Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat certain substance use disorders and prevent an opioid overdose. MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids and prescription pain relievers. It cannot be used for addiction to stimulants or tranquilizers.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
In-Network With Most Commercial Insurers
Clinically reviewed by
Dr. Ian Wolds Psy.D.
Last reviewed on July 16, 2026
How Medication-Assisted Treatment Works
The medical community is increasingly convinced of the benefits of this treatment method. “When used appropriately, medications used to treat addiction are not addicting, as they do not cause patients to use them compulsively or in an unhealthy way. Rather, these medications support patients in their recovery,” according to a factsheet published by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
There are three medications currently used to treat opioid use disorder:
- Methadone: Clinic-based opioid agonist that does not block other narcotics while preventing withdrawal while taking it, taken as daily liquid dispensed only in specialty clinics.
- Naltrexone: Office-based non-addictive opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of other narcotics, taken as a daily pill or monthly injection.
- Buprenorphine: Office-based opioid agonist/antagonist that blocks other narcotics while reducing withdrawal risk, taken as a daily dissolving tablet, cheek film, or 6-month implant under the skin.
Muir Wood Treatment Center Reviews
Read about Muir Wood experiences from a parent who has been through it. Read these and other reviews from real parents of Muir Wood alumni. If you would like to speak to an alumni parent, contact us and we’ll arrange it.
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Finally got a real diagnosis and help for our daughter
HW
Jul 2026
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High level of clinical insight, attentive and supportive staff, safe environment for my kid.
WB
Jul 2026
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Safe place, amazing therapist Kristen, son is stable
EV
Jul 2026
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I appreciated the support my child and our family received throughout the treatment time.
KP
Jul 2026
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Because we got our kid back. We couldn’t have done that with inpatient at Muir Wood, and the entire team (especially our therapist Lisa)
CP
Jul 2026
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Got a lot of knowledge from some of the parent group meetings
AR
Jul 2026
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While our son was at Muir Woofs, the staff was very attentive and kept us parents updated regarding our son.
MM
Jul 2026
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Our therapist Lisa Reichenbach really went the distance to make D feel seen, heard and understood. She was an amazing partner.
JA
Jul 2026
Accreditations
*Please note that at this time, we are not in network with Medicaid/Medi-Cal