Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) at AM Behavioral Health combines FDA-approved medications with counseling for opioid & alcohol addiction recovery.

Meeting You Where You’re At in Recovery

AM Behavioral Health was founded with the vision of strengthening community wellness by delivering innovative, high-quality care. Our interdisciplinary team takes a people-first approach, meeting you with compassion and expertise wherever you are on your recovery journey.

While the road ahead may feel daunting, you don’t have to walk it alone. We believe in your resilience and capacity for positive change. Our nurturing environment provides a safe space to heal as we empower you with personalized tools and support.

Our Approach to Addiction Recovery

We treat addiction not just as a cluster of symptoms, but as a chronic condition requiring comprehensive, long-term management. Our philosophy prioritizes harm reduction over stigmatization, meeting you with acceptance rather than judgment.

Recovery isn’t linear, and setbacks can be opportunities for growth. We’ll be your partners through the ups and downs, celebrating successes while bolstering you through challenges. 

Our goal is to equip you with strategies to maintain lasting recovery and thrive in your daily life.

The Stages of Addiction

While every person’s experience is different, addiction tends to progress through similar phases:

No matter where you find yourself in this cycle, evidence-based MAT can ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, increasing your chances of successful recovery.

How MAT Helps With Detox

Detoxing from opioids or alcohol can be extremely uncomfortable and even dangerous without medical support. 

The first stage of MAT involves taking medications to minimize severe withdrawal effects like:

By alleviating these distressing physical and psychological symptoms, MAT makes the detox process safer and more manageable. This allows you to engage fully in counseling and behavioral interventions from the start.

An Overview of MAT

The medications used in MAT were developed specifically to treat opioid and alcohol addictions. They act on the same brain receptors as these substances but without producing euphoric highs. This helps regulate brain chemistry, preventing cravings and reducing the pleasurable effects of future drug or alcohol use.

Common MAT medications prescribed at AM Behavioral Health include:

Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to treat opioid addictions

Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone to treat alcohol addictions

These medications are always used in combination with counseling, group therapy, and other supportive services.  MAT is an evidence-based way to stabilize brain function and increase your ability to embrace recovery.

Dispelling Common Stigmas Surrounding MAT

There are many myths and misconceptions about MAT that can discourage people from accessing this proven treatment method. At AM Behavioral Health, we rely on facts and research, not judgment or misinformation.

Myth: MAT trades one addiction for another.  

Fact: The medications used in MAT were developed to regulate brain chemistry safely, not produce euphoric highs or sedation. They relieve cravings without causing addiction or impairing function.

Myth: MAT just substitutes drugs for hard work.  

Fact: MAT makes comprehensive behavioral therapies and counseling more effective by stabilizing brain function. It is one component of a comprehensive treatment approach requiring active participation.

Myth: Going on MAT means being on medications forever.  

Fact: The length of MAT varies from person to person based on treatment progress. Many are able to taper off medications once they have developed robust recovery skills and support systems.

How We Utilize MAT for Comfort & Integrative Treatment

At AM Behavioral Health, we recognize that each person’s recovery needs are unique. That’s why we take an individualized approach to MAT, tailoring medication types and dosages to your specific circumstances and challenges.

Our medical team will work closely with you to determine if MAT is appropriate for your situation. If so, we’ll develop a treatment plan that combines MAT with other evidence-based interventions like:

Throughout your healing process, we’ll continuously re-evaluate your needs and make adjustments to ensure you receive the right level and combination of care.

Additional Treatments for a Comprehensive Recovery Approach

While MAT is a core component of our addiction treatment programs, we also offer a wide range of other services to support whole-person recovery:

Our goal is to treat the root causes and contexts surrounding your substance use, not just the symptoms. This holistic approach empowers you to develop resilience and build a life of purpose in recovery.

Insurance at AM Behavioral Health

We strive to make high-quality addiction treatment accessible to all who need it. That’s why we’re in-network with most major insurance providers, including:

Aetna

Anthem

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Cigna/Evernorth

Humana

HealthNet

Magellan

Molina

United Healthcare

And more

We also accept Medicare, Medicaid, and offer self-pay options. During the admissions process, our staff will verify your benefits and go over all costs and payment options so you can make an informed decision about your care.

FAQ

Do you have questions about MAT and recovery? We’re here to provide support.

MAT is an evidence-based approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid and alcohol addictions. The medications help regulate brain chemistry and relieve cravings, while the therapies address the root causes of addiction.

No, MAT medications were specifically developed to treat addiction without producing euphoric highs or sedation. They safely regulate brain function to relieve cravings and withdrawal symptoms, increasing your ability to engage in counseling and embrace recovery.

The length of time on MAT varies from person to person based on their treatment progress. Many are able to taper off the medications once they have developed robust recovery skills and support systems through counseling and other therapies.

We take a comprehensive approach, combining MAT with individual and group therapy, CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, family education, life skills training, nutritional counseling, and more. Our goal is to treat addiction’s root causes from multiple angles.

Simply call us at 937-236-1800 to discuss your situation and insurance coverage. Our admissions team will guide you through the next steps and determine if MAT is appropriate for your needs as part of an individualized treatment plan.

Our Commitment to Your Health and Wellness

At AM Behavioral Health, we’re committed to meeting you wherever you are on your recovery path. Our nurturing, innovative approach combines medication-assisted treatment with comprehensive therapeutic services to treat addiction’s root causes.

If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, we’re here to provide the compassionate support and evidence-based care you need to heal. Call us at 937-236-1800 or reach out online to start your journey toward lasting recovery today.