Helpful Insights forPatients and Caregivers

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (MOUD)

What is Medication Assited Therapy (MAT)?1-2

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment combines medications with substance use counseling and social support for the treatment of SUDs. MOUD, combined with counseling and therapy, can increase chances of recovering from a substance use disorder.

Key Facts

  • MOUD combines medications and therapy to help treat SUDs. The goal of MOUD is full recovery from an addiction.1-4
  • MOUD is commonly used for the treatment of opioid use disorder, including heroin. MAT may also be used to treat alcohol use disorder.1-4
  • MOUD may help reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms.1-4
  • Medications are available in a variety of forms. These include tablets, liquids, and injections.1-4
  • MOUD has been shown to increase an individual’s ability to maintain a job. MOUD may also increase the chances of staying in treatment.1-4

References

  1. Connery HS. Medication-assisted treatment of opioid use disorder: review of the evidence and future directions. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2015;23(2):63-74.
  2. Mattick RP, Breen C, Kimber J, Davoli M. Methadone maintenance therapy versus no opioid replacement therapy for opioid dependence. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006;(3):1-27.
  3. Kampman K, Jarvis M. American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) National Practice Guideline for the Use of Medications in the Treatment of Addiction Involving Opioid Use. J Addict Med. 2015;9(5):358-67. DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000166. PubMed PMID: 26406300; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4605275.
  4. Kleber HD, Weiss RD, Anton RF, Rounsaville BJ, George TP, Strain EC, et al. Treatment of patients with substance use disorders, second edition. American Psychiatic Association. Am J Psychiatry. 2006;163(8 Suppl):5-82. PubMed PMID: 16981488.