Medication Assisted Treatment Myths and Facts
Currently more Americans die every year from drug overdoses than in motor vehicle crashes. This crisis is taking a devastating toll on certain parts of the U.S., such as Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Baltimore (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021a).
The opioid overdose epidemic continues to claim lives nationwide, resulting in a record 47,600 overdose deaths in 2017. This number accounts for 67.8% of the total 70,237 overdose deaths from all drugs in 2017, as reported by the CDC in 2019.
Substance use disorder is the recurrent or uncontrolled use of substances such as alcohol, opioids, cannabis, stimulants, sedatives, hypnotics, and others, including tobacco, caffeine, and gambling. Substance use disorder and related issues are prevalent worldwide.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated that among the 20.4 million people aged 12 years and older with substance use disorders in 2019, 14.5 million had an alcohol use disorder, 8.3 million had an illicit drug use disorder, and 2.4 million had both types of disorders (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2020). Instances of substance use disorders take a significant toll on individuals and their families, contributing to mental disorders, family separation, and poor health.
Two of the most used substance disorder treatment interventions in the U.S. are medication-assisted treatment and non-medication-assisted treatments. Non-medication or non-pharmacologic treatment plans include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), 12-Step Facilitation Therapy, Contingency Management, and
Motivational Interviewing. Non-pharmacological treatment can be implemented through individualized groups, with friends or family members taking place in person or via telehealth.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines Food and Drug Administration-approved medications with counseling to effectively treat substance use disorder. Some people wrongly assume that MAT is just substituting one drug for another, MAT works only for severe cases of addiction, MAT is a quick fix for addiction, MAT works only for opioid treatment, MAT is expensive, MAT requires lifelong medication, or MAT is ineffective (Dinee & K.K., 2019).
In contrast to the myths listed above about medication-assisted treatment, the following are some facts regarding MAT.
- MAT is not just replacing one drug for another; instead, it is an evidence-based treatment that involves FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone to stabilize brain chemicals, reduce various withdrawal symptoms and cravings, help with recovery, and improve quality of life.
- MAT is not working only for severe addictions; instead, it works perfectly for mild and moderate alcohol or other substance addictions, too.
- MAT is not just a quick fix for addictions; rather, it is a long-term, evidence-based treatment method that combines FDA-approved medications with CBT, DBT, or 12-step consultations.
- Despite MAT being most commonly associated with opioid use disorders, it is not used only for opioid treatment. MAT is used in alcohol use disorders along with naltrexone, disulfiram, and acamprosate, which are also FDA-approved medications.
- MAT is not costly; it is a treatment that can be covered by many insurances. It can also be given in community state-supported detox clinics with low cost or no cost.
The Affordable Care Act requires most insurers to cover treatment for substance use disorders. In addition, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008 requires health insurers and group health plans to provide benefits for behavioral health services at the same level as primary care.
Prevention and early intervention strategies can reduce the impact of substance use in America’s communities. Prevention activities work to educate and support individuals and communities to prevent the use and misuse of drugs, and the development of substance use disorders.
Substance use disorders and mental health disorders can make daily activities challenging, hindering an individual's ability to work, interact with family, and perform other essential life functions. Mental health and substance use disorders are among the leading conditions that cause disability in the United States. Preventing mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and co-occurring issues is essential for maintaining both behavioral and physical health (Substance
Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2021a).
Generally, substance use disorder remains one of the major public health crises, causing over 30,000 deaths each year and accounting for nearly 70% of all drug overdose fatalities. Substance use disorder is not limited to opioid use disorder, but it includes alcohol, fentanyl, cannabis, sedatives, hypnotics, stimulants, caffeine, tobacco, and even gambling. A study shows that substance-related deaths are almost equivalent to motor vehicle-related accidental deaths. It impacts individuals, communities, and families. In the year 2019, an estimated 20 million U.S. people ages 12 or older had substance use disorders. Despite various misconceptions or myths of substance use disorder treatments, the most effective treatment approach is medication or pharmacologic-assisted treatment plans, which can be covered by insurance and are also
available from community health care providers at an affordable cost or even for free. When appropriately managed, SUD is treatable and curable, especially with compliant clients.
Chief Preceptor of Clinical Practicum Program – Dr. Okah Anyokwu
Director of Clinical Practicum Program – Xavier Hicks
