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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Treatments and Procedures
  3. Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Treatment/Procedure: Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Also called: MAT; Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders and prevent opioid overdose. Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders and, for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery.

How MAT Can Help

MAT is mainly used to treat addiction to opioids, such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The medication that is prescribed through MAT operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug. People may safely take medications used in MAT for months, years, several years, or even a lifetime.

The most common medications to treat opioid dependence include:

  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone
  • Naloxone

The Effectiveness of Medication-Assisted Treatment

The goal of MAT is full recovery and includes the ability to live a self-directed life. This treatment approach has been shown to:

  • Improve patient survival
  • Increase retention in treatment
  • Decrease illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders
  • Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment
  • Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant

Contents

  • Clinical Trials
  • Conditions
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Make an Appointment

Clinical Trials

Search our clinical trials for those related to Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders.

Conditions Related to Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

UAMS Health providers care for a broad range of conditions, some of which may not be listed below.

  • Alcohol Use Disorder
  • Opioid Use Disorder
  • Substance Abuse

Providers Performing or Prescribing Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders for all conditions related to it. Review each provider for availability.

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Shona L. Ray-Griffith, M.D.

Shona L. Ray-Griffith, M.D. Psychiatrist

View Profile

Locations Providing Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Note that Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders may not be performed at every location listed below. The list may include locations where the treatment plan is developed during and after a patient visit.

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Psychiatric Research Institute

Center for Addiction Services and Treatment

4224 Shuffield Drive
UAMS Psychiatric Research Institute
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
501-526-8400
New and Returning Patients
View Location Get Directions

Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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