Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
medication-assisted treatment
Treatment approach combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies for substance use disorders.
Full Definition
A comprehensive treatment approach that uses medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone alongside psychosocial interventions. The term emphasizes that medications assist rather than replace therapeutic interventions. In clinical writing, editors should ensure this term is not confused with 'medication-only treatment' or presented as a standalone solution without accompanying behavioral health services.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize that medications are used alongside, not instead of, behavioral interventions.
In Context
- "The clinic's medication-assisted treatment program requires concurrent participation in individual and group counseling sessions." — Program description
- "Insurance coverage for medication-assisted treatment varies significantly between opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder medications." — Insurance policy document
Also known as
medication-assisted recovery
pharmacotherapy
Contrasted with
abstinence-only treatment
Don't confuse with
medication therapy
drug replacement therapy