Moving toward evidence-based programs: medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder in Utah

Drug overdose is the leading cause of injury death in Utah, i and opioid-related drug overdoses are a significant contributor to the rise in drug overdose deaths in recent history. In 2018, close to half of all opioid overdose deaths were prescription related, and 47% involved illicit opioids such as heroin. ii Fortunately, opioid use disorder (OUD) can be treated. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is "a combination of psychosocial therapy and U.S. Food and Drug Administration- approved medication"iii and has positive, evidence-based effects on OUD.