Understanding all available options is critical when beginning a journey toward recovery. One of the most effective and evidence-based strategies for treating substance use is a medication-assisted treatment program (MAT).
At Landmark Recovery, we believe that education is a powerful tool, and knowing what MAT involves can help you or your loved one make an informed decision about care and healing.
What does MAT stand for?
MAT stands for medication-assisted treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines MAT as a treatment approach that combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to address substance use disorders in a comprehensive, patient-centered way.
Rather than focusing solely on managing physical withdrawal symptoms, MAT also addresses psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of recovery. It is especially effective in treating opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, offering participants a greater chance of sustaining long-term recovery.
How MAT works in recovery
In a MAT program, FDA-approved medications are paired with counseling and behavioral therapies to help people manage cravings, prevent relapse, and rebuild healthier lives. Unlike short-term detox interventions, MAT supports both the immediate and long-term needs of people in recovery.
Medications used in MAT work by doing one or more of the following:
- Reducing or eliminating withdrawal symptoms
- Blocking the euphoric effects of drugs or alcohol
- Helping restore balance to brain chemistry disrupted by substance use
Importantly, MAT is not about “replacing one drug with another.” It’s a clinical approach designed to stabilize brain function, reduce compulsive behaviors, and support psychological healing alongside professional therapy.
Which medications are used in MAT?
The FDA has approved several medications for use in MAT, each designed for specific types of substance use disorders:
1. Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, activates opioid receptors but produces a much weaker euphoria compared to full opioids.
- Uses: Helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Forms: Daily tablets, cheek films, or implants under the skin
- Suboxone®: Combines buprenorphine with naloxone to deter misuse
- Subutex®: Contains only buprenorphine without naloxone
2. Naltrexone
What is naltrexone? It is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors, preventing any opioid from producing euphoric effects.
- Uses: Treats both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder
- Forms: Oral tablets or extended-release injections
- Oral tablet (ReVia® or generic forms): Taken daily or every few days
- Injectable extended-release (Vivitrol®): Given once a month
Individuals must be opioid-free for 7–10 days before starting naltrexone to avoid severe withdrawal.
3. Methadone
Methadone is a full opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the same intense euphoria.
- Uses: Primarily used for opioid use disorder
- Forms: Dispensed daily in specialized, regulated clinical programs
- Considerations: Methadone is effective but requires careful supervision due to its potential for dependence
Each of these medications, when combined with comprehensive counseling and therapy, helps reduce relapse risk and empowers individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives.
How MAT makes a difference
Numerous studies show that MAT significantly improves treatment retention rates and reduces the risk of overdose deaths. By stabilizing the brain’s chemistry, reducing cravings, and supporting the emotional aspects of recovery, MAT gives people a better chance of maintaining sobriety and rebuilding meaningful lives.
The role of MAT at Landmark Recovery
At Landmark Recovery, we know that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every patient who comes through our doors brings a unique story, challenges, and personal goals. Our commitment to individualized care is at the core of MAT.
Our multidisciplinary team — including physicians, nurses, therapists, and case managers — closely tailors each treatment plan. MAT is often a key component, providing physical relief from withdrawal and cravings so that clients can fully engage in therapy, develop coping strategies, and start healing emotionally and spiritually.
We offer MAT as part of a complete continuum of care, including:
- Medical detox
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Aftercare planning
Landmark Recovery empowers individuals to survive addiction and thrive in their recovery journeys through this personalized approach.
Find your path to recovery with Landmark Recovery
If you or a loved one is considering medication-assisted treatment as part of the path to healing, Landmark Recovery is ready to support. Our evidence-based MAT programs, compassionate care, and expert counseling help create lasting change.
Take the first step toward a brighter future today. Call Landmark Recovery at (888) 448-0302 or complete our online form to speak with our admissions team and learn how we can help you start your recovery journey.
Choose Recovery Over Addiction
We're here 24/7 to help you get the care you need to live life on your terms, without drugs or alcohol. Talk to our recovery specialists today and learn about our integrated treatment programs.
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