Which modality integrates medication with behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders?

• A. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• B. Motivational interviewing
• C. Contingency management
• D. Medication-assisted treatment

Answer: (D)

Medication-assisted treatment combines a relevant medication with behavioral support to tackle both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. The medication helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for someone to engage in counseling and other therapies. At the same time, behavioral therapies provide skills to cope with triggers, avoid relapse, and address social or environmental factors that contribute to substance use. This dual approach has strong evidence for improving treatment retention, lowering relapse and overdose risk, and helping people stabilize enough to pursue recovery-longing goals. The other options are valuable behavioral therapies on their own, focusing on skills, motivation, or reinforcement, but they do not inherently pair a medication with psychotherapy as MAT does.