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The language around medication for addiction treatment keeps evolving, and a new educational resource from Everwell Recovery clears up the confusion. The Mission Viejo provider has published a guide explaining the difference between medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, and medications for opioid use disorder, or MOUD. To be clear, states like California offer a wealth of …
California Rehab Adds Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
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The language around medication for addiction treatment keeps evolving, and a new educational resource from Everwell Recovery clears up the confusion. The Mission Viejo provider has published a guide explaining the difference between medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, and medications for opioid use disorder, or MOUD.
To be clear, states like California offer a wealth of treatment options beyond MAT. Inpatient care and local Narcotics Anonymous chapters offer assistance in any local community. However, MOUD and MAT are the two terms patients and families encounter constantly when evaluating treatment options.
The Terminology Matters
MAT is the older term describing the combination of FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies for substance use disorders.
MOUD narrowly refers to meds used to treat opioid use disorder. SAMHSA identifies methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone to treat opioid addictions. A separate term for alcohol use disorder, or MAUD, include acamprosate, disulfiram and naltrexone.
The shift in language reflects how experts in the field think about these medications. Describing medication as a direct component of evidence-based opioid treatment is part of a long effort to normalize care that works.
SAMHSA notes that medication treatment in general is commonly referred to as MAT or MOUD. Everwell’s resource keeps the MAT terminology for familiarity while explaining MOUD as the more precise description for opioid-focused medication treatment.
Evidence Reports
The National Institute on Drug Abuse identifies medication as a standard for opioid use disorder and reports that approved medications can reduce opioid use, help folks remain in treatment and lower the risk of overdose death. Medication selection and duration should always be determined through professional assessment, patient preferences, medical history and treatment response.
Everwell Recovery’s published MOUD info describes the use of buprenorphine and naltrexone when clinically appropriate, with acamprosate available for liquor. Prescriptions are provided alongside counseling and behavioral care rather than as stand-alone approaches.
Comparing Programs
Patients comparing residential or inpatient drug rehab programs know that MOUD is an important clinical consideration. The appropriate medication, setting and length of treatment depend on individual assessment and not standardized protocols. Patients may need further care after residential treatment ends.
Facility environment and amenities can influence comfort. But clinical withdrawal management, therapy, qualified staffing and discharge planning provide more substantive measures when evaluating treatment.
NA Still a Viable Option
In addition to MOUD or MAT, peer support offers a human touch of fellowship when times get rough. Narcotics Anonymous is free to join and the peers are often neighbors who stay with you through thick and thin.
Getting started is simple. Browse our directory to find a local NA chapter. You can also dial 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to explore options with an expert.
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