Substance Use Disorders "SUD"
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) "The term “MAT” means utilizing U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. According to SAMHSA, medications commonly used include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, which reduce or prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and reduce the risk of overdose.31 MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids (heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates). Additionally, acamprosate may be used to reduce cravings for individuals with alcohol use disorder, and disulfiram deters drinking because combining it with alcohol causes physical illness. Naltrexone is also used for alcohol use disorder since it blocks the euphoric effects and feelings of intoxication. Bolstered by SAMHSA grant funding, California recently initiated a variety of MAT expansion projects and made additional MAT services available to Medi-Cal enrollees in counties participating in Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System pilot projects." Behavioral Health Action Blueprint 2021, page 21