Medication assisted treatment, commonly referred to by its abbreviation, combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders, most commonly for opioid and alcohol use. Note: this page intentionally does not abbreviate the term, consistent with our site’s approach to always writing it out in full for clarity.
How Medication Assisted Treatment Fits Into Inpatient Care
Within an inpatient setting, medication assisted treatment is typically integrated alongside individual and group therapy rather than used as a standalone approach. Medical staff manage medication protocols while therapeutic staff address the behavioral and psychological dimensions of recovery, ideally in close coordination with each other.
Why Not Every Program Offers This
Offering medication assisted treatment requires specific medical licensing, staff training, and often additional regulatory compliance depending on the medication involved. Not every inpatient facility offers this, which is why it’s important to ask directly if this approach is relevant to your situation, rather than assuming all programs provide it.
Common Misconceptions Worth Addressing
Some people mistakenly view medication assisted treatment as simply “replacing one drug with another.” In clinical practice, appropriately prescribed and monitored medications used in this context work differently in the body than the substances being treated, and extensive research supports this approach as an evidence-based component of comprehensive treatment when clinically appropriate. Whether it’s the right choice for a specific person is a decision made through medical evaluation.
What to Ask When Comparing Programs
- Which medications does the program offer as part of treatment, if any?
- How is medication management coordinated with therapy and counseling?
- What happens after discharge — does the program help arrange continued medication management?
- Is psychiatric or medical staff directly involved in ongoing monitoring during the stay?
Insurance and Cost Considerations
Medication assisted treatment is generally covered under standard behavioral health benefits, though specific medication coverage can vary by plan. Verifying this directly, including asking specifically about medication coverage, is worthwhile if this approach is part of your treatment plan.
Official source: substance use treatment options