PGx-Guided MAT: A New Frontier in Addiction Care

Recovery Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a proven tool in the fight against addiction. It helps reduce cravings, stabilize mood, and prevent relapse. But for some patients, progress feels out of reach despite following every recommendation.

We’ve seen this firsthand at BloomDNA. Some people respond quickly to MAT. Others struggle with side effects or feel no benefit at all. This gap often comes down to something that hasn’t been part of the traditional process: your DNA.

Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing helps identify how your body processes specific medications, offering providers a clearer roadmap for care. For patients like Marcus, it changed everything.

Source: Muriel J. et al. (2023). Impact of CYP2D6 genotype on opioid use disorder tapering outcomes.
🔗 Frontiers in Pharmacology

A Patient Story That Changed Direction

Marcus had relapsed after two inpatient stays. MAT was part of his plan, and he followed it closely. But after a few weeks, cravings returned. His energy dropped. His motivation disappeared.

His provider adjusted the dose. Switched medications. Added behavioral support. Nothing seemed to work long-term.
They turned to BloomDNA® for a pharmacogenetic test. The results showed Marcus had reduced CYP2D6 enzyme activity, meaning his body couldn’t effectively process his medication. Based on this insight, his provider adjusted his prescription again—this time in line with his metabolism. Within weeks, Marcus reported fewer cravings and more stable focus throughout the day.

Source: Muriel J. et al. (2023). Impact of CYP2D6 genotype on opioid use disorder tapering outcomes.
🔗 Frontiers in Pharmacology

What PGx Testing Does in Addiction Treatment

Pharmacogenetics studies how your genes influence your response to medications. For addiction care, it can explain why one MAT protocol works well for one patient and not for another.
It’s especially helpful for medications like:

These drugs interact with opioid receptors in the brain and are metabolized through various genetic pathways. When those pathways are impaired or overactive, the expected results may not occur—or may come with complications.

• Buprenorphine
• Naltrexone
• Methadone

Source: Kusic D. et al. (2022). Patient perceptions of pharmacogenetic testing in chronic pain and OUD.
🔗 MDPI Pharmaceutics

Key Genes We Analyze

BloomDNA’s clinical-grade test reviews several gene markers known to impact MAT outcomes:

• CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 – Influence how your liver processes many addiction medications
• OPRM1 – Impacts how opioid receptors respond to medications like naltrexone
• COMT and DRD2 – Affect dopamine activity, which plays a role in reward response and motivation

Your provider receives a personalized report that explains which medications may be more compatible and what to monitor for when choosing or adjusting treatment.

Provider Perspective: Why This Matters in Clinical Practice

“In addiction care, timing and clarity matter. When we start with pharmacogenetic insight, we avoid unnecessary delays and reduce patient frustration. It doesn’t replace clinical judgment—it supports it.”
— Dr. Carla Mendez, Addiction Medicine Specialist

Source: Reynolds KK et al. (2008). CYP2D6 and OPRM1 pharmacogenetic testing regarding opioid treatment.
🔗 PubMed

Providers often work with patients who have tried multiple medications without long-term success. PGx testing helps them quickly identify which treatment paths are more likely to produce results. It also helps explain why past treatments failed, which is essential for patient trust.
Having this information at the beginning of MAT planning allows for better decisions, stronger adherence, and fewer avoidable side effects.

Why Choose BloomDNA for PGx Testing

Our reports are built for providers and written with patients in mind. Every BloomDNA® test includes:

• Clinical-grade analysis of over 300 medications
• Focused results for addiction, mental health, and physical health
• A patient-friendly report that providers can reference directly
• Processing by a certified U.S.-based lab with strict quality review

This test can serve as a lifelong guide for medication planning and help eliminate unnecessary risk during recovery.

Take the Next Step With More Certainty
If you’ve started MAT and it doesn’t feel right, or you’re about to begin, pharmacogenetic testing can provide answers your provider needs to make more confident decisions.

Explore how pharmacogenetics can work for your condition.

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