Medication-Assisted Treatment: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Medication-Assisted Treatment?
An addiction medicine doctor, a doctor who treats substance use problems, often leads this care. Primary care providers can also give this care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Medication-assisted treatment combines medicines with counseling. Substance use disorders are medical conditions that last a long time. They can be treated, and people can recover.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medicines for alcohol use disorder and opioid use disorder. These medicines do not just swap one drug for another.
Why a doctor might recommend it
The medicines can relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
This approach has been shown to:
- Improve survival rates.
- Help people stay in treatment and recovery services.
- Lower illegal opioid use.
Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are the standard treatment for opioid use disorder.
How to prepare
The first steps depend on the medicine.
- Methadone for opioid use disorder comes only from approved opioid treatment programs.
- Naltrexone is usually started after a person has fully stopped other opioid drugs. If not, it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
- The medicines are chosen to meet each patient's needs.
What happens during it
Methadone treatment usually starts with trips to the program every day or almost every day. Buprenorphine comes as tablets placed under the tongue, long-acting shots, and implants. Naltrexone is available as a long-acting shot given once a month.
Counseling can be one-on-one, in a group, or with family.
Recovery
The medicines for opioid use disorder are safe for long-term use. People should talk with their doctor before they stop taking them.
Stopping methadone or buprenorphine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Lowering the dose slowly can help manage them.
Peer groups such as 12-step programs are not the same as treatment. Many people find them useful on their own or along with professional care.
Risks and side effects
Methadone and buprenorphine can be misused to get a high if they are injected instead of taken by mouth as prescribed. Some of these medicines may make other opioid pain medicines less effective.
If medicines are kept at home, they must be locked in a safe place away from children. Liquid methadone is colored and can be mistaken for fruit juice. Children who take medicines by mistake may overdose or have a bad reaction. Get help for any known or suspected accidental ingestion. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if someone has trouble breathing, faints, or loses consciousness.
Who performs it
Providers who specialize in substance use disorders can give care. So can primary care providers. Any health care provider can prescribe naltrexone.
Common questions
Is this treatment just trading one drug for another?
No, the medicines do not just swap one drug for another. Taken as prescribed, methadone and buprenorphine prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms. They do so without causing intense feelings of pleasure. Naltrexone is not addictive.
Can people take these medicines for a long time?
Yes, for opioid use disorder they are safe for long-term use. That can range from months to a lifetime. People should talk with their doctor before they stop taking them.
Which medicines treat alcohol use disorder?
Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are the most common medicines used to treat alcohol use disorder. They do not cure the disorder, but they work best for people who take part in a treatment program.
Are medicines for opioid use disorder safe during pregnancy?
Yes, they are safe and effective during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorder
- National Institute on Drug Abuse - Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
- National Institute on Drug Abuse - Treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
