Medication-assisted treatment
For opioid and alcohol addiction, medication is one of the most effective tools medicine has. It quiets cravings, prevents withdrawal and, for opioids, saves lives. Here’s how it works.
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Updated October 2026
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medication with counseling and support. For opioid use disorder, it’s the standard of care. For alcohol use disorder, it’s one of the most underused tools available.
Medications for opioid use disorder
| Medication | How it works | Where and how |
|---|---|---|
| Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade, Brixadi) | Partially activates opioid receptors: stops withdrawal and cravings, with a ceiling effect that limits overdose risk | Doctor’s office, clinic or telehealth; daily film or tablet, or weekly or monthly injection |
| Methadone | Fully activates opioid receptors slowly and steadily: stops withdrawal and cravings | Licensed opioid treatment programs; daily dosing at first, take-home doses over time |
| Naltrexone (Vivitrol) | Blocks opioid receptors: no high, no physical dependence | Monthly injection after 7–10 days without opioids |
Since 2023, any clinician with a standard DEA registration can prescribe buprenorphine, which has made it much easier to start, including by telehealth. Learn more on our fentanyl and opioid page.
Medications for alcohol use disorder
| Medication | How it helps | How it’s taken |
|---|---|---|
| Naltrexone | Reduces cravings and the reward of drinking | Daily pill or monthly injection |
| Acamprosate | Eases restlessness and poor sleep after quitting | Pills, three times a day |
| Disulfiram | Makes drinking cause an unpleasant reaction | Daily pill |
See our alcohol rehab page for more on treatment for drinking.
Myths that keep people from MAT
- “It’s not real recovery.” Recovery is a better, healthier life. Medication is a tool that makes it possible for millions of people.
- “You should get off it as soon as possible.” Stopping early raises the risk of relapse and overdose. The right length is whatever keeps you well.
- “It’s only for heroin.” MOUD works for fentanyl and prescription opioid addiction too, and medications for alcohol use disorder work for drinking.
- “Programs don’t allow it.” Good ones do. Ask before you choose.
How to start
- Call us or your doctor. Tell them what you use and how much.
- Get an evaluation, in person or by telehealth, often the same week.
- For buprenorphine, plan your start with your prescriber. After fentanyl, a low-dose start may be used to avoid sudden withdrawal.
- Add counseling and support, and keep regular check-ins with your prescriber.
Sources
- SAMHSA, 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, opioids and medications for opioid use disorder
- NIAAA, Alcohol Treatment Navigator
Questions people ask us.
Don’t see yours? Call or text (305) 701‑0439. There are no wrong questions, and nothing you tell us leaves the call.
Isn’t MAT just trading one addiction for another?
No. Addiction means compulsive use despite harm. MAT medications are taken as prescribed, at steady doses, without the highs and crashes. People on them work, parent and recover. Medication for opioid use disorder lowers the risk of overdose death.
How long do people stay on Suboxone or methadone?
There’s no set limit. Many people stay on medication for a year or more, and some for much longer. Stopping early raises the risk of relapse and overdose, so any taper should be slow and planned with your prescriber.
Does insurance cover MAT?
Most private plans, Florida Medicaid and Medicare cover medications for opioid use disorder. Medicare also covers methadone through opioid treatment programs. We can check your coverage.
Will a residential program let me stay on my medication?
Many will, and they should. Ask directly before admission. We only point people to programs that support medication when it’s part of their care.
Related guides
Fentanyl, heroin & opioidsFentanyl & opioidsMedication plus counseling, the standard of care for opioid addiction.
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AlcoholAlcoholSafe detox, medication that reduces cravings and therapy that lasts.
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Level of care · 05OutpatientWeekly counseling and medication, for as long as it helps.
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