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 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, and 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.
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, and supporting mental clarity and emotional stability. That 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:
- 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 personalized based on your history, goals, and what will be most effective for you.
Who Can Benefit from MAT?
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 medical 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.
Where Does MAT Fit in Your Treatment Plan?
MAT isn’t a standalone solution; it’s part of a broader treatment approach. At GBAC, MAT can be integrated into day treatment (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), or 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.
Is MAT Just Replacing One Addiction With Another?
A common concern is that MAT substitutes one addiction for another. In practice, our clinical team provides continuous monitoring of MAT, adjusting medication levels as you progress through treatment. Some clients use MAT for months or years, safely and successfully, while others taper off as part of a longer-term plan. Either way, it’s managed medical care, not an unsupervised substitution.
What to Expect When Starting MAT
Starting MAT doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Our team guides you through an initial assessment to understand your needs, a medical evaluation to determine the right medication, treatment planning that includes therapy and support, and ongoing monitoring and adjustments as you progress.
Is MAT Covered by My Insurance Provider?
Most major insurance plans cover MAT when it’s medically necessary. Check your insurance; it’s free and doesn’t commit you to anything.
How to Start
Call or send your insurance details
Talk to our admissions team at (877) 920-6583, or use the insurance form. We check your benefits for you.
Medical and clinical assessment
A conversation about your substance use, health history, and goals, to determine the right medication and treatment plan.
Start treatment
We integrate MAT with the therapy and level of care that fits where you are in recovery.
Questions about mat
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment, and how does it work at GBAC?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications, like Suboxone, Vivitrol, or methadone, with therapy and clinical support. The medication reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms so you can engage more fully in treatment.
Is MAT safe for long-term recovery?
Yes. Some clients use MAT for months or years, safely and successfully, under ongoing medical monitoring. It's not substituting one addiction for another; it's evidence-based medical support for recovery.
Can MAT be combined with counseling and group therapy?
Yes, and it's meant to be. MAT works alongside individual therapy, group therapy, and case management, not in place of them.
Does insurance cover MAT in Massachusetts?
Most major insurance plans cover MAT when it's medically necessary. We verify your benefits for free before you commit to anything.