What MAT Is
MAT is the use of medication, in combination with therapy and recovery support, to treat substance use disorder. The medications work by reducing cravings, blocking the rewarding effects of substances, and stabilizing brain chemistry that has been disrupted by long-term use. They are not a substitute for one addiction with another — they are evidence-based medical treatment, no different in principle from using insulin to manage diabetes or statins to manage cholesterol.
MAT is endorsed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the World Health Organization, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as a first-line treatment.
Medications We Use
For opioid use disorder
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade) — partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal without producing a high
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol monthly injection or oral) — blocks the effects of opioids if used
- Methadone referral when clinically appropriate (ask whether coordination with a licensed opioid treatment program is available)
For alcohol use disorder
- Naltrexone — reduces alcohol cravings and the rewarding effect of drinking
- Acamprosate (Campral) — helps the brain rebalance after long-term alcohol use
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) — produces a strong negative reaction if alcohol is consumed
For withdrawal management
- Comfort medications during medical detox to manage symptoms safely
- Anticonvulsants when clinically indicated
- Anti-nausea, sleep, and anxiety medications during stabilization
Why MAT Works
For opioid use disorder, MAT cuts the risk of fatal overdose by roughly half and dramatically improves long-term recovery rates compared to abstinence-only treatment. The medications give your brain the time it needs to heal — months to years — without the constant pull of cravings making each day a fight.
For alcohol use disorder, MAT reduces drinking days, heavy drinking days, and relapse rates significantly when combined with therapy.
How MAT Is Delivered at BetterChoice
MAT is prescribed by licensed prescribers when clinically appropriate. Patients who may benefit can discuss MAT during the initial assessment. We do not pressure anyone — the decision is yours, made with full information about benefits, risks, and alternatives.
If you choose MAT:
- Medication is started during detox at the appropriate point in withdrawal
- Doses are titrated to your individual response
- You participate in the full residential program — therapy, group, family work, recreation
- We coordinate continuation of MAT after discharge with a community provider so there is no gap
Who MAT Is For
- Anyone with opioid use disorder, regardless of substance (heroin, fentanyl, prescription pain medications)
- Anyone with moderate to severe alcohol use disorder
- Patients with a history of multiple relapses on abstinence-only treatment
- Patients at high risk of overdose
- Pregnant women with opioid use disorder (where MAT is the standard of care)
Misconceptions We Want to Address
"MAT is just trading one drug for another." This is the most common myth and it is wrong. Buprenorphine and methadone, dosed properly, do not produce a high in someone with tolerance. Naltrexone has no abuse potential whatsoever. The medications stabilize the brain so recovery becomes possible.
"You're not really sober if you're on MAT." Medical recovery is recovery. There is no second-class sobriety. Many people maintain MAT for years and lead full, sober lives.
"MAT is forever." Some people stay on MAT long-term because it works. Others taper off after a year or two. The right length is between you and your medical provider — there is no single correct answer.
Ready to Start?
Call (725) 550-5655 to talk with our admissions team about MAT. We will verify your insurance, walk through which medications might be appropriate for you, and answer your questions honestly.