Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Addiction Recovery
If cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or repeated relapses have made recovery feel out of reach, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an effective, evidence-based treatment that may help. MAT, also referred to as Medication for Addiction Treatment, combines proven medications with counseling and clinical support to help stabilize the body, ease distress, and support long-term recovery. According to Recovery Centers of America, MAT is used thoughtfully and safely as part of a personalized treatment plan—never as a one-size-fits-all solution.
Quick Overview: MAT uses FDA-approved medications combined with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. NIH(National Institutes of Health) report that MAT reduces overdose deaths by up to 50% and significantly improves treatment retention [1].
The Role of MAT at RCA
Medication Assisted Treatment
Medication Assisted Treatment is a proven, evidence-based approach that helps reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms so recovery can begin more safely and sustainably. For many people, easing the physical side of addiction is a critical first step toward long-term healing.
At Recovery Centers of America, MAT is offered as one option within a personalized treatment plan—never a requirement. Whether someone begins recovery through medically monitored detoxification, residential, or outpatient, the choice is always guided by individual needs, goals, and clinical recommendations. When appropriate, MAT can help stabilize the body, lower the risk of relapse, and give individuals the clarity and strength needed to fully engage in therapy and recovery.
Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment
Key Takeaway: MAT is not “replacing one addiction with another.” Research from NIDAdemonstrates that medications reduce the likelihood of overdose death, HIV, and hepatitis C, while helping individuals return to productive lives [2].
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has recognized that MAT is clinically effective in helping people achieve and maintain recovery [3]. MAT provides a comprehensive, individually tailored program of both medication and behavioral therapy, this formula is often the key our patients need to stay in long-term recovery. We also provide educational seminars and workshops, STD screening, physical exams, psychological assessments, and job readiness programs.
The benefits of medically assisted treatment include:
- Improve patient survival
- Increase retention in treatment
- Reduce opioid misuse and related criminal behavior among individuals struggling with substance use disorders
- Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment
- Improve birth outcomes for pregnant women with substance use disorders
- Additional research shows that these medications and therapies can lower a person’s risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C by reducing the potential for relapse
The benefits of using MAT to treat substance use disorders are clear. It provides patients with a comprehensive approach to recovery, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
MAT Medications Comparison Table
According to Recovery Centers of America, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses FDA- approved medications alongside counseling and medical care to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, and support long-term recovery. Different MAT options work in different ways—some help manage withdrawal symptoms, others block the effects of substances or reduce relapse risk. RCA will help you decide if MAT is right for you, depending on your substance use history, medical needs, and recovery goals.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
| Medication | Type | How It Works | Dosing Frequency | Side Effects | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methadone | Full Opioid Agonist | Fully activates opioid receptors to reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal | Once daily. Liquid (in clinic) | Drowsiness, constipation, sweating, nausea, sexual dysfunction, QT prolongation | Highly regulated. Requires daily clinic visits initially. Long track record of effectiveness |
| Suboxone (Buprenorphine/ Naloxone) | Partial Opioid Agonist | Partially activates opioid receptors. Naloxone discourages misuse | Once daily. Sublingual film or tablet | Constipation, headache, nausea, insomnia, sweating, dizziness | Can be prescribed in office settings. Lower overdose risk than full agonists |
| Subutex (Buprenorphine) | Partial Opioid Agonist | Partially activates opioid receptors to ease withdrawal and cravings | Once daily. Sublingual tablet | Constipation, headache, nausea, insomnia, sweating, dizziness | Used when naloxone is not tolerated. Commonly prescribed during pregnancy |
| Sublocade (Extended- Release Buprenorphine) | Partial Opioid Agonist | Provides continuous, steady medication release | Once monthly. Injection | Injection site reactions, constipation, headache, nausea, fatigue | Eliminates daily dosing. Reduces treatment burden and misuse risk |
| Vivitrol (Extended- Release Naltrexone) | Opioid Antagonist | Blocks opioid receptors and prevents euphoric effects | Once monthly. Injection | Injection site reactions, nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, liver enzyme elevations | Requires full detox before starting. No opioid effects or dependence |
| Brixadi (Extended- Release Buprenorphine) | Partial Opioid Agonist | Provides flexible, extended release delivery and prevents euphoric effects | Weekly or monthly injection | Injection site reactions, constipation, headache, nausea, fatigue | Newest FDA- approved option. Flexible dosing schedule supports individualized treatment |
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
| Medication | Type | How It Works | Dosing Frequency | Side Effects | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acamprosate (Campral) | Glutamate Modulator | Restores balance of GABA and glutamate neurotransmitters disrupted by chronic alcohol use. Reduces cravings and PAWS symptoms | Three times daily. Oral tablet | Diarrhea, nausea, gas, stomach upset, dizziness, weakness | Best started after detox completion. Safest option for patients with liver disease (processed by kidneys). Requires consistent adherence |
| Naltrexone (Oral) | Opioid Antagonist | Blocks opioid receptors associated with alcohol’s rewarding effects. Reduces cravings and pleasurable response to drinking | Once daily. Oral tablet | Nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, insomnia | No detox required before starting. Works for moderation and abstinence approaches. Effective for concurrent alcohol and opioid use disorders |
| Vivitrol (Extended- Release Naltrexone) | Opioid Antagonist | Blocks opioid receptors to reduce alcohol cravings and reward. Extended-release provides sustained therapeutic effect | Once monthly. Injection | Injection site reactions, nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, liver enzyme elevations | No daily dosing required. Must abstain from opioids before starting. Effective for both alcohol and opioid use disorders |
| Disulfiram (Antabuse) | Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitor | Blocks alcohol metabolism, causing unpleasant reaction (flushing, nausea, vomiting) when alcohol is consumed. Serves as deterrent | Once daily. Oral tablet | Drowsiness, headache, metallic taste, skin rash, acne | Requires high motivation and adherence. Supervised administration improves outcomes. Must avoid all alcohol based products such as hand sanitizer and mouth wash |
| Vivitrol (Extended- Release Naltrexone) | Opioid Antagonist | Blocks opioid receptors and prevents euphoric effects | Once monthly. Injection | Injection site reactions, nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, liver enzyme elevations | Requires full detox before starting. No opioid effects or dependence |
| Brixadi (Extended- Release Buprenorphine) | Partial Opioid Agonist | Provides flexible, extended release delivery and prevents euphoric effects | Weekly or monthly injection | Injection site reactions, constipation, headache, nausea, fatigue | Newest FDA- approved option. Flexible dosing schedule supports individualized treatment |
Types of Medications Used for MAT
MAT medications are used to help stabilize the body physically so recovery feels more manageable. MAT may reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, or block the effects of drugs or alcohol. These medications are carefully prescribed and monitored as part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy and ongoing support. Please note: MAT offerings vary by RCA locations.
Here’s an explanation of how these specific medications function:
Methadone
Methadone is perhaps the most well-known and highly regulated medication used during treatment for opioid addiction. Methadone is a full agonist, meaning that it binds with opioid receptors in the brain to produce the desired effect.
This lessens the painful symptoms of opioid withdrawal and blocks the euphoric effects of an opiate drug. When methadone is administered properly during MAT, the patient feels normal, does not physically crave opiates, and does not become lethargic. Methadone is administered once per day via a liquid solution. Methadone dosages need to be slowly built up over time to avoid the risk of overdosing. This medication can be dangerous when misused.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine)
While methadone is a full agonist, the FDA-approved Suboxone (buprenorphine) is a partial agonist that is used during MAT. This means it does not bind fully to opioid receptors like methadone.
Comprised of buprenorphine and naloxone, Suboxone is effective for treating opioid withdrawal as it alleviates physical symptoms and decreases cravings. If an individual attempts to misuse opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers while taking Suboxone, that person will not experience the high normally associated with these drugs because naloxone counteracts the effects that opioids have on the brain. RCA offers Suboxone in our MAT programming.
Subutex (Buprenorphine)
The active ingredient in Subutex is buprenorphine, just like in Suboxone. The two medications are nearly identical in effect, route of administration, and duration. The main difference between the two is the additional ingredient naloxone in Suboxone. Naloxone is added to the formulation of Suboxone to prevent misuse of the medication. However, some people don’t tolerate naloxone, and it is also not recommended for pregnant women.
Unlike Suboxone, Subutex does not contain naloxone, which makes it the go-to partial agonist opioid addiction treatment option for those who can’t take Suboxone.
Sublocade
This monthly injection is an extended-release buprenorphine injection. Similar to Suboxone, buprenorphine is an opiate that activates receptors in the brain but in a controlled fashion. This means there will be no euphoric feelings that cause cravings. Once injected by a medical professional, Sublocade begins to be distributed throughout the body, working to reduce cravings. When utilized in combination with counseling and medical supervision, Sublocade can assist adults in achieving and sustaining recovery.
Brixadi
Brixadi, a long-acting injectable form of buprenorphine, is the newest FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder. Like other buprenorphine-based medications, Brixadi reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense high associated with opioid misuse. What makes Brixadi unique is its flexible dosing schedule. It’s available in both weekly and monthly injectable options. This eliminates the need for daily medication and reduces the burden of treatment adherence. The weekly option allows for more frequent clinical contact early in recovery, while the monthly injection provides greater independence as treatment progresses. RCA offers Brixadi for eligible patients.
VIVITROL® (Naltrexone for Extended-Release Injectable Suspension)
This FDA-approved injectable medication is an antagonist designed to avert cravings for an extended amount of time. Administered only once each month during a medication assisted treatment program, this naltrexone-based medication wards off opioid cravings, alleviates physical symptoms of withdrawal, and prevents overdose from occurring. VIVITROL® requires the user to abstain from any opiate for 14 days before the first injection.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate helps restore the natural brain chemistry that becomes disrupted after prolonged alcohol use. This medication lessens cravings and reduces the chance of post- acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), the lingering symptoms that can persist for months after detox. Acamprosate is typically well-tolerated with few adverse side effects, making it a favorable option for many patients. For best results, treatment should begin after completing detox. The medication needs to be taken three times each day to maintain effectiveness. For individuals with significant liver disease, acamprosate if often the safest pharmacological option available.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone works by minimizing cravings and lessening the effects of alcohol consumption. This makes drinking less appealing and helps people maintain their recovery goals. Naltrexone offers flexibility in how it’s taken. It’s available as an oral tablet taken daily or a monthly injection (Vivitrol). Unlike some other medications, there’s no need to complete detox before starting naltrexone. This medication complements both abstinence and harm reduction approaches to recovery and works especially well alongside talk therapies. For those struggling with both alcohol and opioid use disorders, naltrexone is often the preferred treatment option.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram, also known as Antabuse, takes a different approach to treating alcohol use disorders. Rather than reducing cravings directly, this medication provokes an unpleasant physical reaction when someone consumes alcohol, including flushing, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. This serves as a powerful deterrent against drinking. Disulfiram works best for individuals who are highly motivated and committed to abstinence. Because consistent adherence is essential for success, supervised administration by a family member or healthcare provider improves outcomes. This medication is most effective when combined with counseling and ongoing recovery support.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT
How does MAT work?
MAT works by using FDA-approved medications that interact with the same brain receptors affected by addictive substances. These medications either partially activate opioid receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal, or block receptors entirely to prevent euphoric effects. Combined with counseling, MAT addresses both physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Is MAT safe?
Yes. All MAT medications are FDA-approved and rigorously tested. According to SAMHSA, MAT reduces overdose risk, improves treatment retention, and helps individuals return to productive lives. Side effects are monitored and managed by your treatment team.
Who qualifies for MAT?
Individuals with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder may qualify for MAT. Candidacy depends on substance use history, medical conditions, pregnancy status, and treatment goals. A comprehensive evaluation determines which medication best fits your situation.
Can I receive MAT while pregnant?
Yes. Methadone and buprenorphine are recommended for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Untreated addiction carries significant risks including miscarriage and preterm birth. MAT improves outcomes for both mother and baby.
Does MAT replace one addiction with another?
No. According to NIDA, people successfully treated with MAT follow prescribed regimens resulting in positive health outcomes, similar to patients managing diabetes or hypertension. MAT medications do not produce a high when taken as prescribed.
How long does MAT treatment last?
Duration varies by individual. Some people benefit from short-term MAT, while others require longer maintenance. Research shows longer treatment engagement correlates with better outcomes. There is no maximum recommended duration. Decisions are made collaboratively with your treatment team.
What happens if I relapse while on MAT?
MAT medications reduce relapse risk and lessen the reinforcing effects of opioids if relapse occurs. Your treatment team can adjust your care plan. Relapse is not failure but an opportunity to strengthen your recovery approach.
Does insurance cover MAT?
Most health insurance plans cover medication-assisted treatment. RCA is in-network with many major insurance providers. Our admissions team verifies coverage and explains benefits before treatment begins.
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We understand how overwhelming substance use and mental health challenges can feel, especially in a crisis, so you don’t have to navigate this alone. Call anytime to speak with a knowledgeable advisor, explore personalized care recommendations, and get connected to evidence-based treatment designed to support lasting sobriety and a healthier future.
Sources
- National Institutes of Health – Methadone and buprenorphine reduce risk of death after opioid overdose.
- NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) – Medications for Opioid Use
- SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Medications for Opioid Use Disorder.” Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) 63.
