Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT)

Hope. Healing. Recovery.

Addiction is a treatable medical condition. Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) are proven, lifesaving treatments that reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and help people stay in recovery.

What is MAT?

Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) use FDA-approved medicines, prescribed and supervised by a health care provider, to treat substance use disorders. Medications can be used alone or as part of a treatment plan. They support recovery from many substances, including opioids, alcohol, and nicotine. Most adults and teens can use MAT. Your provider can help you find treatment options that are right for you.

Specifically, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) have the following impact:

• Long term solution to improve the overall quality of life
• Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
• Can be used alone or alongside other types of treatment
• Blocks the euphoric effects of opioids
• Helps people stay in recovery longer
• Lowers the risk of overdose
• Reduces the spread of infectious diseases 

The Alaska MAT Guide supports all Alaskans with practical tools, resources, and guidance to bring MAT into their communities. 

Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

Need Naloxone? Free kits are available through Project Hope Partners and some public health centers. You can also order kits and other lifesaving overdose prevention supplies from the ANTHC HIV/STD Prevention Program’s website.

Get Help

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. 

• Call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 
• Call Alaska Careline at 877-266-4357 for 24/7 support 
• Find Naloxone: Project Hope Overdose Response Program
• Treatment Locator: Substance Use Disorder Services in Alaska FindTreatment.gov 

Why MAT Matters in Alaska 

• People who receive MAT are 2.5 times less likely to die than those who do not
• Alaska has one of the highest rates of substance use disorder in the U.S.
• In 2023, Alaska experienced its highest overdose death rate ever recorded
• Most overdose deaths involve fentanyl — a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin

MAT works — and it’s critical to saving lives in our state. 

For Providers

The MAT Guide helps providers: 

• Understand how to integrate MAT into practice
• Address stigma in clinical care
• Navigate regulatory and administrative requirements
• Connect patients to recovery supports
• Access mentoring, training, and technical assistance 

For Communities & Families 

Recovery is possible when we support each other. Families, schools, and communities play a role in breaking stigma and encouraging treatment.

• MAT is not replacing one drug with another
• MAT helps people return to their families, jobs, and communities
• Providers, schools, and caregivers can all help connect people to care

MAT is real medical care that:

• Balances the brain
• Reduces cravings
• Prevents overdose

Preventing addiction in our youth

Teaching kids about "protective factors", like making healthy choices, positive friendships, and community support, are proven to reduce the risk of developing addictions in the first place. Check out "Hope the Husky and friends", who teaches kids through fun, engaging activities, aimed to increase resiliency, connections, and overall mental health over their lifetime.

Upcoming Events

Empower 2026: The NAADAC Annual Conference

August 29 - 31, 2026

Hybrid - virtual and in-person (Kansas City, MO)

MAT Conference

October 13-15, 2026

Virtual

Rx Summit

March 29 - April 1, 2027

Nashville, TN

ASAM 28th Annual Conference

April 7 - 11, 2027

Minneapolis, MN

AATOD

April 18 - 20, 2027

Savannah, Georgia

Pathways to Recovery Conference

Tentative May 2027

Anchorage, AK

Project ECHO series

TBD

Resources