What is MAT for Substance Use Disorders?
Medication‑Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines prescribed medications with counseling and support services to treat substance use disorders. It’s an integrated part of care that helps stabilize brain chemistry, reduce intense cravings, and make it easier to engage in therapy and rebuild daily routines.
MAT is optional and tailored to each person’s needs, used alongside counseling, case management, and other therapies rather than as a stand‑alone fix. People often use MAT to gain steadier footing during early recovery, stay safer during transitions out of higher levels of care, and focus on building long-term sobriety.
Which Medications Are Used in MAT?
Many different medicines are used in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to control cravings or discourage substance use in other ways. Note that medication is only a part of our MAT program in Sedalia, MO. Counseling and recovery planning are always integrated for the best results.
Common medications used in MAT:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, etc.)
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Acamprosate (Campral)
- Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Methadone
Who Benefits from MAT Most?
People who have struggled to stay in recovery
People who’ve been to treatment several times and have found it hard to stay sober and drug-free for a year or longer sometimes find that relief from cravings and other benefits MAT offers, make this option an effective way to stay on track in early recovery.
Long-term opioid users at higher doses
Long-term or heavier opioid users can face lingering symptoms, even after a medical detox. Some experience Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). MAT medicines, like Suboxone, are proven to help protect early recovery with better symptom management.
People who have found it hard to stop drinking for more than a month
Those who’ve tried quitting drinking several (or many) times and find that withdrawal symptoms, anxiety or temptation keeps leading them back to alcohol, can benefit from MAT meds like Campral, Vivitrol or Antabuse.
Those with co-occurring conditions that complicate recovery
Co-occurring disorders, like depression, anxiety or chronic pain, can make achieving lasting recovery more challenging. MAT can sometimes be helpful for dual-diagnosis patients in early recovery by keeping cravings at bay.
MAT in Missouri at Paradigm Recovery Centers
At Paradigm Recovery Centers we combine compassionate care, evidence-based treatment, and practical support to help people find stability and hope. If you’re thinking about MAT or any other form of addiction treatment, our team will work with you to create a personalized, realistic path forward. We focus on helping people build sustainable recovery and better lives.
If you or a loved one are ready to talk, our admissions coordinators are here to answer your questions.
Call (660) 460-5750 or tell us how we can help using this form.