For many individuals struggling with substance use disorder, the path to recovery can feel daunting, especially when facing the intense challenge of withdrawal. At the Addiction Treatment Center of New England in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, we believe in utilizing every effective tool available to ensure a safer, more comfortable, and successful start to your recovery journey.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a cornerstone of our treatment approach, providing a scientifically backed method to help residents of Massachusetts reclaim their lives from addiction. Discover how MAT detox works, its key components, and the benefits of preparing for treatment in a safe and professional environment.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based, whole-person approach to treating substance use disorders, particularly for opioids and alcohol. It combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapies to address the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. Medications are carefully introduced and adjusted based on each individual’s needs, response, and recovery goals, while regular clinical monitoring ensures ongoing support and safety.
MAT is delivered on an outpatient basis through scheduled appointments and individualized care planning. It’s not a traditional detox program and doesn’t require inpatient admission or 24-hour medical supervision.
Contrary to some misconceptions and controversy surrounding it, MAT does not replace one drug with another. It’s a carefully supervised medical process that helps stabilize brain function, reduce cravings, and provide a foundation for sustaining long-term recovery. Our goal is to help individuals find their sense of purpose and fulfillment, achieve personal growth, build lasting wellness, and regain independence.
How Medication-Assisted Treatment Works
Medication-assisted treatment works by supporting brain chemistry and reducing the physical drivers of opioid and alcohol use, such as cravings and compulsive use patterns. FDA-approved medications help block euphoric effects while promoting physiological stability, without producing a “high.” This stabilization enables individuals to concentrate more completely on tasks related to recovery and their daily activities.
Rather than emphasizing withdrawal or rapid medication changes, MAT prioritizes biological and emotional steadiness. As the body and brain adjust, individuals are better able to engage in counseling, address behavioral patterns, and work through underlying triggers that contribute to substance use. This foundation of stability is a critical component of sustainable recovery.
Patients begin MAT with a comprehensive clinical assessment to determine the most appropriate medication and treatment approach. Once medication is initiated, individuals attend regular outpatient visits where progress is reviewed, response to medication is monitored, and adjustments are made as clinically appropriate. Our program is designed to:
- Achieve physical and emotional stability
- Reduce opioid cravings and use
- Support daily functioning and quality of life
- Create recovery plans that align with personal goals
Care is delivered gradually and intentionally, allowing individuals the time and support needed to stabilize before making decisions about long-term treatment direction or duration.
Key Components and Goals of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment is built on the principle that recovery is unique for each individual. This process emphasizes dignity, choice, and collaboration, empowering participants to be proactive. By prioritizing stabilization, gradual progress, and long-term wellness, MAT offers a supportive path to sustainable recovery without relying on traditional detox approaches.
A truly effective MAT detox program is more than just medication; it is an integrated system of care designed for holistic healing. Our program is built on three essential, interconnected pillars that work together to support recovery.
- FDA-approved medications: Medications such as Buprenorphine, Naltrexone, and Methadone are used to manage withdrawal and cravings.
- Counseling and behavioral therapies: Our detox program utilizes behavioral therapies to address the root causes of addiction and develop healthy coping skills.
- Social support services: Case management and peer support help with housing, employment, and other life areas critical for long-term recovery.
What To Expect During Medication-Assisted Treatment
At Addiction Treatment Center of New England in Brighton, MA, all our programs begin with an assessment to identify each patient’s unique needs. This allows us to create personalized treatment plans that address symptoms, needs, and underlying conditions.
Withdrawal symptoms as a result of detox can range in intensity from mild to severe, causing major complications. During this time, our staff will monitor your symptoms and keep you comfortable, and administer medication as needed.
Methadone Maintenance Program (180-day detox)
Our methadone maintenance program is designed to support long-term stability for individuals with opioid use disorder. This program differs from traditional detox, as it does not include 24/7 supervision or inpatient care.
Gradual Tapering
For individuals who prefer a shorter-term medication approach, medication-assisted treatment begins with initiating and stabilizing on methadone, followed by a slow, medically guided taper that occurs over 180 days. The taper is individualized based on clinical readiness, personal preference, clinical judgment, and ongoing monitoring.
This process is designed to:
- Minimize physical discomfort
- Reduce disruption to daily life
- Support long-term recovery outcomes
- Prioritize safety and informed decision-making
While some participants complete this pathway, others may choose to switch to the long-term maintenance program after experiencing the benefits of consistent medication support and increased stability. There is no fixed timeline, and patients are never rushed through the process.
Medications Used During Detox
At The Addiction Treatment Center of New England, we primarily use two medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms. These medications include:
- Subutex: Subutex (buprenorphine) is a medication used to help people recover from opioid addiction. It plays a key role in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies.
- Vivitrol: Vivitrol is a non-addictive, once-monthly injection that helps prevent relapse by blocking the effects of opioids and alcohol in the brain. It reduces cravings and makes it impossible to feel high if someone uses those substances while on the medication.
Detox is just the beginning of addiction treatment. After you complete a detox program, we will help determine which MAT program may be right for you, including whether you enroll in residential care or a level of outpatient treatment, such as a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or an intensive outpatient program (IOP). During this stage, we will also help plan for aftercare services, such as sober living.
Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment offers a powerful and proven path toward sustainable recovery. The benefits extend beyond simply managing withdrawal symptoms to support a holistic healing process.
- Increased retention in treatment programs: MAT significantly increases retention in treatment programs. By alleviating the physical distress of cravings and withdrawal, individuals can focus their energy on therapy and personal growth.
- Lowers the risk of relapse: It greatly reduces the risk of overdose and relapse. MAT medications help to stabilize brain function, making individuals less vulnerable to triggers and the dangers of returning to substance use.
- Improves overall well-being: MAT improves a patient’s overall social and psychological well-being. As physical stability is achieved, individuals often see improvements in their ability to secure housing, find employment, and repair relationships.
- Stabilizes co-occurring disorders: MAT addresses co-occurring disorders, such as mental health conditions, while treating addiction, which can help ensure we recognize and manage mental health symptoms during withdrawal, as some MAT medications have mood stabilization properties.
- Creates a foundation for recovery: This approach provides a comprehensive foundation for long-term recovery. By integrating medication with counseling, MAT treats the whole person, not just the addiction.
Beginning your recovery with a supervised MAT detox program is the safest and most effective way to manage the acute phase of withdrawal and build a strong foundation for your future.
Why Choose ATCNE for Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Our team of licensed medical and clinical professionals specializes in creating highly individualized treatment plans tailored to your specific substance use history, health status, and personal recovery goals. Furthermore, our facility offers a full continuum of care, ensuring that your transition from detox to ongoing therapy is seamless and supported every step of the way.
Medication-Assisted Treatment FAQs
The duration of MAT varies for each individual and is based on their unique clinical needs and recovery progress. For some, it may be a short-term bridge to stability, while for others with chronic opioid use disorder, it may be a long-term maintenance treatment to prevent relapse. Our medical team will work with you to regularly assess your progress and create a personalized timeline for your care, making any adjustments together as your journey evolves.
The withdrawal process is often categorized into four general stages: onset, peak, early recovery, and late recovery. The initial stage begins shortly after the last dose, with symptoms like anxiety and sweating escalating to a peak of intensity, which may include nausea and elevated heart rate, before gradually subsiding over time. It’s crucial to remember that a medically supervised detox can safely manage these symptoms with medication and support, making this challenging process much more manageable and safe.
The length of withdrawal varies significantly depending on the substance, the duration of use, and individual physiology. Acute withdrawal symptoms from opioids often peak within a few days and can last for 7-10 days, while other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines may have different, and sometimes longer, timelines. Our 24/7 medical monitoring during detox is designed to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible throughout this entire process, with medications adjusted in real-time to ease your symptoms.
No, MAT is not the same as detox; rather, it is a comprehensive treatment model that often begins with detox. Detox is the initial short-term process of managing acute withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision, which typically lasts for a matter of days. MAT, however, is a long-term treatment plan that includes ongoing medication, counseling, and support to sustain recovery and prevent relapse for months or years. Think of detox as the first critical step within the broader, continuing journey of medication-assisted treatment.
Yes, most major insurance providers in Massachusetts offer coverage for MAT detox, as it is an evidence-based medical treatment for a recognized health condition. The specifics of coverage, such as copays or the length of stay authorized, can vary depending on your individual insurance plan and policy details. Our admissions team will work directly with your insurance provider to verify your benefits and explain any associated costs, ensuring you have a clear understanding before you begin treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment may be appropriate for individuals who:
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Seeking an alternative to inpatient or detox-based programs
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Wanting structured medical support without residential care
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Looking to stabilize before making long-term recovery decisions
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Prefering a gradual, individualized treatment approach
MAT is tailored to each person’s needs and goals, making it suitable for individuals at different stages of recovery.
Prepare for Treatment in a Supportive Environment
Our dedicated specialists are ready to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and help you schedule your first appointment in a confidential and pressure-free environment. Contact us today to speak with a specialist and take the first brave step toward reclaiming your life.
