Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of stigma on substance abuse providers’ perspectives of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This qualitative content analysis study explores the professional’s attitudes and beliefs who work with this population MAT clients, on the benefits and challenges of working with this population. Using a snowball sampling method to interview ten substance abuse professionals in the Sacramento County area who have worked directly with clients utilizing MAT, three themes emerged that were considered barriers to accessing treatment. These themes included a growing acceptance of MAT, perceived challenges working with methadone clients, and perceived benefits of buprenorphine. Implications for social work practice and policy are discussed.