many people on MAT work, parent, go to school, and reconnect with loved ones.
- Reduce other health risks. NIDA notes that these medications also reduce risky behaviors linked to HIV and hepatitis C.
Is MAT Just Replacing One Drug With Another?
This is one of the most common worries we hear, and it’s a fair question. The short answer is no.
When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine and methadone prevent cravings and withdrawal without causing the intense high of other opioids. Naltrexone isn’t an opioid at all. It blocks opioids from working. Taking a prescribed medication to manage a health condition, under a provider’s care, is very different from addiction. It’s treatment.
Why So Many People Still Miss Out on MAT
Despite strong evidence, most people with opioid use disorder never receive these medications. SAMHSA’s 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that about 4.0 million people aged 12 or older had an opioid use disorder in 2025. Only 15.7% of them received medication for it.
Stigma, myths, and not knowing where to start all play a role. That’s why we believe talking openly about MAT matters so much.
What Medication-Assisted Treatment Looks Like at BayPoint Health
At BayPoint Health, MAT is part of our opioid addiction treatment in Portsmouth, NH. Medication is always paired with therapy and support, because lasting recovery is about more than managing symptoms.
Depending on your needs, MAT can be part of:
- Our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), which offers full-day, structured support
- Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which offers flexible sessions so you can keep up with work and family
Your treatment may also include individual therapy, group therapy, and relapse prevention planning. If you’re also living with anxiety, depression, or trauma, our dual diagnosis treatment addresses both conditions together.
If your opioid use started with a prescription, you’re not alone. Our post on opioid addiction treatment for prescription painkiller use walks through what that can look like.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medication-Assisted Treatment
What is medication-assisted treatment? Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment approach that pairs FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder.
What medications are used in MAT for opioid use disorder? The three FDA-approved medications are buprenorphine (such as Suboxone or Sublocade), naltrexone (such as Vivitrol), and methadone.
How long do people stay on MAT? It’s different for everyone. Some people use MAT for months, and others for years. Your care team will work with you to decide what’s right, and you’ll never be rushed off a medication that’s helping.
Can I work while on medication-assisted treatment? Yes. Many people on MAT work, care for their families, and live full lives. Outpatient programs are designed to fit around your schedule.
Does insurance cover MAT? Many insurance plans cover medication-assisted treatment. The easiest way to know is to verify your insurance with our team.
Where can I find MAT in New Hampshire? You can contact BayPoint Health in Portsmouth, or dial 2-1-1 to reach The Doorway, which offers screening, MAT, naloxone, and peer recovery support across the state.
Begin Your Opioid Recovery With BayPoint Health
Recovery from opioid use disorder is possible, and you don’t have to go through withdrawal and cravings alone. Medication-assisted treatment can give you the stability you need to heal, and our compassionate team in Portsmouth, NH, is here to walk alongside you.
Call BayPoint Health at (603) 941-4458 or reach out to our admissions team to learn whether MAT is right for you. A healthier, steadier future can start with one conversation, and we’re ready when you are.
If you or someone near you shows signs of an opioid overdose, such as slow or stopped breathing, blue lips, or not waking up, call 911 right away.