The MAT standards apply to all services and organisations responsible for the delivery of care in a recovery oriented system of care and are prioritised in an attempt to prevent and reduce deaths. 

This plan has been developed by partners and has taken account of the voices of lived and living experience.

The current MAT standards in North Lanarkshire are:

1. Same day access: All people accessing services have the option to start MAT from the same day of presentation.
2. Choice: All people are supported to make an informed choice on what medication to use for MAT and the appropriate dose
3. Assertive outreach: All people at high risk of drug-related harm are proactively identified and offered support to commence or continue MAT.
4. Harm Reduction: All people are offered evidence-based harm reduction at the point of MAT delivery.
5. Retention: All people will receive support to remain in treatment for as long as requested.
6. Psychological Support: The system that provides MAT is psychologically informed (tier 1); routinely delivers evidence-based low intensity psychosocial interventions (tier 2); and supports individuals to grow social networks.
7. Primary Care: All people have the option of MAT shared with Primary Care.
8. Independent Advocacy: All people have access to independent advocacy and support for housing, welfare and income needs.
9. Mental Health: All people with co-occurring drug use and mental health difficulties can receive mental health care at the point of MAT delivery.
10. Trauma Informed Care: All people receive trauma informed care.

The purposes of the MAT standards are:

• Improve access and retention in MAT
• Enable people to make an informed choice about care
• Include family members or nominated person(s) wherever appropriate
• Strengthen accountability and leadership so that the necessary governance and resource is in place to implement them effectively.