Struggling with addiction can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Approximately 46.3 million Americans battle substance use disorders each year, and many find hope through medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is a proven approach that helps individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making recovery more achievable.
At Gateway Rehab, we’ve been providing support and expert care to individuals and families in Western Pennsylvania since 1972. For over 50 years, we’ve been a trusted haven for hope, transforming lives through compassion and evidence-based treatments. With MAT and our comprehensive recovery services, we guide and empower our patients to reclaim their futures—because, at GRC, hope has a home here.
Below, we’ll explore how MAT works, the medications it includes, and the benefits it offers for long-term sobriety.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment option for addiction that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. Instead of focusing on just medication or therapy alone, MAT creates a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and emotional challenges of recovery.
This method is often used to treat substance use disorders, including opioid dependence and alcohol use disorder. The goal of MAT is to provide relief from intense cravings or withdrawal symptoms so patients can focus on the mental and emotional work required to get—and stay—sober.
MAT is endorsed by major health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) due to its success in reducing relapse rates and improving treatment outcomes.
How Does MAT Work?
Addiction affects the brain and body, creating a physical dependency that can be difficult to break. MAT works by addressing the physiological side of addiction while providing emotional and behavioral support to foster long-term sobriety. Here’s how:
Alleviating Withdrawal Symptoms
MAT uses specific medications to ease the uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous symptoms of withdrawal. This helps stabilize the body and makes detoxing less overwhelming.
Reducing Cravings
Cravings can be intense and often lead to relapse. By altering the brain’s response to addictive substances, MAT reduces these urges, giving individuals the clarity they need to engage in recovery.
Supporting Focus on Therapy
With cravings and symptoms under control, patients can shift their focus to therapy, where they address the root causes of their addiction and develop healthier coping strategies.
MAT not only treats the immediate challenges of recovery but also serves as a bridge to achieving a more stable, substance-free life.
Types of Medications Used in MAT
MAT uses FDA-approved medications specially designed to target cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. Here are the most common types:
- Methadone: A long-acting opioid, methadone reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a high. It’s used in methadone maintenance treatment for opioid dependence.
- Buprenorphine (e.g., Suboxone): Buprenorphine partially activates opioid receptors in the brain, which helps ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms with a lower risk of misuse. It’s commonly used in opioid treatment programs.
- Naltrexone: This medication blocks the effects of opioids and reduces the rewarding sensations associated with alcohol consumption. It’s often used to prevent relapse in opioid and alcohol use disorders.
- Disulfiram and Acamprosate: For those recovering from alcohol use disorder, disulfiram deters drinking by causing unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed, while acamprosate helps restore brain chemistry after prolonged alcohol use.
Our team will carefully monitor and adjust your medications to make sure they are safe and effective, ensuring your MAT plan meets your recovery goals.
How MAT Helps with Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms and cravings are two of the most difficult obstacles in addiction recovery. Left unaddressed, they can often lead to relapse. The medications used in MAT directly address these challenges by:
- Easing Physical Symptoms: MAT provides relief from intense withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, and insomnia, allowing individuals to safely and comfortably detox.
- Stabilizing Brain Chemistry: Medications like methadone and buprenorphine balance the brain’s chemical processes, reducing the overwhelming urge to use drugs or alcohol.
- Reducing the Risk of Relapse: By taking away the physical and psychological triggers for substance use, MAT helps individuals maintain their progress and remain committed to recovery.
When combined with behavioral therapies, MAT ensures a more holistic approach, allowing patients to focus on rebuilding their lives.
The Benefits of MAT for Long-Term Sobriety
MAT doesn’t just help during the early stages of recovery—it’s a resource that supports long-term sobriety. Here’s why it’s so effective:
- Improved Retention in Treatment: Individuals using MAT are more likely to stay engaged in their recovery programs, which increases their chances for success.
- Reduced Risk of Overdose: Especially for those with opioid dependence, MAT significantly lowers the chance of a relapse leading to overdose.
- Improved Mental and Physical Health: By addressing both substance use disorders and their side effects, MAT promotes better overall well-being.
- Tailored for Each Individual: MAT provides adaptable, ongoing support that evolves alongside an individual’s recovery needs.
These benefits make MAT an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to build a lasting and healthy relationship with sobriety.
Why Choose Gateway Rehab?
Gateway Rehab is more than a treatment center—we’re a partner in your recovery. For decades, we’ve offered compassionate, personalized care to individuals and families facing addiction. Here’s what makes us the right choice for MAT:
- Decades of Experience: With over 50 years in the field, we’ve built a lasting reputation for effective care and compassionate support for addiction recovery.
- Customized Recovery Plans: No two journeys are the same. Our team creates personalized plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.
- Comprehensive Approach: From MAT and behavioral therapies to relapse prevention strategies, we treat addiction holistically to foster sustainable recovery.
- A Home for Hope: Recovery is a deeply personal experience, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. At GRC, hope has a home here, and our team is with you every step of the way.
If you’re looking for a treatment center that combines evidence-based practices, such as medication-assisted therapy, with a compassionate approach, Gateway Rehab is here to help.
Break Free from Addiction at Gateway Rehab!
Medication-assisted treatment is proof that recovery doesn’t have to mean struggling alone. With the right tools, support, and expertise, overcoming addiction is possible—and Gateway Rehab is ready to guide you through every stage of the process. With over 50 years of expertise, a compassionate team, and services designed to transform lives, we’re proud to stand as one of Western Pennsylvania’s most trusted recovery centers.
Hope has a home here—call us today to schedule an appointment and take your first step toward a healthier future.
