Substance Abuse Treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
The clinical backbone of recovery from opioid and alcohol use disorder.
How MAT Works
Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved medications to stabilize brain chemistry disrupted by opioid or alcohol use disorder. These medications reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing patients to think clearly, hold down work and relationships, and fully engage in counseling and the rest of their recovery — rather than spending their energy fighting withdrawal or chasing the next dose.
MAT is one of the most extensively studied and evidence-supported treatments in all of addiction medicine. It significantly reduces overdose risk and improves long-term recovery outcomes compared to counseling or abstinence-based approaches alone.
Medications We Use
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone and related formulations) — for opioid use disorder
- Naltrexone (including Vivitrol) — for opioid and alcohol use disorder
- Other FDA-approved medications matched to your specific situation
What to Expect
Treatment starts with a thorough medical evaluation to determine which medication, if any, is appropriate for your situation. Dosing is managed carefully and adjusted based on your response, with regular follow-up visits — especially in the early stages of treatment — to monitor progress and make adjustments.
MAT is paired with counseling as part of your overall plan, since medication addresses the physical side of addiction while counseling addresses the behavioral and psychological side.
How It Fits Into Your Plan
- Integrated with individual and group counseling
- Coordinated with primary care for overall health monitoring
- Coordinated with psychiatry if a co-occurring mental health condition is present
- Adjusted over time as your recovery progresses — some patients remain on MAT long-term, others taper under medical guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I need to stay on MAT?
This varies significantly by patient — some remain on MAT long-term as an effective, ongoing part of managing their recovery, while others taper off under medical supervision once they've built a stable foundation. There's no fixed timeline, and the decision is made collaboratively with your care team.
Will I feel high on this medication?
No — MAT medications are specifically designed to stabilize brain chemistry without producing a high, which is exactly what allows patients to function normally in daily life.
Is MAT the same as methadone treatment?
Methadone is one type of MAT, but we typically use buprenorphine and naltrexone-based medications, which have different regulatory requirements and dosing approaches. We'll discuss which option fits your situation.
MAT gives patients the physical stability to actually do the work of recovery. It's not a shortcut — it's the foundation that makes everything else possible.
Confidential · No Pressure · Coordinated Care
Start today. Walk-ins welcome.
Call us, send a message, or just come by the clinic. Same-day appointments are available, and our team will meet you without judgment.
1010 E McDowell Rd, Suite 410, Phoenix, AZ 85006 · Open until 7 PM Wednesdays