Health

Author: Jessica Norton, MA, LCMHC, MLADC. What is MAT and Why? Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to treat Substance Use Disorder (SUD), sustain recovery, and prevent overdose. Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat SUD.  MAT is clinically effective and can reduce the need for inpatient detoxification services.  The treatment approach of MAT improves patient survival, increases retention in treatment, and decreases illicit opioid use and other