Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction: Top 3 Proven Benefits 2025

Understanding Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction is an evidence-based approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorder. If you’re looking for information about this treatment approach, here’s what you need to know:

The opioid epidemic continues to claim lives across America, with over 2.1 million people struggling with opioid use disorder. Unlike traditional abstinence-only approaches, medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction offers a comprehensive solution that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

“Medication-assisted treatment works. The evidence on this is voluminous and ever growing… failing to offer MAT is like trying to treat an infection without antibiotics.”

This treatment approach isn’t simply substituting one drug for another – it’s providing medicine that stabilizes brain chemistry, reduces cravings, and prevents withdrawal symptoms while patients work on recovery skills through counseling.

I’m Dr. Chad Elkin, a board-certified addiction medicine physician and founder of National Addiction Specialists, with extensive experience implementing medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction programs that have helped thousands of patients achieve lasting recovery. As a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and President of the Tennessee Society of Addiction Medicine, I’ve witnessed how MAT transforms lives when properly administered.

Medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction basics:

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What Is Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction?

Medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction isn’t just about medications—it’s a complete “whole-patient” approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Think of it as treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. This approach recognizes that opioid addiction is a chronic condition similar to diabetes or high blood pressure—something that often needs ongoing management rather than a quick fix.

When we look at what makes MAT different, it’s really about balance. The medications help stabilize brain chemistry and reduce cravings, while counseling helps address the psychological aspects of addiction. It’s this combination that makes the difference.

According to experts at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a good MAT program will:

• Help normalize your brain chemistry
• Block those intense euphoric feelings that opioids create
• Relieve the physical cravings that can be so overwhelming
• Help your body functions return to normal without the rollercoaster of highs and lows

The science is clear on this: medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction works better than either behavioral therapy or medication alone. Patients who receive MAT are much more likely to stay in treatment compared to those trying to recover without medication support. The numbers speak for themselves—studies show MAT can cut the risk of opioid overdose death by about 50%. That’s not just impressive—it’s life-saving. The scientific research on MAT effectiveness continues to grow stronger every year.

How medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction works

To understand why MAT works so well, it helps to know a bit about how opioids affect your brain. When you take opioids, they attach to specific receptors in your brain, creating feelings of euphoria and pain relief while slowing down breathing and other functions. With regular use, your brain adapts to having these opioids around, leading to tolerance, dependence, and eventually addiction.

The medications used in MAT work in different ways, but they all help restore balance:

Full agonists like methadone activate opioid receptors similarly to other opioids but in a controlled, steady way. This prevents withdrawal and reduces cravings without producing a high when taken as prescribed.

Partial agonists like buprenorphine (found in Suboxone) partially activate opioid receptors—just enough to keep withdrawal and cravings at bay. They have a built-in “ceiling effect” that limits euphoria and respiratory depression, making them safer.

Antagonists like naltrexone take a different approach by completely blocking opioid receptors. If you were to use opioids while on naltrexone, they simply wouldn’t work.

By helping to stabilize your brain chemistry, these medications allow you to focus on counseling, therapy, and rebuilding your life without being constantly distracted by cravings or suffering through withdrawal.

Key regulations & terminology

The world of addiction treatment has changed a lot in recent years, and it’s helpful to understand some key terms and regulations:

The language we use matters. Many experts now prefer the term “Medications for Opioid Use Disorder” (MOUD) instead of “Medication-Assisted Treatment” (MAT). This change highlights that medications are central to treatment—not just helpers—similar to how we view medications for other chronic conditions.

Good news for access to care: The DEA waiver requirement (known as the “X-waiver”) that limited which doctors could prescribe buprenorphine was eliminated by the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act in December 2022. This change makes it easier for more healthcare providers to prescribe this life-saving medication.

Your privacy is protected under 42 CFR Part 2, a federal regulation that provides strong privacy protections for patients in substance use disorder treatment programs—often even stronger than HIPAA protections.

Did you know? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects individuals with substance use disorders who are in recovery, including those receiving MAT. This means employers, housing providers, and others cannot legally discriminate against you simply because you’re receiving medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction.

Many modern treatment programs follow a “medication-first model,” which prioritizes quick access to medication before requiring participation in other services. This approach recognizes that sometimes you need to feel physically stable before you can meaningfully engage in counseling.

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Medications Used in MAT: Methadone, Buprenorphine, Naltrexone

When it comes to treating opioid use disorder, we have three powerful tools in our medication arsenal. Each one works differently, but all share the same goal – helping people recover from opioid addiction and rebuild their lives.

Methadone

Methadone has been helping people overcome opioid addiction since the 1960s – making it something of a grandfather in the medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction family. As a full opioid agonist, it fully activates the brain’s opioid receptors, but in a controlled, steady way that doesn’t produce a high when taken as prescribed.

Most patients receive methadone as a daily liquid dose at specialized clinics called opioid treatment programs (OTPs). Its long-acting nature means one dose can prevent withdrawal symptoms for a full 24 hours or more – giving you stability throughout your day.

Methadone shines for people with high opioid tolerance and has impressive treatment retention rates. However, it does require those daily clinic visits at first (though you can earn take-home doses over time). Some people experience side effects like constipation, excessive sweating, or changes in sexual function. It can also interact with certain medications, so your provider needs to know everything you’re taking.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Buprenorphine offers a different approach as a partial opioid agonist. It’s often combined with naloxone (as in Suboxone) to prevent misuse. What makes buprenorphine special is its “ceiling effect” – after a certain dose, taking more doesn’t increase the opioid effect, which significantly reduces overdose risk.

“Buprenorphine changed my life,” says many of our patients. “I don’t think about using anymore, and I can focus on my family and work again.”

One of the biggest advantages of buprenorphine is flexibility. Unlike methadone, qualified healthcare providers can prescribe it in office settings or even through telemedicine. It comes in several forms – sublingual films or tablets that dissolve under your tongue, monthly injections, or even a 6-month implant.

The main catch? You need to be in mild to moderate withdrawal before starting buprenorphine to avoid precipitated withdrawal (which feels like regular withdrawal but worse). For people with extremely high opioid tolerance, buprenorphine might not provide complete relief.

At National Addiction Specialists, we primarily use buprenorphine/Suboxone in our telemedicine programs because it’s safe, effective, and can be taken at home – making recovery more accessible for busy people.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone takes a completely different approach as an opioid antagonist – it blocks opioid receptors entirely rather than activating them. Available as a daily pill (ReVia) or monthly injection (Vivitrol), naltrexone is non-addictive with zero potential for misuse.

This medication works well for people who are highly motivated and have already completed detox, as you must be completely opioid-free for 7-10 days before starting. It’s also the only MAT medication that can treat both opioid and alcohol use disorders.

The downside? Naltrexone doesn’t help with withdrawal symptoms, and dropout rates tend to be higher than with methadone or buprenorphine. It also has less evidence for reducing overdose deaths.

Safety profile of medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction

The safety data for medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction is compelling – patients receiving methadone or buprenorphine are about 50% less likely to die from overdose compared to those getting no treatment or naltrexone alone.

Most side effects are manageable and often improve over time. You might experience constipation, sweating, headaches, trouble sleeping, or nausea. More serious but rare effects can include respiratory depression (particularly with methadone), liver problems, or allergic reactions.

If you’re pregnant and struggling with opioid addiction, you should know that both methadone and buprenorphine are considered safe and effective treatments. In fact, they improve birth outcomes compared to untreated opioid use or attempting to detox during pregnancy (which can cause fetal distress or miscarriage).

For those with mental health conditions alongside opioid addiction, medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction often improves both conditions simultaneously. Many patients report their anxiety, depression, or PTSD symptoms improving once their opioid use disorder is stabilized, though careful monitoring is important since some psychiatric medications can interact with MAT medications.

Recent research published in JAMA Network Open confirmed buprenorphine’s strong safety profile, showing extremely low rates of serious adverse events even in outpatient settings. This supports what we’ve seen in our practice – these medications are safe when properly prescribed and monitored.

Starting & adjusting doses

Starting MAT is a bit like learning to ride a bike – there’s a process, and we’re with you every step of the way.

Before beginning treatment, we conduct a thorough assessment including your medical history, substance use patterns, mental health screening, physical exam, and lab tests. This helps us create a treatment plan custom specifically to you.

For buprenorphine, timing matters. You’ll need to be in mild to moderate withdrawal before taking your first dose – we use something called the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) to measure this objectively. This might seem counterintuitive (why wait until you feel bad?), but starting too early can trigger precipitated withdrawal.

A typical first day on buprenorphine might look like this:

• You arrive in mild-moderate withdrawal (COWS score >8)
• We give you an initial dose of 2-4mg buprenorphine
• We monitor you for 1-2 hours
• If withdrawal symptoms persist, you receive an additional 2-4mg
• Most people take 8-12mg total on day one

Once you’re stabilized, we enter the maintenance phase. Most patients find their sweet spot at 12-16mg of buprenorphine daily or 60-120mg of methadone daily – enough to eliminate cravings and prevent withdrawal without causing sedation.

Some patients eventually choose to taper off medication, though there’s no rush to do this. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. If tapering is right for you, we’ll create a very gradual plan (often over months or even years) to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

More info about Suboxone for recovery

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Benefits, Risks & Duration of MAT

When we talk about medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction, we’re looking at a treatment approach that truly transforms lives. The benefits aren’t just theoretical – they’re backed by substantial research and the real-life experiences of thousands of patients who’ve reclaimed their lives.

Think about what matters most: staying alive. Patients receiving MAT have about half the risk of dying from an overdose compared to those not using medication-based treatment. That’s not just a statistic – that’s mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters who are still here because they got effective treatment.

Beyond survival, MAT helps people stay in treatment longer, which is one of the strongest predictors of long-term recovery success. When you’re not constantly battling cravings and withdrawal symptoms, you can focus on building recovery skills and addressing the underlying issues that contributed to addiction.

The ripple effects extend into every area of life. People on MAT are more likely to find and keep jobs, showing up consistently and performing better at work. They’re less likely to engage in criminal activity. The dramatic reduction in injection drug use means fewer cases of HIV, hepatitis C, and other infections that can devastate communities.

But perhaps most meaningful is what patients themselves report: better physical health, improved mental wellbeing, restored relationships, and a return to feeling like themselves again.

Of course, like any medical treatment, MAT isn’t without considerations. Medications can sometimes be diverted for misuse, though research shows most diverted buprenorphine is actually used by people trying to self-manage their withdrawal symptoms, not to get high. There are potential side effects – though they’re typically manageable and often improve with time. Some patients on methadone may experience dental issues due to reduced saliva production, making good oral hygiene especially important.

And then there’s stigma – perhaps the most painful side effect of all. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, patients on MAT often face judgment from those who misunderstand the treatment, sometimes even from healthcare providers, family members, or certain recovery groups.

Length of Treatment

“How long will I need to stay on medication?” This is one of the most common questions we hear, and the honest answer is: it depends on you and your unique journey.

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline that works for everyone. The length of treatment is influenced by many factors:

• How long and severe your opioid use was
• Whether you’ve tried treatment before
• Any co-occurring physical or mental health conditions
• The strength of your support system
• Your stability in housing and employment
• Your personal recovery goals

What we do know from research is that longer periods of treatment (at least 12 months) generally lead to better outcomes. Stopping too soon often leads to relapse, which can be dangerous after a period of abstinence when tolerance has decreased.

At National Addiction Specialists, we work closely with each patient to develop a personalized approach. Some eventually taper off medication when they’ve built a stable recovery foundation, while others maintain their medication long-term – just as they would for any other chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Combating myths & stigma

Despite all the evidence supporting medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction, persistent myths continue to create barriers for people seeking help.

The most harmful misconception is that MAT “just substitutes one addiction for another.” This fundamentally misunderstands both addiction and medication. Addiction involves compulsive substance use despite negative consequences, loss of control, and dysfunction. Patients properly using MAT medications don’t experience these effects – they function normally, parent their children, excel at work, and rebuild meaningful lives.

Taking prescribed MAT medications is more accurately compared to using insulin for diabetes or blood pressure medication for hypertension – it’s managing a chronic medical condition with appropriate treatment.

Another damaging myth is the idea that “real recovery” means being completely medication-free. The truth is that recovery is defined by improved health, wellness, and quality of life – not by the absence of medication. Many people achieve full, meaningful recovery while using MAT medications.

Some view MAT as just a temporary “crutch,” but the evidence doesn’t support this. While some patients do eventually taper off MAT medications, others benefit from long-term or even lifelong treatment. The World Health Organization lists methadone and buprenorphine as essential medicines because of their proven effectiveness.

The language we use matters tremendously in addressing stigma. Terms like “clean” versus “dirty” urine tests or referring to people as “addicts” rather than “people with substance use disorder” can reinforce harmful stereotypes. We encourage person-first language that recognizes the humanity and dignity of everyone seeking treatment.

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Accessing MAT Services & Overcoming Barriers

Life-saving medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction should be available to everyone who needs it, but the reality is that many people face significant problems when trying to get help. The good news? These barriers are increasingly being broken down through innovation and policy changes.

Geographical Access Barriers

If you live in a rural area, you’ve probably noticed how challenging it can be to find specialized healthcare. This is especially true for addiction treatment—nearly 30% of rural Americans live in counties without a single buprenorphine provider, while only 2.2% of urban residents face the same challenge. Even more concerning, almost 89% of rural counties don’t have enough opioid treatment programs to meet community needs.

Thankfully, several innovations are changing this landscape:

Telemedicine has revolutionized addiction care, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. At National Addiction Specialists, we’ve acceptd this technology to provide Suboxone treatment throughout Tennessee and Virginia. Our patients can receive professional care from the comfort and privacy of their own homes—no long drives or waiting rooms required.

Primary care physicians are increasingly offering MAT services in communities that lack specialized addiction facilities. This integration makes treatment more accessible and helps normalize addiction care as part of routine healthcare.

Some communities have found success with mobile MAT clinics that travel to underserved areas, bringing care directly to people who need it most. Others have implemented hub-and-spoke models where specialized addiction clinics (“hubs”) connect with community providers (“spokes”) to extend their reach into areas that previously had no access to care.

Financial Barriers

“How will I pay for treatment?” This question stops many people from seeking the help they need. If you’re worried about costs, here’s what you should know:

Most private insurance plans now cover MAT, though specific medications and services vary by plan. Thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance companies must provide coverage for substance use disorders that’s comparable to coverage for other medical conditions.

Medicaid is a vital resource for many people seeking addiction treatment. All state Medicaid programs cover at least one form of each MAT medication, though specific formulations and requirements differ by state.

Medicare coverage has expanded to include MAT services. Medicare Part B covers treatment provided in opioid treatment programs, while Medicare Part D covers most MAT medications.

If you’re uninsured or underinsured, cost assistance programs can help. Many pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance for those who can’t afford medications, and federally qualified health centers often provide services on a sliding fee scale based on your ability to pay.

We understand these concerns at National Addiction Specialists, which is why we accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most major insurance plans. Our team works with patients to find affordable care options—because financial constraints shouldn’t stand between anyone and recovery.

Finding providers & support

Finding the right provider is a crucial step in your recovery journey. These resources can help you connect with qualified professionals:

SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov offers a comprehensive, searchable database of treatment providers across the country. You can also call their helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for personalized assistance.

The SAMHSA Buprenorphine Practitioner Locator specifically helps you find doctors who prescribe buprenorphine in your area.

Telemedicine providers like National Addiction Specialists offer convenient access to Suboxone treatment without leaving home—an option that works well for people with transportation issues, busy schedules, or privacy concerns.

Don’t overlook local resources like health departments, recovery community organizations, and harm reduction programs, which often maintain lists of MAT providers and can provide valuable guidance.

Family support is also essential for successful recovery. Organizations like Nar-Anon, Families Against Narcotics, GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing), and Learn to Cope provide education, support, and community for loved ones of people with opioid use disorder. These groups can help family members understand addiction, learn healthy boundaries, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Make an Appointment to Treat Addiction

If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction, please don’t wait to reach out for help. Medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction is proven effective, and early intervention typically leads to better outcomes.

The journey to recovery begins with a single step. Make an appointment today.

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Scientific research on rural access

Frequently Asked Questions about Medication Assisted Treatment

Is MAT covered by insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare?

When you’re considering medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction, cost concerns shouldn’t stand in your way. The good news is that most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, typically cover MAT services. Thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance companies must provide comparable coverage for substance use disorders as they do for other medical conditions.

If you have Medicaid, you can breathe a bit easier knowing that all state Medicaid programs cover at least one version of each FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder. While specific formulations and prior authorization requirements vary between states, both Tennessee and Virginia Medicaid programs (where National Addiction Specialists operates) provide coverage for buprenorphine/Suboxone treatment.

For those with Medicare, your Part B coverage includes MAT services provided in opioid treatment programs, while Medicare Part D handles coverage for most MAT medications. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it typically includes both the medication and the counseling services you’ll need.

With private insurance, coverage details can vary significantly between plans – including different copays and prior authorization requirements – but most do cover MAT services.

Not sure about your specific coverage? Don’t worry. Our caring team at National Addiction Specialists can help verify your benefits and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before you begin your treatment journey.

How long will I need to stay on medication?

One of the most common questions we hear is about treatment duration, and the honest answer is that medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your recovery journey is uniquely yours.

Research consistently shows better outcomes for patients who remain in treatment for at least 12 months. When treatment ends too soon, the risk of relapse significantly increases – studies show that about 90% of patients who stop buprenorphine treatment relapse within one year.

Think of your treatment timeline as being shaped by several important factors:

• Your history with opioid use – both how long and how severe
• Previous treatment experiences and what you learned from them
• Any other physical or mental health conditions you’re managing
• The strength of your support system
• Your stability in housing, employment, and relationships
• Your personal goals for recovery

Some people may thrive with several months of treatment, while others benefit from years or even indefinite treatment. This isn’t unlike other chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, where long-term medication often plays a crucial role in health management.

At National Addiction Specialists, we believe in personalized care. We’ll work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. And if the time comes when you’re considering tapering off medication, we’ll create a gradual, individualized plan designed to minimize withdrawal symptoms and support your continued recovery.

Can pregnant women safely receive MAT?

If you’re pregnant and struggling with opioid use disorder, please know that medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction isn’t just safe – it’s actually the recommended standard of care for your situation.

Untreated opioid use disorder during pregnancy creates serious risks for both you and your baby, including preterm birth, low birth weight, placental problems, fetal distress, and growth issues. The risk of overdose also remains a very real danger for expectant mothers.

Attempting to detox from opioids during pregnancy (going “cold turkey”) can trigger severe withdrawal that may lead to fetal distress, miscarriage, or preterm labor. This is why medical experts strongly recommend MAT instead.

Both methadone and buprenorphine offer safe, effective options during pregnancy:

Methadone has decades of research supporting its safety for pregnant women, though it typically requires daily clinic visits.

Buprenorphine (without naloxone during pregnancy) often shows comparable or slightly better outcomes for newborns than methadone, with potentially less severe neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Many women appreciate that it can be prescribed in office-based settings, making it more accessible.

While babies born to mothers on MAT may experience neonatal abstinence syndrome (withdrawal symptoms), this condition is treatable and far less dangerous than the alternatives of continued illicit opioid use or untreated addiction during pregnancy.

At National Addiction Specialists, we provide compassionate, specialized care for pregnant women, working closely with your obstetrician to ensure the best possible outcomes for both you and your baby.

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Conclusion

The journey to recovery from opioid addiction isn’t easy, but medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction provides a scientifically validated path forward that brings hope to countless individuals. By thoughtfully combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral support, MAT addresses both the physical cravings and psychological aspects of addiction, giving you the stability needed to rebuild your life step by step.

Throughout this guide, we’ve seen that MAT isn’t simply “trading one drug for another” as some myths suggest—it’s providing evidence-based medical treatment for a chronic condition. The medications used normalize your brain chemistry, reduce overwhelming cravings, prevent debilitating withdrawal symptoms, and block the euphoric effects of opioids when taken as prescribed by your doctor.

The benefits of MAT speak for themselves through years of research and countless recovery stories. People receiving this treatment experience a 50% reduction in overdose risk, stay in treatment longer, use fewer illicit opioids, and engage in less criminal activity. They also experience lower rates of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, better pregnancy outcomes, and—perhaps most importantly—improved quality of life and restored family relationships.

Despite these remarkable benefits, many who could benefit from MAT still face obstacles including geographical limitations (especially in rural areas), financial constraints, and the persistent sting of stigma. The good news is that innovations like telemedicine are bridging these gaps, making life-saving treatment more accessible than ever before.

At National Addiction Specialists, we’re passionate about removing these barriers through our telemedicine-based Suboxone treatment program. We serve patients throughout Tennessee and Virginia, offering convenient, confidential care with providers who truly understand addiction medicine. Our services are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, because we believe effective treatment should be available to everyone who needs it.

Recovery isn’t a destination with a fixed arrival date—it’s a personal journey that looks different for each person. Whether MAT serves as a temporary bridge to help you stabilize or becomes a long-term component of your recovery plan, what truly matters is finding the approach that works for you and supports your goals for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, please reach out today. The first step is often the hardest, but you don’t have to take it alone. Help is available, recovery is possible, and a new sunrise awaits.

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Medically Reviewed By

Chad D. Elkin, MD, FASAM, ABIM, ABPM

Chad D. Elkin, MD, FASAM, ABIM, ABPM, is double board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine and is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). His professional interests focus on social determinants of health, addiction medicine, public education concerning the opioid epidemic, public speaking engagements, and addiction medicine legislative advocacy at the state and national level . He is heavily involved with ASAM with both national and state roles including activity on the Practice Management and Regulatory Affairs Committee (PMRAC), State Advocacy and Legislative Affairs Committee (SALC), and is the Legislative Chairman and President-elect for the Tennessee chapter of ASAM.

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