Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Los Angeles
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Medication-assisted treatment, also known as MAT, is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders with the support of FDA-approved medications, therapy, and clinical care. For people struggling with opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, cravings, or repeated relapse, MAT can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, support long-term recovery, and make treatment more manageable.
At Sanctuary Treatment Center, we understand that addiction recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Some people benefit from therapy, community, structure, and behavioral support alone. Others need additional medical support to stabilize cravings, reduce relapse risk, and begin healing with a clearer mind. Medication-assisted treatment can be an important part of that process when it is clinically appropriate.
MAT is not about replacing one addiction with another. When used correctly under medical supervision, medication-assisted treatment can help people regain stability, participate more fully in therapy, and build a stronger foundation for recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment is a form of addiction treatment that combines medication with counseling, behavioral therapy, relapse prevention, and ongoing support. MAT is most commonly used for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, although the exact medications and treatment plan depend on each person’s needs.
MAT may help by:
- Reducing opioid or alcohol cravings
- Easing withdrawal symptoms
- Lowering the risk of relapse
- Supporting emotional and physical stability
- Helping clients stay engaged in treatment
- Reducing the risk of overdose
- Giving the brain and body time to heal
- Improving the chances of long-term recovery
Medication-assisted treatment is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Medication alone does not address the emotional, behavioral, and psychological parts of addiction. That is why Sanctuary Treatment Center pairs medical support with therapy, clinical programming, and individualized recovery planning.
Who Can Benefit from MAT?
MAT may be recommended for people who are struggling with opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, or repeated relapse after trying to stop on their own. It may also be helpful for people who experience intense cravings, severe withdrawal symptoms, or fear that they will return to substance use without additional support.
Medication-assisted treatment may be appropriate for people struggling with:
- Heroin addiction
- Fentanyl addiction
- Prescription opioid addiction
- Oxycodone addiction
- Hydrocodone addiction
- Morphine addiction
- Alcohol addiction
- Chronic relapse
- Severe cravings
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Co-occurring mental health symptoms
A clinical evaluation can help determine whether MAT is right for someone’s situation. Not every person needs medication, and not every medication is right for every client. The goal is to create a treatment plan that is safe, individualized, and supportive of long-term recovery.
Who Can Benefit from MAT?
MAT may be recommended for people who are struggling with opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, or repeated relapse after trying to stop on their own. It may also be helpful for people who experience intense cravings, severe withdrawal symptoms, or fear that they will return to substance use without additional support.
Medication-assisted treatment may be appropriate for people struggling with:
- Heroin addiction
- Fentanyl addiction
- Prescription opioid addiction
- Oxycodone addiction
- Hydrocodone addiction
- Morphine addiction
- Alcohol addiction
- Chronic relapse
- Severe cravings
- Opioid withdrawal symptoms
- Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Co-occurring mental health symptoms
A clinical evaluation can help determine whether MAT is right for someone’s situation. Not every person needs medication, and not every medication is right for every client. The goal is to create a treatment plan that is safe, individualized, and supportive of long-term recovery.
MAT for Opioid Addiction
Opioid addiction can be difficult to overcome without medical support because opioids affect the brain’s reward system, stress response, and physical dependence pathways. When someone stops using opioids, withdrawal symptoms and cravings can become overwhelming.
MAT for opioid addiction may help reduce these symptoms so a person can focus on therapy, recovery skills, and rebuilding their life.
Opioids that may lead someone to seek MAT include:
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Percocet
- Norco
- Vicodin
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Dilaudid
- Opana
- Other prescription or illicit opioids
Medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder may include medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone, depending on the level of care, clinical needs, medication history, and medical appropriateness.
MAT for Alcohol Addiction
Medication-assisted treatment may also be used for alcohol use disorder. Alcohol addiction can involve both physical dependence and powerful psychological cravings. For some people, medication can help reduce the urge to drink, support abstinence, or make relapse prevention more effective.
MAT for alcohol addiction may help with:
- Alcohol cravings
- Repeated relapse
- Difficulty staying sober after detox
- Loss of control over drinking
- High-risk drinking patterns
- Drinking despite consequences
- Co-occurring anxiety or depression symptoms
- Early recovery instability
Medications for alcohol use disorder may include options such as naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram when clinically appropriate. A medical provider can help determine which option, if any, is the safest fit.
Common Medications Used in MAT
The medications used in MAT depend on the substance being treated, the client’s medical history, their recovery goals, and the level of clinical support needed.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is used to treat opioid use disorder. It can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same level of opioid effect as full opioid agonists when taken as prescribed.
Buprenorphine may be used to help people who are recovering from:
- Heroin addiction
- Fentanyl addiction
- Prescription opioid addiction
- Oxycodone addiction
- Hydrocodone addiction
Some forms of buprenorphine are combined with naloxone, such as Suboxone, to help reduce misuse potential.
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for people with opioid dependence. Methadone treatment is highly regulated and is typically provided through certified opioid treatment programs.
Methadone may be considered for people with:
- Severe opioid use disorder
- Long-term heroin use
- Fentanyl addiction
- High relapse risk
- Difficulty stabilizing on other treatment options
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors. It may be used for opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder. For opioid addiction, a person must be fully detoxed from opioids before starting naltrexone, because taking it too soon can trigger withdrawal.
Naltrexone may help by:
- Blocking the effects of opioids
- Reducing alcohol cravings
- Lowering the rewarding effects of alcohol
- Supporting relapse prevention
- Helping clients maintain recovery goals
Extended-release injectable naltrexone may be an option for some people who benefit from longer-acting medication support.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate may be used to support recovery from alcohol use disorder. It is often used after someone has stopped drinking and wants help maintaining abstinence. It may help reduce the discomfort and instability that can occur as the brain adjusts to life without alcohol.
Acamprosate may help people who:
- Have completed alcohol detox
- Want to maintain abstinence
- Experience post-acute alcohol cravings
- Need additional support in early recovery
Disulfiram
Disulfiram is a medication used for alcohol use disorder that causes an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed. It does not reduce cravings in the same way as some other medications, but it may be used as a deterrent for some clients.
Disulfiram may be appropriate for certain people who:
- Are highly motivated to avoid alcohol
- Understand the risks of drinking while taking the medication
- Have medical approval to use it safely
- Have support and accountability in recovery
Is MAT the Same as Detox?
MAT and detox are not the same thing, although they may be connected.
Detox focuses on helping the body clear substances and manage withdrawal symptoms. MAT may be used during or after detox to support continued stabilization, reduce cravings, and lower relapse risk. Some people begin medication during detox, while others may start MAT later in treatment.
The difference between detox and MAT includes:
- Detox is often short-term withdrawal management.
- MAT can be part of a longer-term recovery plan.
- Detox helps address immediate physical withdrawal.
- MAT can help support cravings, relapse prevention, and ongoing stability.
- Detox alone does not treat the full behavioral and emotional side of addiction.
- MAT works best when paired with therapy and clinical support.
For many people, detox is only the first step. Continued treatment after detox can help address the underlying causes of substance use and reduce the risk of returning to drugs or alcohol.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment can offer several important benefits, especially for people with opioid or alcohol use disorder.
Potential benefits of MAT include:
- Reduced cravings
- Reduced withdrawal symptoms
- Lower risk of relapse
- Lower risk of opioid overdose
- Improved treatment retention
- Better emotional stability
- Greater ability to participate in therapy
- Support for long-term recovery
- Reduced illicit opioid use
- Improved daily functioning
- More time for the brain and body to heal
MAT is not a shortcut. It is a medical tool that can help make recovery safer and more sustainable for people who need it.
What to Expect from MAT at Sanctuary Treatment Center
At Sanctuary Treatment Center, MAT is approached with care, dignity, and clinical oversight. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all recovery model. Instead, we look at the full person, including substance use history, mental health, medical needs, trauma, family dynamics, and recovery goals.
A medication-assisted treatment plan may include:
- Comprehensive assessment
- Medical and psychiatric evaluation
- Medication review
- Individualized treatment planning
- Therapy and counseling
- Relapse prevention support
- Mental health treatment
- Case management
- Family support when appropriate
- Ongoing monitoring and medication adjustments
- Discharge planning and aftercare support
The purpose of MAT is not simply to prescribe medication. The purpose is to support recovery with the right combination of medical care, clinical treatment, and personal support.
Get Help with MAT at Sanctuary Treatment Center
You do not have to wait until things get worse to ask for help. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, alcohol addiction, cravings, relapse, or withdrawal symptoms, medication-assisted treatment may be able to support the recovery process.
At Sanctuary Treatment Center, we provide individualized care that treats addiction with compassion, clinical support, and dignity. Our team can help you understand whether MAT is appropriate and what level of care may be the best fit.
Reach out today to learn more about medication-assisted treatment at Sanctuary Treatment Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medication-Assisted Treatment
What is MAT?
MAT stands for medication-assisted treatment. It combines FDA-approved medications with therapy, counseling, and clinical support to help treat substance use disorders, especially opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder.
Is MAT used for opioid addiction?
Yes. MAT is commonly used to treat opioid use disorder. Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone may help reduce cravings, withdrawal symptoms, relapse risk, and overdose risk.
Is MAT used for alcohol addiction?
Yes. Certain medications may be used to support treatment for alcohol use disorder. These may include naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram when clinically appropriate.
Is Suboxone used in MAT?
Suboxone is a medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. It may be used as part of MAT for opioid use disorder when clinically appropriate.
How long do people stay on MAT?
The length of MAT varies. Some people use medication short-term, while others benefit from longer-term support. The timeline should be based on medical guidance, recovery progress, and individual needs.
Do I need detox before MAT?
It depends on the medication and the substance being used. Some medications may be started during withdrawal, while others require a person to be fully detoxed first. A medical professional can determine the safest option.
Does Sanctuary Treatment Center offer MAT?
Sanctuary Treatment Center can help clients explore medication-assisted treatment as part of an individualized recovery plan when it is clinically appropriate. Our team can help determine what level of care and support may be the best fit.
Sources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025). Treatment options for substance use disorder. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2024). Information about medications for opioid use disorder. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/food-and-drug-administration-overdose-prevention-framework/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025). Medications for opioid use disorder. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). TIP 63: Medications for opioid use disorder. https://library.samhsa.gov/product/tip-63-medications-opioid-use-disorder/pep21-02-01-002
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Medication for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A brief guide. https://library.samhsa.gov/product/medication-treatment-alcohol-use-disorder-brief-guide/sma15-4907