National Council for Behavioral Health

In the midst of the opioid epidemic, communities across the country face increased demands for prevention and substance use services.

The CDC reports that:

• Young adult’s heroin use more than doubled in the past decade.
• More than 90 percent of people who use heroin also use at least one other drug.
• 45 percent of people who use heroin are also addicted to prescription opioid painkillers.
• Prescription opioid drug overdoses increased threefold in three years.

To combat this crisis, behavioral health organizations are increasingly utilizing evidence-based practices such as medication assisted treatment (MAT).

Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone consistently prove effective in treating opioid use disorder. In recent years, extended-release naltrexone has also been approved for the treatment of opioid dependence and shown evidence of effectiveness. The use of naloxone has also become an increasingly important component of local efforts to combat opioid overdose and death. Increasing access to these and other medications and services is critical to stemming the tide of this current epidemic.

Whether you’ve been utilizing MAT for years or you’re just beginning to look at the practice, the National Council has compiled this page as a trusted resource for your organization.

MAT Myths v Facts

MAT is one of the most effective forms of therapy for substance use disorders but is widely misunderstood. Take a look at our new infographic and separate fact from fiction!

MAT for Opioid Use Disorders Video Interview Series

Click on a video below to watch.