What is the primary action of methadone in MAT?

The primary action of methadone in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is that it is a full agonist at the mu-opioid receptor. This means that methadone binds to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain and activates them, which helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings in individuals with opioid use disorder. By fully activating these receptors, methadone provides a therapeutic effect that stabilizes patients, allowing them to function normally while reducing the potential for misuse.

Methadone's effects include analgesia and euphoria, similar to other opioids, but because it is administered in a controlled manner under medical supervision, it can be used safely in a treatment setting to support recovery efforts. Its long half-life enables once-daily dosing, making it an effective maintenance medication for managing opioid dependence.