Imagine trying to build a house in the middle of a storm, every board you lift, every nail you drive, the wind snatches away your progress. That’s what the journey to recovery can feel like when you’re trying to do it all on your own. But there’s a way to quiet the chaos, to find steady ground and catch your breath: Medication Assisted Treatment, a compassionate and science-backed approach that can help you finally lay a strong foundation for lasting change.
What are the components of medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive, “whole-person” approach to treating substance use disorders. It’s about more than just medication; it’s a partnership that honors your entire journey, mind, body, and spirit. At its core, MAT combines three key elements to create a powerful framework for healing. This integrated model is designed to stabilize your physical health so you can fully engage in the deeper emotional work of recovery.
The components work together to support you from every angle:
- FDA-approved medications. These are prescribed to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms, giving you the space and clarity to focus on your recovery without a constant physical battle.
- Counseling and behavioral therapies. This is where the heart of the work happens. Through therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), you’ll develop healthy coping skills, address the root causes of addiction, and learn to build a life that supports long-term wellness. As SAMHSA explains, this combination of medication and counseling provides a whole-patient approach to treatment.
- Whole-person support. True healing involves more than just addressing substance use. Our treatment plans include support for co-occurring mental health conditions, family education, and resources to help you rebuild all areas of your life. We look at the complete picture to understand how rehab can work for you as an individual.
You can overcome addiction. Reach out to discover:
Medications for addiction treatment
The medications used in MAT are carefully selected tools, tailored to your specific needs and the substance you’re healing from. Think of them not as a cure, but as a support system that helps rebalance your brain chemistry. The primary goals are to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce persistent cravings, and in some cases, block the euphoric effects of substances, making it easier to commit to your recovery journey. The specific medication and its dosage are always determined by a collaborative and compassionate medical team that understands your unique history and goals.
Medications used to help from misusing opioids
For those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD), which affects an estimated 6.1 million people in the U.S., certain medications can provide life-saving support. A common concern is that this approach simply substitutes one drug for another, but that’s a myth. Under medical supervision, these medications don’t produce a high; instead, they stabilize brain function, allowing you to engage in therapy and reclaim your life.
At Red Ribbon Recovery, we focus on outpatient options that fit into your life:
- Buprenorphine. Often combined with naloxone as Suboxone, this medication reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric effects of other opioids. It acts as a partial agonist, gently activating opioid receptors to keep you stable.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol). This medication works differently by blocking the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids. Known as an antagonist, it essentially prevents you from getting high if you use opioids, which can be a powerful deterrent. Understanding the dangers of mixing naltrexone and alcohol is also a key part of treatment education.
- Methadone. While we focus on Suboxone and Vivitrol, methadone is another effective option that relieves withdrawal and cravings. It is a full agonist and is typically dispensed in highly structured clinic settings.
What are the benefits of MAT?
Choosing medication assisted treatment is a powerful step toward reclaiming your health and future. The benefits are significant and backed by extensive research, showing that this approach gives individuals a much stronger chance at lasting recovery. According to studies highlighted by the National Institutes of Health, MAT is proven to be highly effective in supporting recovery from opioid use disorder.
Here are some of the key advantages:
- Increased patient survival. First and foremost, MAT saves lives by significantly reducing the risk of overdose.
- Higher treatment retention. Individuals in MAT programs are more likely to remain in treatment, giving them the time needed to develop coping skills and build a strong foundation for recovery.
- Decreased illicit substance use. By managing cravings and withdrawal, MAT helps reduce the use of illicit opioids and other substances.
- Improved health outcomes. Research shows MAT can reduce emergency department visits by as much as 51%, lowering overall healthcare costs and improving stability.
- Better quality of life. With newfound stability, individuals are often better able to gain and maintain employment, rebuild relationships, and focus on their long-term goals.
Free Insurance Check
Our rehab center accepts most insurance plans.
Check if your insurance will cover the cost of treatment by filling out our confidential insurance form. We accept most insurance plans.
How long does MAT last?
There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for medication assisted treatment. The duration is completely individualized, based on your unique needs, progress, and goals. For some, MAT may be a short-term tool to navigate the most difficult early stages of recovery. For others, it can be an effective long-term maintenance strategy, similar to how someone with a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure uses medication to stay healthy. The decision of how long to continue MAT is made between you and your care team, with a shared goal of supporting your sustained recovery. Your treatment plan will adapt as you grow, ensuring you always have the right level of support.
Does insurance cover MAT treatments?
Yes, most insurance plans do cover MAT. Thanks to laws like the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA), insurers are required to provide the same level of coverage for addiction treatment as they do for other medical conditions. This means your health insurance plan should cover medications, counseling, and other essential services.
Your privacy is also protected. Under the Confidentiality Regulation, 42 CFR Part 2, information about your MAT treatment is handled with an even higher degree of confidentiality than other medical records. At Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana, we accept a wide range of insurance plans and are here to help you understand your benefits. You can verify your insurance with us to get a clear picture of your coverage.
Rehab might feel like a big step, but remember why you're here—you’re looking for a way forward. We can help.
Finding MAT for alcohol or opioid use disorder
Finding the right MAT provider is a crucial first step on a hopeful, evidence-based path to recovery. However, access can be a challenge, especially in certain areas. Red Ribbon Recovery bridges this gap by offering telehealth services across Indiana and nationwide, ensuring you can get the help you need, no matter where you live. You don’t have to let location be a barrier to your recovery. Taking the first step is often the hardest, but we’re here to make it easier.
If you’re ready to lay a new foundation for your life, help is just a phone call away. The team at Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana understands the storm you’re facing and can provide the steady ground you need to start rebuilding. You can speak with a compassionate care coordinator by calling (317) 707-9848 or contact us to explore your options. Taking this step is an act of courage, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We are here to help you or a loved one find addiction treatment near you.
Admitting you have a substance abuse problem and asking for help is not always easy. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction or another substance use disorder, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (317) 707-9848 to learn about resources in your area or reach out to our team for personalized treatment.
- MAT is a comprehensive, whole-person strategy combining FDA-approved medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies to build a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
- Medications are carefully selected to ease withdrawal and reduce cravings, stabilizing physical health so individuals can fully engage in the crucial emotional work of therapy.
- Choosing MAT significantly improves survival, increases treatment retention, and allows individuals to reclaim stability, supporting a better overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detox
Is medication assisted treatment just replacing one drug with another?
No, medication assisted treatment is not the same as replacing one addiction with another. MAT medications are prescribed at controlled doses and monitored by healthcare providers to support recovery, not intoxication. This structured approach helps treat opioid use disorder safely while reducing harmful opioid use behaviors.
Who is a good candidate for medication assisted treatment?
People with opioid use disorder, a history of relapse, or difficulty managing withdrawal symptoms may benefit from medication assisted treatment. MAT is especially helpful for individuals who have not found success with abstinence-only approaches. A provider can evaluate whether MAT treatment is appropriate based on medical history and recovery needs.
Is counseling required with MAT treatment?
Yes, effective medication assisted treatment includes counseling and behavioral health services alongside medication. Therapy helps address underlying patterns related to opioid use, coping skills, and relapse prevention. Combining medication assisted care with therapy strengthens recovery outcomes.
Reviews
Sources
- SAMHSA. Low barrier models of care for substance use disorders. SAMHSA.
- SAMHSA. Medication-assisted treatment inside correctional facilities. SAMHSA.
- SAMHSA. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in the criminal justice system. SAMHSA.
- SAMHSA. (February 2, 2024). Substance use disorders – statutes, regulations, and guidelines. SAMHSA.
- SAMHSA. (March 28, 2024). Medications, counseling, and related conditions. SAMHSA.
- SAMHSA. (August 25, 2025). Medications for substance use disorders. SAMHSA.
- SAMHSA. (October 11, 2024). Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder in jails and prisons: planning and implementation. SAMHSA.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Medication-assisted treatment. National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). (2018). Chapter 7—Treatment models and settings for people with co-occurring disorders. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
- SAMHSA. (September 26, 2025). Managing life with co-occurring disorders. SAMHSA.
- National Institutes of Health. (December 15, 2018). Effectiveness of medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. PubMed Central.
- National Academy of Medicine. (April 27, 2020). Improving access to evidence-based medical treatment for opioid use disorder: Strategies to address key barriers within the treatment system. National Academy of Medicine.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (March 30, 2019). The effectiveness of medication-based treatment for opioid use disorder. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
About the content
Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.
Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi Tarantino is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare. Also reviewed by the RRR Editorial team.
Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.
