Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. MATClinics offers a comprehensive MAT program using Suboxone®, naltrexone, and other medications to help you overcome opioid and alcohol addiction safely and effectively.

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What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication Assisted Treatment uses prescription medications to normalize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids. MAT is the gold standard for addiction treatment, backed by decades of research showing it significantly improves recovery outcomes compared to abstinence-only approaches.

Our MAT program treats opioid use disorder (addiction to heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers) and alcohol use disorder. The medications work by targeting the same brain receptors affected by addictive substances, allowing your brain to heal while you develop healthy coping skills through counseling.

What Conditions Does MAT Treat?

Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

MAT is highly effective for treating addiction to:

  • Heroin.
  • Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs.
  • Prescription painkillers (OxyContin, Vicodin, Percocet, morphine).
  • Other opioids (codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone).

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

MAT helps manage alcohol addiction and prevent relapse through medications like naltrexone and acamprosate.

Co-Occurring Disorders

Many patients struggle with both substance use and mental health conditions. Our integrated treatment addresses depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges alongside addiction.

How MAT Works: The Science of Recovery

MAT works through three primary mechanisms that directly address the biological aspects of addiction:

1. Craving Reduction Medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone®) reduce the intense cravings that drive compulsive drug use. By stabilizing brain chemistry, you can focus on recovery instead of constantly fighting urges.

2. Withdrawal Prevention MAT medications prevent the painful withdrawal symptoms that often cause relapse. You can stop using opioids or alcohol without experiencing severe physical discomfort, making early recovery more manageable.

3. Blocking Euphoric Effects MAT medications blocks opioid receptors, preventing the "high" from opioids or alcohol. This removes the reward from using, reducing the motivation to relapse.

The Complete Treatment Approach:

  • Medical management: Physician-prescribed medications with regular monitoring
  • Behavioral counseling: Individual and group therapy addressing addiction's psychological aspects
  • Case management: Support navigating employment, housing, legal issues
  • Recovery support: Peer support groups and community resources
  • Ongoing monitoring: Regular check-ins, drug screening, medication adjustments

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Medications Used in MAT

Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Sublocade®, Brixadi®)

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal without producing a significant "high." Available as:

  • Sublingual films/tablets: Dissolve under tongue daily.
  • Sublocade® and Brixadi® injections: Monthly injection for improved compliance. Brixadi® has a weekly injection option as well.

Benefits:

  • Lower overdose risk than full opioid agonists.
  • Can be prescribed in office settings.
  • Flexible dosing options.
  • Ceiling effect limits abuse potential.

Methadone

While not prescribed at MATClinics, methadone is a full opioid agonist dispensed daily at some certified clinics. Although it can be effective for severe opioid addiction, it has a higher potential for misuse due to the absence of a ceiling effect. Best for patients who:

  • Need a structured daily treatment environment.
  • Have a high opioid tolerance and were not successful on buprenorphine.

Naltrexone (Vivitrol®)

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, preventing opioids and alcohol from producing euphoria. Available as:

  • Daily oral tablet.
  • Monthly Vivitrol® injection.

Best for patients who:

  • Have completed detoxification.
  • Are committed to abstinence-based recovery.

Naloxone (Narcan)

Not a MAT medication itself, but we provide naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses. All patients and families receive training and naloxone kits for emergency use.

Why Medication Assisted Treatment Matters

Research consistently shows MAT is the most effective treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders:

Proven Effectiveness:

  • 50% reduction in opioid use.
  • 60% reduction in overdose deaths.
  • Doubles treatment retention rates.
  • Reduces criminal activity by 50%.
  • Decreases infectious disease transmission (HIV, Hepatitis C).

Real-World Benefits:

  • Return to work and productivity.
  • Restored family relationships.
  • Improved physical and mental health.
  • Reduced legal problems.
  • Enhanced quality of life.

Addressing Stigma

Despite proven effectiveness, MAT faces misconceptions. Some view it as "replacing one drug with another." The truth: MAT medications are prescribed, medically supervised, and don't produce intoxication at therapeutic doses. They're treatment, not substitution.

What to Expect: The MAT Treatment Journey

Initial Assessment (Day 1)

Your journey begins with comprehensive evaluation:

  • Medical history.
  • Substance use assessment.
  • Mental health screening.
  • Laboratory tests (urine drug screen)
  • Treatment plan development.
  • Medication prescribed at the first visit.

Timeline: 60-90 minutes60 minutes

Medication Induction (Days 1-7)

We check in with you over the phone for the first few days, carefully monitor for:

  • Proper dosing to eliminate cravings and withdrawal.
  • Side effects or adverse reactions.
  • Stabilization progress.

Stabilization Phase (Weeks 2-12)

As medication reaches optimal levels:

  • Cravings and withdrawal resolve.
  • We adjust dosing as needed.
  • Regular counseling and psychiatry sessions begin if needed.

Timeline: Weekly visits initially, then bi-weekly or monthly as you stabilize

Maintenance Phase (Month 3+)

Long-term recovery support includes:

  • Monthly medical check-ins, with the option for bi-monthly after 12 months of stability
  • Ongoing counseling (frequency based on needs).
  • Continued medication management.
  • Recovery skill development.

Timeline: Ongoing; many patients benefit from MAT for years

Tapering (When Appropriate)

Some patients eventually reduce medication under medical supervision. Others maintain long-term, like managing any chronic condition. There's no required timeline, treatment duration depends on individual needs.

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Treatment Outcomes: What Success Looks Like

Success in MAT varies individually but commonly includes:

Short-term (3-6 months):

  • Elimination of withdrawal symptoms.
  • Significant craving reduction.
  • Stabilization of daily functioning.
  • Improved relationships.
  • Return to work/school.

Long-term (1+ years):

  • Sustained abstinence from illicit substances.
  • Improved physical health markers.
  • Stable employment and housing.
  • Reconnection with family.
  • Development of healthy coping skills.
  • Participation in the recovery community.

Measuring Progress: We track success through:

  • Regular drug screenings.
  • Medication compliance.
  • Counseling attendance if needed.
  • Achievement of personal recovery goals.

Behavioral Health Care

At MATClinics, we offer the full complement of treatment in an outpatient setting. While medications are crucial in MAT, they are even more effective when combined with behavioral health care.  MATClinics encourages its patients to take advantage of behavioral health care, especially at times of stress. These services help address the underlying psychological, social, and emotional factors that contribute to substance use disorders.

Begin Your Recovery Today

MATClinics provides comprehensive medication assisted treatment in a supportive, judgment-free environment. Our experienced medical team and counselors understand addiction and are committed to helping you achieve lasting recovery.

MATClinics currently accepts all Maryland Medicaid programs as well as Medicare Part B and all CareFirst (or BlueCross Blue Shield) plans. Learn more about what to expect and a list of the insurance programs accepted.

FAQs

1: Is MAT just replacing one addiction with another?

No. MAT medications are prescribed at therapeutic doses that don't produce intoxication. They stabilize brain chemistry, allowing you to function normally, similar to how insulin helps diabetics or antidepressants help those with depression. MAT treats addiction, it doesn't perpetuate it.

2: How long will I need to take medication?

Treatment duration varies. Some patients benefit from 1-2 years of MAT before tapering; others maintain long-term. Research shows longer treatment (2+ years) produces better outcomes. There's no "right" timeline, duration depends on your individual recovery needs and goals.

3: Will MAT work if I've relapsed before?

Yes! Prior relapses don't predict MAT outcomes. Many patients who struggled with abstinence-only approaches thrive with MAT's medical support. Each treatment attempt provides learning opportunities, and MAT addresses biological factors that complicate recovery.

4: Can I work and live normally on MAT?

Absolutely. MAT medications at therapeutic doses don't impair functioning. Patients work, drive, attend school, and engage in all normal activities. MAT removes the chaos of active addiction, enabling you to rebuild your life.

5: Does insurance cover MAT?

Most insurance plans cover MAT services. We verify coverage before treatment begins and discuss payment options during your first visit.