Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
MAT
Also written as: MAT — Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment combining FDA-approved medications with counseling for substance use disorders.
Full Definition
Medication-Assisted Treatment that combines FDA-approved medications (such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone) with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. MAT is considered the gold standard for opioid use disorder treatment and has been shown to improve patient outcomes, reduce illicit drug use, and decrease overdose deaths. Documentation of MAT protocols requires specific regulatory compliance.
Usage
Usage note: Always spell out on first use in formal documents.
In Context
- "The client was referred to MAT services for opioid use disorder." — Referral documentation
- "MAT protocols require weekly counseling sessions during the initial phase." — Treatment plan
Also known as
medication-assisted treatment
pharmacotherapy
Contrasted with
abstinence-only treatment
Don't confuse with
MAR (medication administration record)