Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Philadelphia

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders — particularly opioid use disorder (OUD). The three medications most commonly used are: buprenorphine (brand names Suboxone, Subutex), which reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings while blocking the effects of opioids; methadone, a full opioid agonist used for OUD for over 50 years, available through licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs); and naltrexone (brand name Vivitrol), an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid effects entirely, used after detox is complete.

Does MAT Work for Fentanyl Dependence?

Yes. MAT is highly effective for fentanyl use disorder. Buprenorphine and methadone have strong evidence for reducing overdose deaths, reducing illicit drug use, improving treatment retention, and improving social functioning. For people in Philadelphia dealing with fentanyl dependence — especially where xylazine or medetomidine are also involved — MAT initiation in an inpatient setting allows for medically supervised dose stabilization before transitioning to outpatient MAT maintenance.