Improving Outcomes with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Marlene Kurban • April 5, 2022

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a campaign with the aim of raising awareness about the causes and treatment available for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and to reduce social stigma. AUD is considered a brain disorder that can be mild, moderate, or severe. The good news is, no matter how severe the problem may seem, evidence-based treatment with medications, behavioral therapies, support groups can help people with AUD achieve and maintain recovery.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.

MAT is an evidence-based treatment approach that helps clients by relieving their withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings. The FDA has approved several medications to treat substance use disorder, such as Suboxone, Sublocade, and Vivitrol. Suboxone decreases the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce a patient’s dependence on opioids in the long term. It is taken orally on a daily basis. Sublocade (buprenorphine), is given by injection once a month for adults with moderate to severe opioid use disorder.

Dependence on alcohol or opioids can also be treated with naltrexone, which works by blocking the effect of opioid receptors and decreasing cravings and urges to use alcohol or opioids. Vivitrol, a brand name prescription drug, is naltrexone that is injected intramuscularly once a month. Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are the most common medications used to treat alcohol use disorder. Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are commonly used to treat opioid use disorders.

Besides stabilizing people, MAT can help to sustain recovery and is also used to prevent or reduce opioid overdose. This treatment option has been shown to reduce relapse and improve patient survival, increase retention in treatment, increase the individual’s ability to gain and maintain employment, and improve birth outcomes among women who are pregnant and have substance use disorders.

At InterCommunity Health Care, MAT programs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs. Call 860-569-5900 to learn more or make an appointment.

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April 1, 2026
Dear InterCommunity Staff and Community Partners, It is a privilege to assume the role of President & CEO and to lead InterCommunity during such a significant period for the nation's healthcare system. My experience over the past twenty years with many of you has highlighted that our core strength is derived not only from clinical expertise but also from the compassion, dedication, and teamwork that characterize our culture. To our staff: Thank you for being truly mission driven. Each patient you assist, every challenge you meet, and all innovations you adopt significantly impacts the lives of those who rely on our care. I am committed to actively listening, learning, and collaborating with you to ensure that you have the necessary tools, support, and recognition to thrive. To our community partners: Your collaboration is vital to achieving our shared vision of healthier and stronger communities. Together, we will strive to enhance access, improve outcomes, and address the evolving needs of those we serve. I look forward to strengthening our partnerships and exploring new opportunities for collective meaningful impact. This leadership transition presents a chance to build on our achievements, welcome innovation, and shape the future of care with integrity and excellence. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to embark on the journey ahead alongside all of you. With great appreciation, Tyler V.R. Booth, LCSW InterCommunity President and Chief Executive Officer

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