How Does MAT Work?
To understand why MAT is effective, it helps to understand what addiction actually does to the brain. Long-term substance use changes brain chemistry, particularly the systems that regulate reward, motivation, and stress response. This is part of why willpower alone often isn’t enough to overcome addiction, and why quitting cold turkey can be both extremely difficult and, in some cases, medically dangerous. MAT medications are designed to work with that altered brain chemistry rather than against it. Depending on the medication, they may:- Reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms during detox
- Decrease cravings that can lead to relapse
- Block the euphoric “high” associated with opioid or alcohol use
- Stabilize mood and brain chemistry so a person can think clearly and engage in therapy
- Lower the risk of overdose if a relapse does occur
Common Medications Used in MAT for Opioid Addiction
Several FDA-approved medications are used to treat opioid use disorder, each working slightly differently depending on a person’s needs and treatment plan.
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by acting on the same opioid receptors in the brain affected by heroin and prescription opioids. Because of its potency, it’s typically dispensed daily under close medical supervision at specialized treatment centers.Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine, often known by brand names like Suboxone, is a partial opioid agonist. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense high or dangerous side effects associated with full opioids. An extended-release injectable form, Sublocade, is also available and can be prescribed by certified physicians in a range of treatment settings, making it more accessible than methadone for many clients.Naltrexone
Unlike methadone and buprenorphine, naltrexone is an opioid antagonist rather than an agonist. Instead of activating opioid receptors, it blocks them, which means that if a person relapses and uses opioids, naltrexone prevents the euphoric effects from occurring. It’s available as a daily pill or as a monthly injection known as Vivitrol.Common Medications Used in MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder is also commonly treated with MAT, using medications that target cravings and the risk of relapse in different ways.Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Disulfiram is generally used by people who have already stopped drinking and want extra support avoiding relapse. It causes an unpleasant reaction, including flushing, nausea, and a racing heartbeat, if alcohol is consumed. The deterrent effect helps reinforce abstinence.Naltrexone
In the context of alcohol use disorder, naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of alcohol, which reduces the reward associated with drinking and can make it easier for someone to cut back or stop entirely. Like its use in opioid treatment, it’s available as a daily pill or as the monthly Vivitrol injection.Acamprosate (Campral)
Acamprosate is typically used by individuals who have already stopped drinking and need help maintaining abstinence. It works by reducing cravings and easing some of the lingering symptoms of early recovery, such as anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.Why MAT Is Considered a Safer, More Effective Path
Attempting to quit opioids or alcohol cold turkey, without medical support, is both extremely difficult and potentially dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms can range from deeply uncomfortable to medically serious, sometimes requiring hospitalization. It’s part of why so many people who try to quit on their own end up relapsing, often at a point where their tolerance has dropped and the risk of overdose is highest. MAT addresses this in several important ways:- It improves safety during withdrawal. Medical supervision and medication reduce the physical risks associated with detox.
- It reduces relapse rates. Stabilizing cravings makes it significantly easier to stay engaged in treatment.
- It improves treatment retention. Clients who aren’t fighting constant withdrawal symptoms or cravings are better able to participate in therapy.
- It supports long-term recovery. Research has shown MAT improves survival rates and reduces illicit substance use over time.
- It allows life to continue. Many MAT medications can be managed on an outpatient basis, allowing clients to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities while still in treatment.
What MAT Looks Like at Serenity Grove
At Serenity Grove, medication-assisted treatment is integrated into a broader continuum of care rather than offered as a stand-alone service. Depending on a client’s needs, MAT may be introduced during medical detox, continued through residential treatment, and carried into outpatient care as part of a long-term recovery plan. Our approach includes:- Dual diagnosis treatment, addressing co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance use
- 24-hour nursing care for clients who need close medical supervision during higher-risk periods of treatment
- Suboxone and Vivitrol availability, depending on clinical recommendation and individual treatment goals
- Integration with therapy, including individual counseling, group therapy, and family support, so medication is paired with the behavioral work that supports lasting change
- Continuing care, with ongoing support available well beyond formal treatment
Is MAT Right for You or Your Loved One?
MAT isn’t the right fit for every single situation, but for many people struggling with opioid or alcohol use disorder, it significantly improves the chances of a safe detox and a sustainable recovery. The best way to know whether MAT makes sense for your circumstances is through a clinical assessment with a treatment team that understands both the medical and emotional sides of addiction. At Serenity Grove, our team is here to answer questions, explain your options clearly, and help you understand whether medication-assisted treatment should be part of your recovery plan. You don’t have to figure this out alone, and you don’t have to keep guessing about what treatment might look like. Call Serenity Grove today or visit our admissions page to learn more about medication-assisted treatment and begin the path toward recovery. SOURCES:- Medications for Opioid Use Disorder — National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- Medication Assisted Treatment Program Policies — National Library of Medicine
- Clinical Management of Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder — National Library of Medicine
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Serenity Grove offers compassionate, evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment in Athens, Georgia. Our experienced team is ready to help you take the first step toward lasting recovery.
