12/26/2025
MAT Myth We Hear All the Time 👇
“Is Medication-Assisted Treatment just replacing one drug with another?”
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Let’s break it down.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine or naltrexone along with therapy and medical care to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders.
🔹 Addiction vs. Treatment
Addiction involves loss of control, cravings, and harmful behaviors.
MAT medications are taken as prescribed, do not produce a “high,” and help stabilize brain chemistry so recovery can actually happen.
🔹 MAT reduces cravings and withdrawal
This allows patients to focus on healing, therapy, work, family, and life, rather than constant physical distress.
🔹 It lowers overdose risk
People on MAT are significantly less likely to relapse or overdose compared to those who attempt recovery without medication.
🔹 It’s evidence-based medicine
MAT is supported by decades of research and recommended by the CDC, SAMHSA, and NIH.
🧠 Think of it this way:
We don’t say someone with diabetes is “replacing sugar with insulin.”
We say they’re treating a medical condition.
Recovery looks different for everyone—and MAT saves lives.
At NCC Psychiatric Services PLLC, we meet patients where they are and provide compassionate, evidence-based care.
📍 Serving patients in: MN, SD, ND, WY, MT, KS & IA
📞 Call us: 712-541-6620
🌐 Visit: nccpsych.com