Addiction affects both the body and the mind, which is why lasting recovery often requires more than just willpower. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an research-based approach that combines the use of FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. This integrated method helps people manage withdrawal, reduce cravings, and address the underlying causes of substance use.
MAT is most commonly used for opioid and alcohol use disorders, though it can also support recovery from other substances. Medications stabilize brain chemistry and reduce the risk of relapse, while therapy builds coping skills, strengthens self-worth, and creates healthier routines. By addressing both the physical and emotional challenges of addiction, MAT gives individuals a greater chance of achieving long-term sobriety.
What Is MAT Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of special medications to help with detoxification and treatment for addiction. It’s commonly used during alcohol withdrawal as well as during withdrawal from opioids and benzodiazepines. Aside from easing withdrawal, MAT also supports long-term recovery by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Medications used in MAT programs stabilize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of substances, and restore normal body functions. At the same time, therapy helps individuals develop coping skills, manage triggers, and rebuild healthy routines.
By integrating medication with therapy, MAT provides a comprehensive path to recovery that is often more effective than medication or counseling alone.
Three Components of MAT
Medication-assisted treatment combines three key components: medication, counseling, and behavioral therapy. Together, these elements form a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and emotional challenges of recovery.
- Medication: FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone help reduce cravings, minimize withdrawal symptoms, and restore balance to brain chemistry. By stabilizing the body, medication allows individuals to focus on healing without the constant struggle of physical dependence.
- Counseling: Counseling gives people a safe space to explore the underlying causes of addiction, such as trauma, stress, or co-occurring mental health conditions. Through one-on-one or group sessions, patients gain insight into their behaviors, identify triggers, and develop personalized strategies for recovery.
- Behavioral Therapy: Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management, help individuals develop practical coping skills, reframe thought patterns, and establish healthier routines. These therapies reinforce positive behaviors, boost self-worth, and provide tools for long-term success.
When combined, these three components of MAT work in harmony to help people fight cravings, manage stressors, and rebuild confidence, laying a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.
MAT Medications
MAT medications are an essential part of treatment because they address the physical side of addiction. These FDA-approved medications work by reducing withdrawal symptoms, controlling cravings, and helping to restore balance in brain chemistry. Some also block the euphoric effects of drugs or alcohol, making relapse less appealing.
Common medications used in MAT include:
- Buprenorphine – reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms for opioids.
- Methadone – stabilizes brain chemistry and relieves withdrawal for people with opioid use disorder.
- Naltrexone – blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol, reducing the desire to use.
- Acamprosate – helps people in alcohol recovery manage cravings and maintain abstinence.
- Disulfiram – creates unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, serving as a deterrent.
MAT medications are prescribed and carefully monitored by medical professionals. Depending on the medication, they may be taken daily at a treatment center, administered through a monthly injection, or prescribed for at-home use with medical oversight.
Counseling in Medication-Assisted Treatment
While medications address the physical side of addiction, counseling in MAT focuses on the emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of recovery. Counseling helps individuals understand the root causes of substance use, develop healthy coping strategies, and rebuild meaningful connections in their lives.
Counseling can be done in individual and group settings. Individual counseling allows patients to work closely with a therapist to address personal struggles, such as trauma, stress, or co-occurring mental health disorders. Group counseling provides a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences, learn from others, and build a sense of community. Hearing from peers who are facing similar challenges reduces feelings of isolation and strengthens accountability in recovery.
Whether in a group or individual setting, counseling involves a safe, confidential space where patients can set goals, process emotions, and learn new ways of thinking and responding.
Behavioral Therapy Sessions
Behavioral therapy is a core part of MAT because it helps individuals change harmful thought patterns and develop healthier ways of coping. Approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management teach practical skills for managing triggers, preventing relapse, and building positive routines. By reinforcing constructive behaviors and fostering self-confidence, behavioral therapy strengthens the foundation for long-term recovery.
Buprenorphine FAQ
Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist, meaning it serves as kind of a substitute for actual opioids like heroin or fentanyl, binding to the brain’s opioid receptors while being less potent or dangerous than those drugs. The most important point: it does not produce euphoria, meaning people cannot abuse it to get high. This makes it a very useful drug for medication-assisted treatment.
Buprenorphine is used for treating opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to stay in recovery.
Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid, meaning it was developed in a laboratory. It activates opioid receptors but less strongly than full opioids like heroin or oxycodone.
It is a Schedule III narcotic with a lower risk of misuse compared to stronger opioids, but it still requires medical supervision.
Not exactly. Suboxone contains buprenorphine plus naloxone, which helps prevent misuse.
Sublocade FAQ
Sublocade is an extended-release injection of buprenorphine used to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder. It is not to be confused with Suboxone. As part of a medication-assisted treatment plan, Sublocade helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid addiction.
Sublocade treats moderate to severe opioid use disorder. It blocks the effects of opioid medications in your body, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Each Sublocade injection lasts for anywhere between one to two months in the body after injection.
Yes, since it contains buprenorphine, it is classified as a narcotic (schedule III controlled substance).
It has a low potential for misuse, but dependence can develop, which is why it is given under medical supervision.
Naltrexone FAQ
Naltrexone is an MAT drug used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence by blocking the effects of these substances.
Naltrexone is used in medication-assisted treatment to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. Unlike buprenorphine or methadone, it does not activate opioid receptors—instead, it blocks them, preventing substances from producing a “high.”
Common side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. Some people may also experience stomach pain or mild joint aches.
For most people, naltrexone does not create a noticeable effect. It doesn’t produce euphoria or sedation—it simply reduces cravings and blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol, making relapse less rewarding.
No. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, not an antidepressant. While it may indirectly improve mood by supporting sobriety, it is not prescribed for depression.
Vivtrol FAQ
Vivitrol is an FDA-approved brand of naltrexone. It’s used for treating opioid and alcohol dependence.
Vivitrol is a long-acting injection form of naltrexone used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. It works by blocking receptors that alcohol and opioids bind to, helping people avoid relapse.
Vivitrol is typically prescribed to individuals who have already fully detoxed from opioids or alcohol. Starting too soon after last use can cause withdrawal symptoms, so medical clearance is required.
No. Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, while Vivitrol is pure naltrexone. Suboxone reduces cravings, while Vivitrol blocks the effects of substances altogether.
No. Narcan (naloxone) is a short-acting overdose reversal medication, while Vivitrol is a long-acting treatment injection for relapse prevention.
Suboxone FAQ
Suboxone is a special 4:1 formulation of buprenorphine and naloxone (Narcan). The addition of naloxone prevents it from being injected recreationally.
Suboxone helps people in recovery by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The naloxone in it also deters misuse, making it a safer option for long-term treatment compared to full opioids.
Yes. Suboxone is classified as a schedule III controlled substance. While safer than heroin or methadone, it can still be misused if not taken as prescribed.
No. Methadone is a full opioid agonist that fully activates opioid receptors, while Suboxone contains buprenorphine (a partial agonist) and naloxone. Suboxone has a lower risk of dependence and overdose, making it a safer option for many people.
Methadone FAQ
Methadone is the original MAT drug, developed in the 1960s for use in medicaiton-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. The following are some frequently asked questions about methadone.
Methadone is mainly used to treat opioid use disorder by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
When taken as prescribed, methadone is safe. However, it does have a potential for abuse. Abusing methadone can lead to dependence, overdose, or side effects like drowsiness and constipation.
Many people remain on methadone long-term because it helps them avoid relapse, stabilize their lives, and maintain recovery.
Who Can Benefit from Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted yreatment can be life-changing for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD). These conditions often involve powerful cravings, painful withdrawal symptoms, and a high risk of relapse. MAT helps by stabilizing the brain and body, making it easier for people to focus on recovery.
Studies show that people who participate in MAT are more likely to stay in treatment, avoid relapse, and achieve long-term sobriety compared to those who rely on counseling alone. By combining medication with therapy and support, MAT gives individuals the tools to rebuild their lives, improve mental health, and regain a sense of stability and self-worth.
MAT Services at Everlight Native Americans
At Everlight Native Americans, we understand that overcoming addiction requires more than just willpower. Our MAT services provide FDA-approved medications to ease cravings and withdrawal, while also incorporating counseling, behavioral therapies, and skill-building programs to support lasting recovery.
Our approach ensures that patients receive holistic care, including:
- Access to safe and effective MAT medications
- Therapy and counseling to address underlying issues
- Relapse prevention planning to prepare for real-world challenges
- Life skills training to support independence and stability
- A focus on well-being and cultural healing practices
By combining medical support with emotional and practical tools, Everlight Native Americans helps individuals not only achieve sobriety but also maintain it long after treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
For those recovering from opioid use disorder, MAT programs often use medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone. These medications work by easing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and blocking the euphoric effects of opioids.
With fewer physical obstacles in early recovery, patients can better engage in counseling and learn the coping strategies needed for long-term success. MAT for OUD has been proven to lower the risk of relapse and overdose, making it one of the most effective treatments available.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol
In alcohol recovery, MAT programs may include naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram. Naltrexone helps reduce cravings by blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol, acamprosate restores balance in brain chemistry disrupted by long-term alcohol use, and disulfiram discourages drinking by causing unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed.
These medications, combined with therapy and relapse prevention support, help patients manage cravings, reduce relapse risk, and rebuild healthy routines. MAT for alcohol use disorder empowers individuals to focus on their personal growth and recovery without the constant struggle of cravings.