The Myth, The Truth, and The Science of MAT

The Myth: Medicated Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a money maker a keeps people addicted. Liquid handcuffs.

The Truth: Drugs keep people addicted. Withdrawal keeps people addicted.

The Science: MAT gives mercy from withdrawal and allows people to restore themselves to better citizenship. MAT saves lives by reducing overdose deaths. People taking methadone or buprenorphine are 50% less likely to die from an overdose than those who aren’t taking medication or are taking naltrexone.
MAT also can help patients reduce their use of illicit opioids, reduces criminal activity, reduces transmission of infectious diseases, and can improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Treatment programs may be non-profit or for-profit, but a study found that MATs had a cost-effectiveness ratio of -$1400, indicating that MATs are the dominant strategy.

On a personal note, I realize MAT is a controversial issue. Professionally, I like to be educated and open in this matter. Opinionated, unsubstantiated, and closed outlooks that spread misinformation and stigma are very harmful, which is why I wanted to write this newsletter so people can know the science and the truth. There is no right or wrong path to recovery.
Let’s not discourage proven methods, but rather, let’s support individual autonomy and offer options to help people who are struggling achieve recovery!

Your better future starts today.

-Steve