Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) refers to the use of certain FDA-approved medications to relieve drug and alcohol cravings and is an increasingly common rehab option for patients with alcohol and/or opiate use disorders. While many addiction treatment providers say they provide MAT rehab, the philosophy and approach to using these medications may vary widely (depending on which rehab facility you talk to).
Detox and a residential MAT stabilization program at FHE Health maximizes your chances for long-term recovery. Our commitment to your safety and well-being drives our approach to medication-assisted treatment: a path we’ve chosen because we truly believe it’s the most effective way to support your recovery.
Medication-assisted treatment covers a wide range of medications, settings and treatment lengths. FHE Health’s program occupies a specific place in that range: medically supervised detox and residential stabilization, with a defined path to medical partners for patients who need long-term maintenance. This page explains both the broader landscape and where our program fits within it.
How Medication-Assisted Treatment Works
Medication-assisted treatment may be used as short-term support during early recovery or continued over a longer period, depending on clinical need. Your medical team may suggest it as part of a broader treatment plan that includes intensive behavioral therapies. These therapies help address the spiritual, emotional and psychological causes of addiction, not just the physical symptoms.
MAT works best inside a comprehensive treatment plan, and that principle informs MAT rehab at FHE Health. We firmly believe that successful recovery from addiction is as much about learning and developing sober coping strategies as it is about physically detoxing from drugs or alcohol.
We take a “do no harm” approach to our administration of MAT. In medically treating a substance addiction like heroin, our program is built around an abstinence-based model, so we use these medications carefully, at the lowest effective dose, and for the period a patient needs them within detox and stabilization. Each person’s recovery is different. Before changing your medication, your team will look at your progress and risk of relapse.
Conditions Treated With Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT can help people with opioid or alcohol use disorders. Since each medication works differently, a full medical assessment is the first step to finding the right treatment for you.
Opioid Use Disorder
Medication for opioid use disorder can ease withdrawal, lower cravings, block opioid effects and help you stay in treatment. The FDA has approved buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone for this use.
Unfortunately, not everyone can get these important medications. The CDC estimates that in 2022, among U.S. adults who needed treatment for opioid use disorder, only about 25% received medication for it.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Medication for alcohol use disorder can lower cravings, make alcohol less appealing or help you stay sober. Common options include naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram. Medication works best when combined with a treatment plan that supports your physical health, mental well-being and recovery environment.
Goals and Uses of MAT Rehab at FHE Health
Detox and stabilization are the goals of MAT rehab at FHE Health. During detox, we use MATs to relieve the pain and discomfort of cravings and other unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and to stabilize you for the next phase of rehab and recovery.
For patients with severe addictions to heroin and other opiates, we also use medication-assisted treatment programs to ensure they are medically and clinically ready to be transferred to one of our medical partners for long-term Suboxone® maintenance.
Common Medications Used in MAT
The FDA has approved several medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders. The right choice depends on the condition being treated, recent substance use, medical history and treatment goals. FHE Health’s MAT detox and stabilization program uses Suboxone® and Vivitrol® for qualifying patients. The other medications described below are included for context and are not part of our program.
Vivitrol®
Vivitrol® (naltrexone) is administered when our medical team has determined that you are a good candidate for a medication-assisted treatment program. The medication is an “opioid antagonist,” meaning that it blocks many of the same opioid receptors that alcohol and opiate drugs target, cutting off these drugs’ release of dopamine and thereby reducing cravings and drug-seeking urges.
Suboxone®
Suboxone® (buprenorphine with naloxone) is available as sublingual film sheets that dissolve under the tongue. The combination of buprenorphine with naloxone (another opioid antagonist) serves to reduce the potential for misuse of this opioid medication. Suboxone® is now the leading treatment for detoxification from opiates.
At FHE Health, MAT rehab is administered to qualifying patients in two phases: First, during the induction phase at the beginning of opiate detox, we introduce Suboxone® to relieve the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. Then, during the stabilization phase, we use Suboxone® to eliminate any lingering withdrawal symptoms and side effects.
During this period, we work to adjust and taper dosage levels until Suboxone® is no longer needed or the patient is medically and clinically stable enough to transfer to one of our medical partners that provides long-term MAT maintenance.
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid that helps treat opioid use disorder. It eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings and is given to patients through certified opioid treatment programs.
Acamprosate and Disulfiram
Acamprosate helps people stay alcohol-free after they stop drinking. Disulfiram causes a strong physical reaction if someone drinks alcohol while taking it. These medications are used for alcohol use disorder.
Why We Use Short-Term Suboxone® for MAT Detox and Stabilization
Short-term Suboxone® for MAT detox and stabilization is effective at helping many of our patients achieve a safe, comfortable and complete withdrawal. As they taper off Suboxone®, patients are also fully participating in an intensive residential regimen of group and individual therapies, which help patients identify and address their addiction triggers and related behavioral patterns that need to change.
Because clinical interventions for addiction work best in an abstinence-based setting, we have created our programs to be abstinence-based. We therefore work to ensure that patients can process their behavioral issues within a safe, sober and drug-free environment.
How We Help Patients Who Need Suboxone® Maintenance
Long-term Suboxone® maintenance is an evidence-based option, and for some patients with severe opiate addiction it is the right path. When that becomes evident, we transition them into the care of one of our trusted medical partners, who will oversee their long-term medication management. This process involves tapering the patient down to a maintenance level of Suboxone® and ensuring they are emotionally and physically stable and ready to be discharged and transferred.
Common Misconceptions About MAT
When people misunderstand MAT, they may miss out on an effective way to recover. These misconceptions add to stigma and make it more difficult for those using medication to feel supported.
Misconception: MAT Replaces One Addiction With Another
Addiction means using substances compulsively, even when it causes harm. Taking medication as prescribed and under a doctor’s care is a very different process.
MAT medications can help you regain your health, reduce cravings and stay engaged in recovery. SAMHSA says these treatments do much more than simply replace one drug with another.
Misconception: MAT Is Always Short Term
Some people use medication only during detox and early recovery, while others benefit from treatment that continues for months, years or even longer. How long you stay on treatment should match your individual clinical needs.
FHE Health’s program is scoped to detox and residential stabilization. We work with medical partners who provide long-term maintenance for patients whose care plan calls for it.
Misconception: You Must Fail Abstinence-Based Treatment First
Medication is a standard, first-line treatment for opioid use disorder, and it can also help people with alcohol use disorder. It is not reserved for people who have relapsed repeatedly. Clinical need drives the decision.
Our MAT detox and stabilization program serves patients who meet its clinical criteria. If a different level or length of MAT care is a better fit for your situation, our team can help you identify the right setting.
What MAT Looks Like at FHE Health in Deerfield Beach
FHE Health provides medication-assisted treatment at its Deerfield Beach campus in Broward County, South Florida. The program focuses on medically supervised detox and residential stabilization for people who meet clinical criteria.
Medication is only one part of treatment. Medical staff monitor your symptoms and safety, and therapists help you manage triggers, relapse risks and mental health concerns.
MAT is part of FHE Health’s full range of care. When you are medically stable, your team will help you move to the next step, whether that is residential or outpatient treatment.
If your care plan includes long-term Suboxone® management after you leave FHE Health, the team will help you move smoothly to a trusted medical provider. Continuing on medication is a legitimate clinical path, not a setback or a lesser option.
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Right for You?
MAT can help people at different stages of opioid or alcohol recovery. You do not have to wait until you have experienced several relapses or failed an abstinence-based program before discussing medication with a clinician.
A medical professional may consider MAT if you:
- Have opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder
- Experience significant cravings or withdrawal symptoms
- Have returned to substance use after previous treatment
- Face a high risk of opioid overdose
- Need additional support to remain engaged in care
- Have a co-occurring mental health condition that complicates recovery
Getting Started With MAT at FHE Health
Contact FHE Health’s admissions team to get started. One of our friendly team members will explain the Deerfield Beach program, answer your questions about payment or insurance and help you schedule a private assessment.
During your evaluation, be open and honest about what substances you use, when you last used them, any prescriptions you take and any medical or mental health concerns you have. This information helps the clinical team create the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.
