According to SAMHSA, which of the following is NOT one of the goals of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

The goal of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is to support individuals in their recovery from substance use disorders, and it focuses on several positive outcomes. Increased quality of life, decreased illegal activity, and improved treatment retention are all aligned with the fundamental principles of MAT, which aims to promote recovery and minimize harm associated with substance use.

Increased quality of life refers to the overall enhancement of an individual’s well-being, highlighting the importance of personal happiness, health, and social functioning. Decreased illegal activity aims to reduce criminal behaviors often linked to substance use, thus benefiting both the individual and the community. Improved treatment retention focuses on keeping individuals engaged in their treatment, as staying in treatment is critical to achieving better health outcomes.

In contrast, increased substance use goes against the very purpose of MAT. The objective of this treatment approach is to stabilize individuals and reduce their reliance on harmful substances, not to exacerbate their use. Therefore, it is evident that increasing substance use is not a goal of MAT, but rather one that MAT seeks to combat. This understanding of the goals of MAT emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices in treating substance use disorders effectively.