Amidst a nationwide rise in substance use disorders, some organizations are seeing positive results from medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Despite its effectiveness, MAT faces social stigma and remains less widely available than needed.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
The goal of MAT is to support full recovery from addiction. This approach combines behavioral therapy and counseling with physician-supervised use of FDA-approved medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. These medications are designed to relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, enabling individuals to focus on recovery.
Research shows that MAT medications, when prescribed at appropriate doses, do not impair mental or physical functioning. Studies also indicate that MAT can lead to better quality of life compared to standard treatment options and may help reduce overall treatment costs.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, one study in Baltimore from 1995-2009 found that increased availability to MAT options significantly reduced fatalities associated with substance use disorders in a Baltimore study conducted from 1995 to 2009.
Controversy Surrounding Medication-Assisted Treatment
Despite evidence of its effectiveness, MAT remains a polarizing topic. Medications such as methadone face stigma, which can hinder their acceptance by the public.
A common misconception is that MAT simply replaces one substance dependency with another. Supporters counter this by emphasizing that controlled doses of medications used in MAT are designed to stabilize symptoms and support normal functioning.
The FDA requires MAT to include behavioral therapy and counseling to further reduce the risk of dependency and relapse. Proponents argue that using MAT is comparable to managing chronic conditions like diabetes with insulin—both enable individuals to function and improve their quality of life.
Medication-Assisted Treatment in Idaho
Idaho’s geography presents unique challenges for individuals seeking addiction recovery, particularly those in rural areas. MAT options are currently concentrated in urban centers, limiting access for residents in remote regions. Patients who must travel long distances for treatment often face additional barriers to recovery.
In 2014, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare launched Recovery Idaho, a community organization intended to expand recovery support services throughout the state.
Another initiative, Idaho’s Response to the Crisis, includes a variety of treatment options, including MAT, for individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements.
On the federal level, legislative efforts like the “Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person (FIRST STEP) Act” aim to support addiction recovery. If enacted, this bill would require agency directors to assess the role of MAT in helping recently released prisoners manage addiction and transition safely back into society.