More than a medicine: Personal insights on mat, stigma, and the road to recovery

Abstract

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often misunderstood and stigmatized, despite its proven effectiveness in supporting recovery from opioid use disorder. This manuscript presents the lived experience of Michael, who navigated addiction, relapse, and recovery with the help of MAT. Through an in-depth interview, Michael shares his journey from early substance use to multiple attempts at sobriety, highlighting the critical role of MAT in stabilizing his life.¹ His story challenges common misconceptions about MAT, both from the general public and recovery communities. Michael’s experiences underscore the systemic barriers within MAT clinics, including outdated regulations and inadequate patient support, which can hinder recovery. He also reflects on the importance of advocacy, professionalization within treatment settings, and the need for universal behavioral health coverage. By shedding light on these challenges and successes, this narrative provides valuable insights for individuals in recovery, service providers, and policymakers seeking to improve access to and perceptions of MAT. Ultimately, this work affirms that MAT is more than just a medical intervention— it is a tool for reclaiming stability, purpose, and dignity in the face of addiction.