CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) commended Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar’s comments this weekend on the leadership role he intends to play in devising the federal response to the opioid epidemic.

Most notably, Secretary Azar unambiguously embraced Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), saying “Medication Assisted Treatment works. The evidence on this is voluminous and ever growing.”

“We couldn’t agree more,” said Patrice A. Harris, chair of the AMA Opioid Task Force. “Secretary Azar addressed not only the importance of MAT, but also the importance of dealing with stigma attached to addiction and addiction therapy.”

MAT consists of using medications such as buprenorphine, methadone or naltrexone in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies and is a proven approach for the treatment of substance use disorders. The medications block the euphoric effects of opioids and relieve physiological cravings.

Azar noted federal data showing that only one-third of specialty substance abuse treatment programs offer MAT, and he said the administration aimed to raise that number. The AMA also notes that many health insurance companies require prior authorization for physicians wanting to start their patients on MAT.

“We also appreciate that Secretary Azar recognized that physicians are on the front lines of this battle and pledged that the federal government will work to empower local responders and health providers.

Physicians have embraced our responsibility and are determined to solve this epidemic; it’s encouraging to hear the federal government is equally determined,” Harris said.