SUD stands for Substance Use Disorder. It is a treatable mental health condition characterized by a problematic pattern of using alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) that leads to significant impairment or distress.

MOUD stands for Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. It is a specialized, evidence-based approach that uses FDA-approved medications—specifically buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone—to treat opioid addiction, reduce cravings, and manage withdrawal symptoms.

MAT stands for Medication-Assisted Treatment. MAT is an evidence-based, whole-patient approach to treating substance use disorders, particularly for opioid and alcohol addiction.

• What it combines: The use of FDA-approved medications (such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone) in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies.
• Purpose: It is used to relieve withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and normalize brain chemistry, helping patients maintain recovery and prevent relapse.
• Target: Primarily used for opioid use disorder (addiction to heroin, prescription pain relievers) and alcohol use disorder.
• Goal: To help patients sustain recovery and, in many cases, lead a relatively normal life