Medication Assisted Treatment Program

Supporting Detox and Recovery with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

10 minute read | 13 sections

Written By:Jacqueline Shaefer
Edited By:Stephanie Guerra
Clinically Reviewed By: Jennifer Williams

Summary: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) at Legacy Healing Center combines FDA-approved medications with therapy to ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, and support lasting recovery. Most effective for opioid and alcohol use disorders, MAT helps stabilize the brain and body so individuals can fully engage in the healing process. With personalized plans and compassionate care, Legacy offers MAT as part of an integrated approach that balances both clinical excellence and human dignity. This evidence-based treatment empowers patients to reclaim their lives with strength, clarity, and renewed hope.

Integrating Medications Into Recovery

The opioid epidemic has left many individuals in need of effective, compassionate care. As treatment continues to evolve, research consistently shows that medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has among the highest success rates of any recovery method. While once stigmatized, MAT is now recognized as a clinically proven, life-saving approach to addiction treatment.

At Legacy Healing Center, our MAT program integrates medical care, evidence-based therapies, and holistic support to help patients navigate early recovery with greater comfort and stability. We customize each plan based on the individual’s history, needs, and clinical assessment, offering medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as one option among many to support long-term healing.

How Does MAT Work?

MAT supports recovery by relieving withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and making the medical detox and early recovery phases more manageable. Under the care of licensed professionals, patients may be prescribed FDA-approved medications that are significantly safer than the substances they’ve been using.

These medications enable the body and brain to stabilize, allowing individuals to fully engage in the therapeutic aspects of recovery. MAT is most commonly used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. While there are no FDA-approved medications for stimulant addiction, our team offers other evidence-based strategies for those cases.

What to Expect During Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment at Legacy Healing Center begins with a thorough clinical evaluation to determine whether this approach is appropriate for your recovery plan. If recommended, your medical team will oversee a personalized treatment protocol that may include medications during detox, residential treatment, and outpatient care.

It’s important to note that MAT is always paired with therapy; it is never used as a standalone solution. Counseling, peer support, and holistic care remain at the heart of our recovery philosophy.

How MAT Helps Patients Who Struggle with Substance Abuse

Choosing sobriety is courageous, but the early stages of recovery can feel overwhelming. MAT reduces the physical and psychological distress that often accompanies withdrawal, helping individuals stay focused on healing instead of struggling with cravings.

When the body and mind are more stable, patients are more receptive to therapy, more likely to engage in long-term care, and better equipped to address the underlying causes of their addiction.

Addressing the Stigma Surrounding Medications for Recovery

Despite its proven success, MAT has been misunderstood by some as simply “replacing one drug with another.” At Legacy Healing Center, we strongly reject that notion.

The medications used in our program are FDA-approved, non-habit-forming, and carefully administered under medical supervision. MAT is not a shortcut; it’s a tool. Combined with comprehensive therapy, it enhances the effectiveness of treatment and empowers individuals to reclaim their lives with clarity and strength.

FDA-Approved Medications for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is most commonly used to support recovery from alcohol and opioid addiction. At Legacy Healing Center, we tailor each treatment plan to the individual, selecting medications thoughtfully, based on clinical need, comfort, and safety.

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder:

Vivitrol (naltrexone): Administered monthly by injection, Vivitrol helps reduce the risk of relapse by blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol. It supports accountability and long-term commitment to sobriety.
Campral (acamprosate): Often used after detox, Campral helps ease common withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. It also assists in restoring balance to the brain’s neurochemistry, helping to reduce alcohol cravings over time.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder:

Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high as other opioids. It is available in various formulations, including Suboxone (combined with naloxone) for added safety.
Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist used in specific clinical settings to stabilize individuals with severe opioid use disorder. It is administered under strict medical supervision.
Naltrexone: As with alcohol treatment, naltrexone can also be used to block the euphoric effects of opioids and support relapse prevention.

Note: At present, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for stimulant addiction (such as cocaine or methamphetamine). However, Legacy Healing Center provides evidence-based therapeutic strategies and holistic support to guide recovery in these cases.

Start Your Recovery with Confidence

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) offers a safe, clinically proven path to ease withdrawal, reduce cravings, and support lasting healing. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 at (888) 534-2295 to help you explore whether MAT is right for you and guide you toward care that’s tailored to your needs.

Not sure where to begin? You can verify your insurance confidentially online or speak directly with one of our treatment specialists. We’ll help you understand your options, answer your questions, and offer thoughtful guidance every step of the way.

Reaching out is a powerful act of hope. When you’re ready, we’re here with expert care, unwavering support, and a treatment plan designed to help you reclaim your life with strength and dignity.

Immediate Help and Support

Whether you’re ready to begin or simply exploring what’s possible, these trusted resources are available to support you:

Legacy Healing Center: Call (888) 534-2295 to speak confidentially with a MAT specialist.
SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – Free, 24/7 support for individuals and families navigating substance use disorders.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 for immediate assistance in a mental health or substance-related crisis.

You’re not alone—evidence-based support is just one call away.

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Frequently Asked

Questions about Recovery

How do I know if MAT is right for me?

MAT is most effective for individuals who are physically dependent on opioids or alcohol and are looking for a clinically supervised path that can reduce withdrawal discomfort and prevent relapse. If cravings are a significant barrier to staying sober or if you’ve relapsed despite previous efforts, MAT may offer the structure and medical support needed for a more stable recovery.

Can I use MAT if I have a dual diagnosis or mental health condition?

Yes. In fact, MAT can be especially helpful for individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders. By easing physical symptoms and stabilizing brain chemistry, MAT can create the mental clarity and emotional stability needed to fully engage in therapy and address underlying psychiatric conditions as part of an integrated care plan.

Is MAT a long-term or short-term solution?

The duration of MAT varies widely and is highly individualized. Some patients benefit from a few months of support during early recovery, while others may require ongoing support for a year or more under medical guidance. The goal is always to support sustainable sobriety, whether MAT is a temporary bridge or a longer-term component of care.

Will MAT interfere with other therapies or treatments?

MAT is designed to complement, not replace, other therapeutic interventions. When prescribed appropriately, it enhances the effectiveness of counseling, group therapy, and holistic services by reducing physical and emotional distress that might otherwise hinder participation.

Can I safely stop medication-assisted treatment (MAT) if I feel ready?

Yes, with medical supervision. Tapering off medication is a carefully managed process to prevent withdrawal symptoms or relapse. Your treatment team will evaluate your progress, stability, and readiness to ensure a safe and supportive transition.

Is MAT just substituting one drug for another?

This is a common misconception. The medications used in MAT are FDA-approved, non-intoxicating, and specifically designed to reduce harmful behaviors, not reinforce them. They are part of a structured treatment plan that includes therapy and lifestyle changes, helping you gain long-term control rather than temporary relief.

About The Contributors

Jacqueline Shaefer, MSW

Primary Therapist | Cherry Hill

Jacqueline is a licensed therapist with a Master’s in Social Work. She specializes in working with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma.

Jacqueline Shaefer, MSW

Primary Therapist | Cherry Hill

Jacqueline is a licensed therapist with a Master’s in Social Work. She specializes in working with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma.

Jacqueline Shaefer, MSW

Primary Therapist | Cherry Hill

Jacqueline is a licensed therapist with a Master’s in Social Work. She specializes in working with victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma.

Ready to Get Help?

Give us a call or fill out a contact form and we’ll reach out to you.

Our mission is to lay the foundation for anyone who enters our community to recover, address underlying issues and get on track to achieve a better life than they had ever dreamed possible.