Medication assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. The medications ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, or block the effects of opioids or alcohol, which makes it easier to stay in treatment and do the rest of the work of recovery. Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana in Greenwood offers MAT as part of our outpatient programs, in person and through virtual care.
MAT is also badly underused. According to the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, about 4 million people in the U.S. had an opioid use disorder in the past year, but only about 1 in 6 received medication for it. Among the 25.7 million people with an alcohol use disorder, fewer than 3% received medication.
What are the components of medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
MAT is more than a prescription. The medication handles the physical side of addiction so you have the stability to work on everything else. It has three parts that work together:
- FDA-approved medications. A prescriber chooses a medication to reduce cravings, manage withdrawal, or block the rewarding effects of a substance, then adjusts it based on how you respond.
- Counseling and behavioral therapies. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing help you build coping skills and address what drove your substance use. SAMHSA describes this combination of medication and counseling as a whole-patient approach.
- Care for related conditions. Many people also need treatment for depression, anxiety, or trauma through dual diagnosis care, which can include psychiatric medications such as antidepressants. Our page on side effects of Paxil covers one common example. Family therapy helps the people around you understand and support the plan.
If you’re new to treatment, our overview of how rehab works explains how these pieces fit together.
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Medications for addiction treatment
MAT medications are not a cure. They stabilize brain chemistry so cravings and withdrawal stop running your day. Depending on the drug, they ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, or block the rewarding effects of opioids or alcohol. Your prescriber chooses the medication and dose based on the substance you use, your health history, and your goals.
The FDA has approved three medications for alcohol use disorder:
- Naltrexone. Reduces cravings and the rewarding effect of drinking. It comes as a daily pill or a monthly injection sold as Vivitrol. Learn more about what naltrexone is used for, Vivitrol for alcoholism, and Vivitrol injection side effects.
- Acamprosate. Thought to ease the restlessness, poor sleep, and anxiety some people feel for weeks after they stop drinking. It is usually started once withdrawal is over.
- Disulfiram. Sold as Antabuse, it causes flushing, nausea, and other unpleasant reactions if you drink, so it works as a deterrent. It tends to work best when a support person is involved. Read about Antabuse side effects before considering it.
Some prescribers also use medications off label for alcohol use disorder, including gabapentin and baclofen. Gabapentin can be misused, especially alongside opioids, and our page on how long gabapentin lasts covers what to know. Research on GLP-1 drugs is newer, and we’ve looked at whether semaglutide helps alcohol use disorder. Medications used during withdrawal itself are covered in our guide to detox medications.
Medications used to help from misusing opioids
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is where MAT has the strongest evidence. It matters in Indiana, where 1,707 people died of a drug overdose in 2024 and about 67% of those deaths involved opioids, according to the Indiana Department of Health. A common concern is that MAT just swaps one drug for another. Taken as prescribed and monitored by a clinician, these medications replace the cycle of highs and withdrawal with stable brain function, so you can work, parent, and take part in therapy.
The FDA has approved three medications for OUD:
- Buprenorphine. A partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal, with a ceiling on its effects that lowers overdose risk. It is often combined with naloxone, as in Suboxone. Since 2023, any clinician with a standard DEA registration covering Schedule III drugs can prescribe it. If you ever stop, it should be tapered with your prescriber, and our Suboxone withdrawal timeline explains what to expect.
- Naltrexone. An opioid blocker, given as the monthly Vivitrol injection for OUD. You need to be fully off opioids for about 7 to 10 days before starting, or it can bring on sudden withdrawal. Tolerance drops while you’re on it, which raises overdose risk if you return to opioid use after stopping. Our page on the dangers of mixing naltrexone and alcohol covers another safety question.
- Methadone. A full opioid agonist that relieves withdrawal and cravings. By federal law it can only be dispensed for OUD through certified opioid treatment programs, usually with daily clinic visits at first. Learn whether methadone is addictive, how methadone vs Suboxone compare, the side effects of methadone, and how long methadone stays in your system.
Here is how the three compare at a glance:
| Medication | How it works | How it is given | Where you get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buprenorphine | Partial agonist | Daily film or tablet, or weekly or monthly injection | Office or telehealth prescriber |
| Naltrexone | Blocker (antagonist) | Monthly injection (Vivitrol) | Office prescriber, after opioid-free period |
| Methadone | Full agonist | Daily liquid or tablet | Certified opioid treatment program only |
At Red Ribbon Recovery, we focus on outpatient options such as Suboxone and Vivitrol. MAT works best combined with structured therapy, and our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) both incorporate MAT alongside counseling. Because fentanyl dominates the illicit supply, anyone in recovery from opioid use should keep naloxone on hand. Our guide to overdose prevention and naloxone in Indiana explains where to get it.
What are the benefits of MAT?
MAT has some of the strongest evidence of any addiction treatment. A 2019 report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that FDA-approved medications for OUD are effective and that methadone and buprenorphine reduce overdose deaths. NIH-supported research has reached the same conclusion about how effective medication assisted treatment is for heroin addiction and prescription opioid misuse, including oxycodone. Medications for alcohol use disorder help reduce heavy drinking and support abstinence.
The main benefits include:
- Lower risk of death. Staying on methadone or buprenorphine is linked to a much lower risk of fatal overdose than treatment without medication.
- Higher treatment retention. People on MAT are more likely to stay in treatment, which gives them time to build coping skills and a stable routine.
- Less illicit drug use. Managing cravings and withdrawal reduces use of illicit opioids and lowers exposure to fentanyl.
- Fewer infections. Less injection drug use means lower risk of HIV and hepatitis C.
- Better day-to-day function. With stability, people are better able to keep a job, rebuild relationships, and focus on long-term goals.
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How long does MAT last?
There is no set timeline for medication assisted treatment. Some people use MAT for months during early recovery, and others stay on it for years, the way someone with diabetes or high blood pressure takes medication to stay healthy. The National Academies found that staying on OUD medication longer is linked to better outcomes, and that stopping often leads to a return to use.
The decision about when, or whether, to taper is made between you and your prescriber, and any taper should be gradual and planned. To see how MAT fits into the broader recovery process, visit our levels of care page. Many people continue medication through standard outpatient care and our aftercare program.
Does insurance cover MAT treatments?
Most private insurance plans cover MAT. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, plans that cover addiction treatment must cover it on terms comparable to other medical care. That generally includes medications, counseling, and related services, although prior authorization and pharmacy rules still apply.
Your privacy is also protected. Under the federal confidentiality rule 42 CFR Part 2, records from substance use treatment carry extra privacy protections beyond standard medical records. Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana accepts most private insurance plans. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. You can verify your insurance with us to get a clear picture of your coverage, and our guide on how much rehab costs explains typical out-of-pocket expenses.
Rehab might feel like a big step, but remember why you're here. You’re looking for a way forward. We can help.
Key Takeaways
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to effectively treat alcohol and opioid use disorders by managing cravings and withdrawal.
- Red Ribbon Recovery provides accessible, evidence-based telehealth services for individuals seeking addiction treatment regardless of their geographic location.
- Patients can easily begin their recovery journey by contacting a care coordinator, verifying insurance coverage, or reviewing the admissions process online.
Frequently asked questions
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.
What is a mat program and how does mat therapy support recovery?
A MAT program combines FDA-approved medication with counseling and behavioral support to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder. The medication reduces cravings and withdrawal, and therapy helps you build coping skills, prevent relapse, and address related mental health concerns. Many people find the combination gives them the stability they need in early recovery.
Is mat therapy effective for opioid addiction treatment?
Yes. Medication for opioid use disorder is one of the most effective evidence-based treatments available. It lowers the risk of relapse and fatal overdose and helps people stay in treatment. Depending on your needs, a provider may recommend buprenorphine (such as Suboxone), naltrexone (Vivitrol), or methadone, combined with counseling.
Who may benefit from a mat program during addiction recovery?
MAT may help people with opioid or alcohol use disorder, especially those with a history of relapse, strong cravings, or difficult withdrawal. Some people start MAT after trying recovery without medication. A provider evaluates your health history, current medications, and goals to decide whether MAT is a good fit and which medication makes sense.
Finding MAT for alcohol or opioid use disorder
Finding a MAT provider can be hard, especially outside Indianapolis. Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana offers outpatient treatment in Greenwood and telehealth services for people elsewhere in Indiana, so distance doesn’t have to keep you from care.
Medication is one part of a plan that draws on the full range of therapeutic services we offer, including counseling and behavioral therapy. Call (317) 707-9848 or contact us to talk with our admissions team about your options. You can also learn about our admissions process or check your insurance coverage online before reaching out.
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. You can visit SAMHSA’s National Helpline to learn about resources in your area or reach out to our team by calling (317) 707-9848 to explore personalized treatment.
Treatment center 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. (October 11, 2024). Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder in jails and prisons: planning and implementation. SAMHSA.
- 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.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2026). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2025 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. SAMHSA.
- Indiana Department of Health. (2026). Drug overdose emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths, 2020-2024. Indiana Department of Health.
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.
Medically reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, MSW, 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.
Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only, not medical advice. Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana connects people with the full continuum of care, including a detox center Indiana, Indiana inpatient drug rehab, PHP Indiana, IOP Indiana, and outpatient rehab Indiana.
For those managing co-occurring conditions, our dual diagnosis treatment centers in Indiana treat addiction and mental health together. We also offer telehealth mental health and online addiction treatment for flexible, remote access to care.
