What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for use in the treatment of opioid and heroin addiction in conjunction with behavioral therapy. The approved medications are Methadone, Buprenorphine and Naltrexone. Both Methadone and Buprenorphine can only be prescribed by physicians certified to use these drugs as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program. Naltrexone, on the other hand, can be prescribed by any health care provider who is licensed to prescribe medications.

Methadone
Methadone is a medication used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help people reduce or quit their use of heroin or other opiates. Methadone has been used for decades to treat people who are addicted to heroin and narcotic pain medicines. Learn more about methadone.

Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help people reduce or quit the use of heroin or other opiates. Medications such as buprenorphine, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, provide a whole-patient approach to the treatment of opioid dependency. Learn more about buprenorphine.

Naltrexone
Naltrexone is used to treat opioid use disorders and alcohol use disorders. It comes in a pill form or as an injectable medication. Naltrexone acts by directly counteracting the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids on the brain. Like Methadone and Buprenorphine, Naltrexone can be effective in treating opioid addiction when coupled with behavioral therapy. Learn more about naltrexone.

SAMHSA RX Pain Medications. Know the Options. Get the Facts
“The Rx Pain Medications. Know the Options. Get the Facts.” is a series of 13 fact sheets designed to increase awareness of the risks associated with prescription opioid use and misuse, as well as to educate patients who are prescribed opioids for pain about the risks and to provide resources on methods for alternative pain management.

Resources on Medication-Assisted Treatment

• Medication-Assisted Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder: Current guidelines for physicians using medication-assisted treatment for patients with drug addiction disorders.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction: Facts for Families and Friends: A resource for families and friends about medication-assisted treatment options that are currently used.
• The Facts about Naltrexone for Treatment of Opioid Addiction: Information on naltrexone and medication-assisted treatment.
• The Facts about Buprenorphine for Treatment of Opioid Addiction: Information on buprenorphine and medication-assisted treatment.
• Opioid Addiction Treatment – A Guide for Parents, Families and Friends from the American Society of Addiction Medicine – provides parents with an easy-to-read guide about the disease of addiction and the steps parents can take to get a loved one help.