Evidence-Based Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Science-Backed Medication for Lasting Recovery
You Don't Have to White-Knuckle Through Recovery
You may have heard that “real recovery” requires suffering through withdrawal and resisting the addiction through sheer willpower. However, if you’re struggling with substance use disorders (SUD) related to either opioids or alcohol, there is a more effective path.
At Agape Treatment Center, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and save lives. MAT isn’t “trading one drug for another”—it’s evidence-based treatment that addresses the brain changes addiction causes, giving you the stability needed to build lasting recovery.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
MAT is the use of FDA-approved medications combined with individual and group behavioral therapies as an effective, whole-patient approach to treating SUD. MAT is recognized as the gold standard in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder and is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.[1] [2]
MAT addresses the neurochemical changes in the brain that result from an addiction through the normalizing effects of these medications. This allows individuals to focus on their recovery during the initial stages without competing with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
At Agape Treatment Center, our MAT program integrates medication with evidence-based behavioral therapies, addressing both physical dependence and psychological factors driving substance use disorders.
How MAT Works for Opioid and Alcohol Use Disorders
Opioid addiction and alcohol use disorder fundamentally alter brain chemistry, making it extremely difficult to quit through willpower alone.[2] MAT medications restore balance, allowing you to focus on recovery without being overwhelmed by cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
MAT for Opioid Use Disorder
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, these medications work by targeting the brain’s receptors to stop the cycle of highs and lows that make quitting so hard.
- Buprenorphine is a partial agonist and acts to eliminate cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also blocking euphoria. When combined with naloxone (as in Suboxone), it prevents misuse. In addition to reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, buprenorphine allows individuals to engage in recommended therapies while continuing with their normal activities.
- Methadone is a long-acting agonist that acts for 24-48 hours. It stabilizes brain chemistry without causing impairment. Methadone is prescribed and taken only under the supervision of a physician associated with a knowledgeable and licensed opioid treatment program.
- Naltrexone is a full opioid antagonist. When someone uses naltrexone as directed, they will not feel the euphoric effects of any opioids. Naltrexone medication is non-addictive and is available in a daily oral or monthly injected form.
MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder
As with all substance use disorders, the use of naltrexone for alcohol use will reduce the positive, reinforcing effects of alcohol and make the likelihood of relapse less likely. Other medications are:
- Acamprosate works to normalize and restore the disrupted activities of the brain caused by long-term drinking and can help to reduce cravings for alcohol.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) serves to create an unpleasant experience when a person consumes alcohol.
Both of these medications, combined with behavioral therapies, improve the client’s outcome compared to the use of counseling alone.
The Whole-Patient Approach
MAT is more than prescribing medications. It provides comprehensive treatment to address the needs of an individual recovering from substance use disorder. The MAT program at the Agape Treatment Center includes medication management, individual trauma counseling, mental health counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and case management. The integration of these multiple therapy modalities into the treatment plan addresses the complete individual and does not focus solely on the substance use disorder.
Efficacy of MAT
According to research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the following are all positive outcomes of MAT:
Reduces Overdose Deaths
MAT can reduce the risk of death from an opioid overdose by 50% or even more. With opioid overdose deaths being at epidemic levels, this clearly shows that MAT is vital to improving public health.[4]
Improves Retention in Treatment
Evidence shows that patients receiving MAT are significantly more likely to stay engaged in their substance use treatment program compared to those receiving only behavioral therapy.[5]
Decreases Illegal Drug Use
Studies show that while participating in MAT, patients will dramatically reduce the amount of heroin and prescription opioids that they abuse.[6]
Prevents Relapse
Someone who is maintained on MAT over time has been shown to experience long-term recovery, with many remaining abstinent from illicit opioids for several years.[7]
Improved Quality of Life
With MAT, patients can maintain employment, care for their families, or engage in normal everyday activities, all resulting in improved health, relationships, and overall well-being.[8]
Cost-Effective
Research indicates that MAT has been shown to reduce health care and criminal justice costs, as well as social costs associated with untreated substance use disorders.[9]
The evidence is clear that MAT is the best treatment for those with an opioid use disorder and results in positive outcomes for patients with an alcohol use disorder.
Our Speciality
What to Expect from MAT
When you start an MAT program, you aren’t just getting a prescription; you are getting a comprehensive medical approach that targets the physical and psychological sides of addiction simultaneously. The goal is to lower cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms so you can reach long-term stability.
A typical MAT program includes:
- Clinical Evaluation: You begin with a thorough assessment where providers look at your substance use history, medical needs, and specific treatment goals.
- Customized Medication Choice: Your doctor will recommend a specific medication—like Buprenorphine, Methadone, or Naltrexone—based on what is safest and most effective for your situation.
- Supervised Start of Medications:
- Buprenorphine: This is usually started once you begin experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms.
- Methadone: This is provided through highly structured, licensed programs that monitor your dosage daily.
- Naltrexone: This requires you to be completely opioid-free for a set period before you can safely begin the medication.
- Regular Medical Follow-Up: You will have ongoing appointments with a physician to monitor how the medication is working and adjust your dosage as needed.
- Integrated Behavioral Support: Medication is paired with counseling, group therapy, and relapse prevention planning to address the mental side of recovery.
- Long-Term Resources: You will have access to case management and life skills training to help you stay on track after the initial phase of treatment.
By combining medical treatment with emotional and psychological support, this approach helps you build a foundation for a full, lasting recovery.
MAT at Agape Treatment Center
At Agape Treatment Center we provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services for treating both opioid and alcohol use disorders. We have specialized healthcare providers that have experience providing MAT to patients in their recovery process.
Our Approach to MAT
We understand that medications alone are not sufficient for long-term recovery. Mental and emotional factors contribute to the complexity of addiction. That is why we offer effective treatment that addresses those issues.
Our approach includes:
01
Qualified prescribing providers
Our highly trained team of addiction specialists, consisting of physicians and nurse practitioners, are qualified to prescribe medications to aid with treatment.
02
Individualized treatment plans
03
Integrated behavioral therapies
04
Comprehensive support services
05
Stigma-free environment
Saving Lives Through Science
At Agape, we view MAT as a treatment for those suffering from substance use disorders who might otherwise lose their lives to overdose.
The stigma surrounding MAT is harmful and ultimately results in denying individuals who experience opioid use and alcohol use disorder effective treatment. MAT is an evidence-based treatment recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is recommended by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and public health officials for its efficacy for opioid and alcohol use disorders.
Create Your Way to Freedom
You deserve treatment backed by science, not stigma.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT Therapy
Isn't MAT just replacing one drug with another?
No. The confusion stems from people thinking that addiction is the same as using medications prescribed by a health care provider for a medical reason. Medications used for MAT are prescribed and provided by a healthcare provider, do not create a feeling of euphoria, help restore normal brain function instead of impairing it, and allow the individual using them to work and function like any other person. MAT Medications are treated as medical treatment in the same way that insulin is for patients with diabetes; they are treating a medical problem, not keeping the person addicted.
How long will I need to stay on MAT medication?
Each person’s time frame to taper off their MAT medications varies based on each person’s unique needs and circumstances. There are some individuals that will taper off their MAT medication after several months, once they are stabilized, while others will remain on maintenance treatment for several years or indefinitely. Studies also show that remaining on MAT medication long-term is a safe and effective practice. There is no defined timeline of how long an individual must be treated with MAT.
Can I get MAT if I'm also dealing with chronic pain or mental health issues?
Yes. Many people have been prescribed opioids due to chronic pain before becoming addicted to them, or have mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. All of those issues can be managed simultaneously while receiving MAT with the assistance of their primary care or mental healthcare provider.
Will insurance cover MAT treatment?
Most health insurance carriers, including Medicaid and Medicare, pay for MAT medications and the associated treatment services provided at licensed treatment facilities. The federal government and SAMHSA are working hard to improve access to MAT because of its proven track record of helping to combat the opioid epidemic.[10] We will work with your insurance provider to maximize your benefits and explain what is covered.
What happens if I relapse while on MAT?
Relapse is a trigger for making adjustments to your current treatment plan or the type of treatment you are receiving, and does not mean MAT has failed or should be stopped. In the event a relapse occurs, it is very important that you are completely honest with all of your providers to allow them to add additional support services and make necessary medication dosing changes or refer you to a more intensive or different level of care. Be careful, as the combination of opioid use and MAT medications could lead to an opioid overdose. The goal is to get you back on track after a relapse and not be punished for relapsing.
Sources
[1] National Health Law Program. (2018). Medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder: The gold standard. https://healthlaw.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/MAT-IB-Final-51718-1.pdf
[2 [10] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2025). Medications for substance use disorders. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options
[3] National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2020). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction
[4] Garg, R., et al. (2021). Factors associated with opioid overdose during medication-assisted treatment: How can we identify individuals at risk? Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8265117/
[5] Timko, C., Schultz, N. R., Cucciare, M. A., Vittorio, L., & Garrison-Diehl, C. (2016). Retention in medication-assisted treatment for opiate dependence: A systematic review. Journal of Addictive Diseases, 35(1), 22–35. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6542472/
[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025). Medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine: Assessing the evidence. National Institutes of Health. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.focus.130309
[7] Hser, Y. I., et al. (2018). Correlates of long-term opioid abstinence after randomization to methadone versus buprenorphine/naloxone in a multi-site trial. Journal of Addiction Medicine, 12(4), 268–275. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6224303/
[8] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025, March 20). Medications for opioid use disorder. National Institutes of Health. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder
[9] Goodheart, B. (2021, August 16). STUDY: “Is MAT Cost Effective?” Answer: A Resounding “Yes!” Addiction Treatment Forum. https://atforum.com/2021/08/study-mat-cost-effective-answer-resounding-yes/
