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MAT issue brief addresses objections and misconceptions

The California Health Care Foundation

A new issue brief authored by HMA Principal Donna Strugar-Fritsch, MPA, BSN, dispels myths about, and objections to, the use of medication-assisted treatments (MAT) to treat opioid addiction. The brief is a clear and concise look at MAT, how and why it works, and what its use can mean for those impacted by opioid use disorder.

The brief lays out common misconceptions about MAT and provides evidence-based responses to each, including supporting citations. It also includes objections to treating addiction in criminal justice settings and is a valuable tool for anyone working to expand access to MAT.

Objections addressed in the brief include treating a drug addiction with a drug, abuse of buprenorphine, abstinence-based treatment, methadone myths and more. It underscores the evidence basis for MAT as a key tool in reducing relapse and overdose death.

The brief was published by the California Health Care Foundation.

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