Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
Struggling With Cravings? MAT Could Help.
Medication-assisted treatment combines medical care with therapy for better long-term outcomes. Let’s see if it’s right for you.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach that combines FDA-approved medications with therapy and clinical support. The goal is to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and create stability so you can focus on recovery.
MAT is most commonly used to treat:
- Opioid use disorder (including heroin and prescription painkillers)
- Alcohol use disorder
It’s not about replacing one substance with another—it’s about giving your body and mind the support needed to move forward safely and sustainably.
Medication-assisted treatment programs typically combine behavioral therapy, counseling, and medication to treat individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol. The medicines provided to clients enrolled in the Boston medication-assisted treatment program at Greater Boston Addiction Centers have full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We rely on evidence-based research and the latest clinical data to drive our MAT programs.
How MAT Helps You Stabilize and Move Forward
For many people, the hardest part of recovery is getting through the early stages—when cravings are strong, withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable, and everything feels uncertain.
MAT helps by:
- Reducing physical cravings
- Easing withdrawal symptoms
- Lowering the risk of relapse
- Supporting mental clarity and emotional stability
This allows you to fully engage in therapy, build coping skills, and start making meaningful progress.
What Medications Are Commonly Used in MAT?
Depending on your needs, MAT may include medications such as:
- Suboxone – Helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms for opioid use
- Vivitrol – Blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol
- Methadone – Used in structured settings to stabilize opioid dependence
Your treatment plan is always personalized based on your history, goals, and what will be most effective for you.
What Are the Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Massachusetts?
Clients who may have lapsed back into substance abuse after previous attempts at sobriety often have trouble getting over the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal. Medication-assisted treatment helps diminish and even remove that obstacle. Without the distraction of intense side effects caused by withdrawal, clients often feel more capable of absorbing the lessons taught in a rehab program.
Greater Boston Addiction Centers makes MAT therapy available to clients seeking help with an addiction to:
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids
- Alcohol
- Research has shown that alongside other addiction therapies in a client’s treatment plan can produce the following benefits:
- Less desire for drugs and alcohol or complete elimination of cravings
- Relief from some long-term withdrawal symptoms
- Lower risk of relapsing after completing a rehab program
Individuals participating in MAT often have more success finding a job and maintaining employment after rehab. It may be easier to reconnect with loved ones or start making long-term plans for a life free of substance abuse.
Medication-Assisted Detox
Medication-assisted detox can help make the process more bearable if you’re worried about going through withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms caused by coming off drugs or alcohol can be intense and even dangerous. That’s why our Greater Boston Addiction Centers team offers medication-assisted detox as part of our programs.
Detoxing from drugs or alcohol can be a difficult process. Many individuals feel like they can’t make it through detox without medication assistance. That’s where our team comes in. We offer medication-assisted detox services at our addiction rehab center in Boston to help you get through withdrawal and start your journey to recovery.
Where Does MAT Fit in Your Treatment Plan?
MAT isn’t a standalone solution—it’s part of a broader treatment approach.
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, MAT can be integrated into:
- A partial hospitalization program (PHP): a daytime structured program for more consistent clinical support.
- Intensive outpatient program: Our IOP is a flexible outpatient program that works around your schedule
- Ongoing care as you transition into long-term recovery
The goal is to meet you where you are and adjust your care as you progress.
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Who Can Benefit from a MAT Program in Massachusetts?
MAT may be a good fit if you:
- Have struggled with opioid or alcohol use
- Have experienced relapse in the past
- Are concerned about withdrawal symptoms
- Want additional support alongside therapy
You don’t need to meet a specific “threshold” to qualify—if you’re considering it, it’s worth having the conversation.
Myths Around Using Medication-Assisted Treatment
Many people think that medication-assisted treatment substitutes one addiction for another. They worry that it may be impossible for individuals to become substance-free truly. Greater Boston Addiction Centers professionals provide continuous monitoring of MAT services. They ensure medication levels are safe for clients, adjusting as individuals progress through their programs.
Dispelling untrue accusations about the use of MAT makes it possible to expand the use of the therapy. That gives more people the opportunity to recover from substance abuse disorders. While some clients rely on MAT for months or even years, they manage to do so safely and successfully. Our staff keeps close tabs on clients’ medications and works to help them overcome a substance use disorder.
What to Expect When Starting MAT
Starting a MAT program doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our team will guide you through each step:
- Initial assessment to understand your needs
- Medical evaluation to determine the right medication
- Treatment planning that includes therapy and support
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments as you progress
We focus on making the process clear, comfortable, and tailored to you.
Why Choose MAT at Greater Boston Addiction Centers?
Choosing the right MAT program matters. At GBAC, we focus on:
- Evidence-based, individualized care
- Licensed medical and clinical professionals
- Integration of therapy and medication
- A supportive, non-judgmental environment
We’re here to help you move forward in a way that feels manageable and sustainable.
Find a MAT Program in Massachusetts Near You
If you’re searching for a medication-assisted treatment program in Massachusetts, you’re likely looking for something that actually works—and something you can access without jumping through hoops.
At Greater Boston Addiction Centers, we help individuals across Massachusetts get connected to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that fits their needs, schedule, and recovery goals. Whether you’re in Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, or surrounding areas, our team can guide you toward the right level of care and help you get started quickly.
FAQs About Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Boston, Massachusetts
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. At Greater Boston Addiction Centers in Needham, MA, our team uses medications like Suboxone, methadone, and naltrexone to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while pairing them with therapy for long-term results.
Yes. Under medical supervision, MAT is safe and highly effective. Studies show it reduces relapse risk and helps people maintain recovery by stabilizing the brain and body.
Many clients from Newton and Waltham prefer GBAC because we provide personalized MAT plans in a private, supportive environment, rather than the rushed feel of some clinics. Our Needham location makes it convenient without sacrificing quality.
Yes. At GBAC, MAT is never a stand-alone service. Clients participate in individual counseling, relapse prevention groups, and holistic therapy, ensuring recovery addresses both physical and emotional health.
They do. GBAC’s proximity to Dedham and West Roxbury makes it a trusted option for clients seeking MAT close to home but with the advantage of a full treatment center.
Yes. Most insurance plans cover MAT, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna. GBAC’s admissions team verifies benefits before treatment begins.
A Balanced Approach to Recovery
MAT is about meeting you where you are—with science-backed tools and compassionate care. Let’s talk options.
Change the Direction of Your Life With Medication-Assisted Treatment at Greater Boston Addiction Centers
Greater Boston Addiction Centers supports individuals who need assistance overcoming an addiction, including a medication-assisted treatment program in Needham, MA. Our services and programs include the following:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
- Evening Treatment Program
- Employment assistance program
Contact us today at Addiction Helpline if you’re looking for recovery support.
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