To find MAT for a loved one, compare methadone and buprenorphine first. Search for local programs. Call them to ask about availability and costs.
Try to involve your loved one in these choices. Honor their privacy and their last say.
This guide is about medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. It ignores the word “mat” related to grief. It also backs our main guide to the steps for finding opioid treatment.
We publish a U.S. treatment directory. We are not a treatment provider. Ask a licensed clinician about any specific medical choices.
Understanding Medication Treatment in This Article
The acronym MAT in this article means medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. It describes FDA-approved medications, such as buprenorphine and methadone. It does not refer to a physical mat or a gift for a memorial. You may also see these treatments called MOUD, or medications for opioid use disorder.
This article helps you look at options and locate care. It is not medical advice. Speak with a doctor or licensed clinician about the best choice for your loved one.
24/7
SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information[1]
24/7
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for emotional crisis support by call, text, or chat[2]
Getting Methadone and Buprenorphine
Save time by knowing where to search. The two main meds are managed in different ways. Federal rules require methadone for opioid use disorder to be provided only by certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs).[3] These OTPs must have certification and DEA registration.[3]
Rules for buprenorphine are less strict. An office-based prescriber or an OTP can give it.[3] Practitioners no longer need a special federal waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. They still need a DEA license.[4] Since access paths vary, you may need to contact different provider types. This depends on the medication your loved one is considering.
| Provider type | Where to search | How treatment is accessed | What to confirm on the first call |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTP (methadone) | SAMHSA's state health department lists or the treatment locator | Visit the clinic every day for doses, mainly at first | Insurance accepted, days and hours open, intake wait time |
| OTP (buprenorphine) | Ask the same details; check if they give buprenorphine | Schedules vary, though often like methadone at that site | Insurance accepted, how often dosed, if they give buprenorphine |
| Office-based prescriber (buprenorphine) | Telehealth services, primary care offices, behavioral health clinics; see our guide on finding a buprenorphine prescriber | See a doctor in person or via telehealth; pick up meds at a pharmacy | Insurance accepted, next available appointment, if they treat opioid use disorder with buprenorphine |
Each care plan and program is unique. When you call, ask about their specific requirements for new patients.
Steps to Find MAT for Loved One Locally
To find the right treatment, you need to know where to search. Free, searchable databases from the federal government help you find community-based programs for opioid addiction treatment.[5] These tools also help you locate facilities for broader drug and alcohol abuse issues.[6]
Try this simple approach to limit your search.
- This choice sets the facility type you need.
- Use the official locators. Use FindTreatment.gov, SAMHSA’s online locator for treatment facilities.[6] For methadone care, check SAMHSA’s Opioid Treatment Program Directory for clinics.[5]
- Check state resources. Go to your state’s behavioral health or substance use agency site. They often list more providers or offer resident-specific advice.
- Look at distance, hours, and appointment ease to compare programs.Make a short list and call. Next, phone each place yourself. Ask if they are currently offering the medication you need and if they are accepting new patients.
These websites act as directories, not booking services. You must contact program staff to verify details and begin the intake process.
Key Questions to Ask During the Call
Seeing a program in an online listing does not prove it is accepting new patients. You can invite your loved one to join the call if they wish. Alternatively, allow them to select the questions. If they want privacy, you can still collect general details about services and processes.
When talking to a program, ask which medication route they offer. Look up current appointment openings, intake steps, and likely wait times. Also ask about the location and how accessible it is. Learn what details the person needs to have ready. Also ask if the program can explain insurance and payment options before scheduling an appointment.
Questions to Ask a Treatment Program
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Programs usually begin with a standard multidimensional assessment. This review checks biomedical, psychological, and social needs.[7] It helps the team create a personal treatment plan.[7] Read our guide on the first methadone clinic visit for first-day details. Check our list of questions to ask a MAT clinic for more program specifics before you decide.
Privacy and Consent Rules for Families
Helping a loved one find treatment can make privacy rules feel blocking. You might wonder if you can talk to a provider or get news. Here is how it typically works.
Start by asking your loved one what they prefer. Do they want you to look for programs? Should you join a phone call? Are they okay with you managing paperwork or receiving updates? Their comfort level is the most important thing.
Federal privacy rules let a provider share relevant details with family if the patient agrees or does not object. Providers still use their own judgment on what is appropriate to share. Specific situations may have different requirements.
A provider can share info without consent in limited cases, like an emergency if the patient cannot agree. Still, this does not guarantee you will get ongoing updates about their care.
You can still share helpful details even if a provider cannot confirm specifics about your loved one. Tell them about your concerns. Share observations that might help the care team understand the situation better.
When Your Loved One Is Not Sure About Care
Feeling unsure about starting treatment is common for people with opioid use disorder. You can help by hearing their worries without pressure. Ask what support they want right now. Some want facts, while others need help comparing options or making a call.
Give small, specific choices rather than taking control. You might suggest searching for programs together or asking a clinic a general question for them. Avoid threats, shame, or promises about what treatment will do. Keeping communication open helps your loved one feel safe choosing the next step when they are ready.
Methadone and buprenorphine are FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder.[8] A systematic review found that these medications substantially reduced all-cause and overdose mortality.[9] Randomized trials also showed benefits like increased treatment retention.[9] ASAM guidance identifies methadone and buprenorphine as evidence-based treatment options.[10] However, a qualified clinician and the person seeking care make decisions about an individual’s treatment.
What Kind of Support Might Help Right Now?
This self-check is for information only and isn't a diagnosis. It does not assess medical risk. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately.
Review Payment and Insurance Prior to Intake
Phone the program to see if they take your loved one’s plan. Then contact your insurer. Find out if the program is in-network. Ask what services are covered. Get a cost estimate as well.
Marketplace and Medicaid expansion plans must include mental health and substance use disorder care. These are essential health benefits.[11] Federal parity rules state that costs and limits for these services cannot be stricter than for medical care if the plan covers them.[12]
What if there is no insurance? Or if the program is out of network? Inquire about self-pay rates. Based on income, many clinics provide sliding-scale fees or other payment options. Read our guide to insurance coverage for MAT for more help.
If You Suspect an Opioid Overdose
You may worry about safety while you look for treatment. Do not wait if you think someone is overdosing now. Act right away. Do not stop to find a program or finish this guide. Call 911 immediately.
Signs of a possible opioid overdose include slowed or stopped breathing, severe sleepiness, and being unable to wake the person.[13] You might also see blue or gray lips or fingertips.
- Call 911 right away. Tell the dispatcher what you see and that you suspect an opioid overdose.[13]
- Give naloxone if you have it. Follow the instructions on the package or device.[13] Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and can temporarily reverse the dangerous symptoms of an overdose.[13]
- Do what the emergency dispatcher says until help gets there.Stay with the person.
- Get emergency care even if they wake up. Naloxone's effects do not last and may end while opioids remain in the body.[14] Even if the person seems to wake up, they still need a medical assessment.[13]
For more detailed information on what to look for and how to respond, read our guide on recognizing opioid overdose signs.
Take One Step Today
There is no need to resolve all issues immediately. Choose one path to research, then make a small move. Look at official sites like SAMHSA or your state health department. After locating a program, phone them to discuss medication choices, open slots, and payment. Involve your loved one in the steps to the degree they wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call a program before my loved one agrees to treatment?
Yes. You can phone to ask general questions about intake, hours, and services. State clearly that you are reaching out for someone who has not begun treatment. Providers may hear your worries, but they may not release specific details without consent.[5]
Can a treatment provider give me updates about my family member?
This is possible only with your loved one's approval. Privacy rules restrict what providers tell families unless the patient consents.[5] Ask your loved one what they allow you to share. Also, ask the center about their consent and family update rules.
Does a treatment-locator listing mean a program has an appointment available?
No. A listing proves a program exists and offers specific services. It does not ensure a spot is open. Capacity shifts daily due to staffing and patient volume. Phone the center to check current openings, wait times, and next steps.
Can the SAMHSA National Helpline help me find treatment for a loved one?
Does insurance coverage mean treatment will have no out-of-pocket cost?
This is not always true. Insurance does not mean zero cost. You may still owe deductibles, copays, or coinsurance. Certain plans also need prior authorization before you start methadone or buprenorphine. Check costs with your insurer and the treatment program before you schedule an appointment.
