Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Also known as Medication for Addiction Treatment or Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication Assisted Treatment (also known as Medication for Addiction Management), refers to the a combination of medication and psychotherapy used as treatment for substance use disorders to provide a complete, whole-person approach to care. MAT has been proven to be safe and extremely effective for managing substance use disorders.

MAT is most effective when combined with counseling, behavioral therapies, and peer support. It is not substituting one addiction for another; it is a lifesaving treatment recognized by SAMHSA, NIDA, and ASAM.

The information provided on this page is not medical advice.  Please consult a healthcare professional if interested in MAT/MOUD.

Treatment Locator

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), is an evidence-based approach that combines medication with counseling to reduce cravings, prevent overdose, and support recovery. The main medications include:

  • Buprenorphine – Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms; can be prescribed in clinics or via telehealth.
  • Methadone – A long-acting medication provided in specialized clinics to prevent withdrawal and reduce opioid use.
  • Naltrexone – Blocks the effects of opioids, helping prevent relapse; available as a daily pill or monthly injection.

Important: MAT/MOUD is most effective when combined with counseling, behavioral therapies, and peer support.

Understand the Treatment Options

Currently, there are three FDA-approved medications available to treat OUD. Each medication is distinct and must follow a specific treatment protocol. Learn more below.

Medication Options

  • Effect: reduces opioid cravings and controls withdrawal symptoms
  • Dosing: taken daily by mouth
  • Initiating treatment: start at a low dose and gradually increase as needed
  • Prescription: only administered by federally-registered Opioid Treatment Programs
  • Effect: reduces cravings and controls withdrawal symptoms
  • Dosing: taken daily by mouth or by injection (weekly/monthly) from a healthcare provider
  • Initiating treatment: 12-24 hours after last use of opioids
  • Prescription: doctor’s office or an Opioid Treatment Program
  • Effect: blocks the effects of opioids on the body
  • Dosing: administered monthly by injection from a healthcare provider
  • Initiating Treatment:
    • 7-10 days after last use of short acting opioids
    • 10-14 days after last use of long-acting opioids
  • Prescription: doctor’s office or an Opioid Treatment Program

Videos about MAT

Eight Minute Educational Video

Informacion Educativa Sobre el MAT

MAT in Action: Stories of Resilience and Recovery

RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE

Want to learn more about MAT from people with lived experience?

Unshame California shares powerful stories from people impacted by substance use disorder

Hear from real people like Nikki who have achieved and sustained long-term recovery with the help of MAT.

Discover Unshame CA Stories

Latest Research, Resources, and Further Reading

Local MAT Resources

For a list of substance use treatment facilities in Marin County, visit our Treatment Locator. 

For a list of MAT providers in California, visit the Choose Change CA Treatment Locator.

For a list of national providers, visit the SAMHSA Treatment Locator.

Marin Treatment Center*

  • Outpatient Suboxone (buprenorphine) and methadone programs
  • Call 415-457-3755 to make an appointment, or walk-ins
    are available; no referral needed
  • Location: 1466 Lincoln Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901-2021
    * Marin Treatment Center is the first and only methadone provider in Marin County

Bright Heart Health

  • Suboxone (buprenorphine) treatment options
  • The first nationwide MAT program via telemedicine
  • Accepts many insurance providers including Medicaid and Medicare
  • Call 1-800-892-2695 for more information or visit the virtual clinic
  • Visit BrightHeartHealth.com

Center Point, Inc.

  • All FDA-approved medications for OUD
  • Call 415‐456-6655 for more information
  • Location: 1601 2nd Street #104 San Rafael

Kaiser Permanente – Addiction Medicine and Recovery Services

  • Call 415-491-3000 to make an appointment
  • Location: 111 Smith Ranch Rd. San Rafael, CA 94903

Marin City Health and Wellness Center

  • Suboxone (buprenorphine) and Vivitrol (naltrexone) treatment options
  • Sliding scale payment system
    available
  • Call 415-339-8813 to make an appointment
  • Locations in Marin City, San Francisco, and San Rafael

Marin Community Clinics

  • Suboxone (buprenorphine) and behavioral health services
  • Call 415-448-1500 to make an appointment; a doctor’s referral may be necessary
  • Six (6) locations in San Rafael, Novato, Larkspur, and Greenbrae

Marin Health Emergency Department

  • Can initiate timely MAT with support from substance use navigators
  • Location: 250 Bon Air Rd. Greenbrae CA 94904

Recover Medical Group

  • Suboxone (buprenorphine) and Vivitrol (naltrexone) treatment options
  • Telehealth only
  • Call 858-208-0121 to make an appointment or submit a private form at www.letsrecover.com/referral

Ritter Center

  • Call 415-457-8182 to discuss MAT options in Marin County
  • Location: 16 Ritter St. San Rafael, CA 94901