Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), sometimes called medications for addiction treatment, combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy. It is one of the most effective approaches for opioid and alcohol use disorders. This article explains how it works and how NYSHIP can help cover it. It is general education, not medical advice; decisions about medication should be made with a qualified clinician.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to treat substance use disorders. SAMHSA describes this whole-patient approach as the current standard of care for opioid use disorder.
For opioid use disorder, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes three main medications:
For alcohol use disorder, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) notes that medications including naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram can support recovery.
The National Library of Medicine and SAMHSA both emphasize that MAT reduces opioid use, lowers overdose deaths and helps people stay in treatment. Importantly, these medications do not simply substitute one addiction for another — when properly prescribed, they normalize brain chemistry and allow people to function and engage in therapy. Counseling and behavioral support remain a central part of the plan.
Stigma keeps some people from considering MAT. A frequent misconception is that recovery only counts if a person takes no medication at all. Research summarized by NIDA and SAMHSA does not support that view; for many people, medication is what makes lasting recovery possible and dramatically lowers the risk of fatal overdose. Another myth is that MAT is a quick fix. In reality it is a structured, often long-term treatment paired with therapy, regular medical oversight and gradual adjustments guided by a clinician.
For opioids, medication can begin during or shortly after detox to ease the transition and reduce cravings. For alcohol, certain medications are started once a person is stable. MAT is rarely a standalone intervention; it works alongside counseling, peer support and treatment for any co-occurring mental health conditions. The aim is a coordinated plan that supports the whole person over time rather than addressing withdrawal in isolation.
MAT usually begins after or alongside detox and is tailored to the individual. A typical plan may include:
Treatment length varies; many people benefit from staying on medication for an extended period. You can read more on our medication-assisted treatment page.
For New York State and government employees, NYSHIP and the Empire Plan typically cover medically necessary MAT, including the medications and the counseling that goes with it, though formulary rules, copays and prior authorization vary by plan. To confirm your benefits, see our Empire Plan rehab coverage page or call 213-321-6518.
Access to medication for opioid use disorder has expanded in recent years. Buprenorphine can be prescribed in many office-based and telehealth settings, methadone is provided through licensed opioid treatment programs, and naltrexone can be administered in a range of clinical settings. This means people often have more than one pathway to start treatment. A provider can help match the medication and setting to your needs, medical history and preferences, and NYSHIP coverage commonly applies across these options when care is medically necessary.
It is normal to have concerns about starting medication. A clinician can explain the benefits and risks, how long treatment may last, whether and how to taper eventually, and how MAT fits with therapy and other support. People sometimes worry about side effects or about telling an employer; treatment is confidential, and a clinical team can address these concerns individually. The goal is sustained recovery and reduced risk of overdose.
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. To ask about NYSHIP or Empire Plan coverage for medication-assisted treatment, call 213-321-6518. This article is educational and not a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional.
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