Support for opioid addiction recovery
For people in opioid addiction treatment, MAT may:
- Reduce cravings for opioids
- Support stability after detox
- Ease withdrawal-related symptoms
- Lower relapse risk during early recovery
Level of Care · MAT
MAT Program
Medication-Assisted Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Physician-led Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol addiction in the Atlanta area. FDA-approved medications combined with therapy, monitoring, and clinical support, delivered as part of a broader recovery plan.
- Approach
- FDA-approved medications
- Oversight
- Physician-led
- Most Common Use
- Opioid & alcohol use
- Paired With
- Therapy & support
Overview
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is the use of FDA-approved medications alongside therapy and clinical support to treat substance use disorders. It is most commonly used for opioid and alcohol addiction.
MAT may help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal-related symptoms, support physical stability, and lower relapse risk. By steadying the body and the brain, MAT helps people stay engaged in treatment long enough for the rest of recovery to take hold.
It is important to be clear about what MAT is and is not. MAT is not a shortcut, and it is not recovery on its own. It is one part of a broader recovery plan that includes therapy, monitoring, and ongoing support.
At Northview
MAT at Northview Wellness
MAT at Northview Wellness is physician-led and built into our outpatient addiction treatment. Medication decisions are not disconnected from therapy or clinical care. The medication plan is coordinated with the rest of your treatment plan, so the medical side and the therapy side stay in sync.
That coordination matters. Medication choices are connected to your therapy plan, mental health needs, substance use history, and recovery goals. A change in one piece of your plan is reviewed alongside the others, rather than handled separately.
MAT can be delivered as part of a Partial Hospitalization Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, or an Outpatient Program, depending on what your physician and care team recommend for where you are right now.
Right Fit
Who Should Consider Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT may be a strong option for people struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, especially when cravings, withdrawal-related symptoms, or repeated relapse have made recovery hard to hold. A physician assessment is always the first step.
- You are struggling with opioid use, including heroin, fentanyl, or prescription opioids
- You are struggling with alcohol dependence and want clinical support beyond therapy alone
- Cravings are strong, persistent, or interfering with daily life
- You have relapsed before and want a recovery plan that includes medical support
- Withdrawal-related symptoms have been a barrier to staying in treatment
- You are stepping down from detox, residential treatment, PHP, IOP, or OP and need continued support
If MAT is not the right fit, our team will help determine whether detox, PHP, IOP, OP, or another level of care is the right next step. The goal is the right level of support, not a particular medication.
What MAT Treats
MAT for Opioid and Alcohol Addiction
MAT is most commonly used for the two conditions where medication tends to make the biggest clinical difference. Different medications work in different ways, but the goals are similar: reduce cravings, support stability, and lower relapse risk.
Support for alcohol addiction recovery
For people in alcohol addiction treatment, MAT may:
- Reduce cravings for alcohol
- Support abstinence over time
- Help with staying engaged in treatment
- Lower the risk of returning to heavy drinking
MAT is one part of recovery, not the whole of it. Even when medication helps a great deal, the long-term work happens in therapy, in the structure of a treatment program, and in the changes a person makes day to day.
How Medications Work
Medications Used in MAT
There is no single medication that is right for everyone. The right choice depends on the person, the substance use history, medical history, mental health symptoms, and treatment goals. A physician evaluates these together and makes a recommendation as part of a broader recovery plan.
Medications used in MAT for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder may work in different ways, including:
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Reducing Cravings
Some medications may lower the intensity of cravings, making it easier to stay focused on therapy and daily life.
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Easing Withdrawal
Some medications may ease withdrawal-related symptoms so a person can stay engaged in treatment rather than stepping away from it.
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Blocking Effects
Some medications may reduce or block the rewarding effects of opioids or alcohol if a person uses them, lowering the pull toward relapse.
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Supporting Abstinence
Some medications support abstinence over time by stabilizing brain chemistry or creating a deterrent to use.
A common concern
When MAT medications are prescribed and monitored appropriately by a physician, they are not used to produce a high. MAT is not "replacing one addiction with another." It is an evidence-based medical treatment used as part of a broader recovery plan.
Beyond the Medication
Therapy, Monitoring, and Support During MAT
MAT works best as part of a complete care plan. The medication is one piece. The rest of the plan is where lasting change actually happens. Your treatment may include:
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Individual therapy
One-on-one work to address the personal history, patterns, and goals behind your recovery.
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Group therapy
Therapist-led sessions alongside peers who are working through similar things, focused on the emotional side of recovery.
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Medication management
Ongoing physician oversight of your medication, with adjustments based on how you are progressing.
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Symptom monitoring
Regular check-ins on cravings, withdrawal-related symptoms, side effects, and how the rest of your treatment is landing.
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Relapse-prevention planning
Practical work to recognize triggers, build response plans, and practice the skills before high-risk moments arrive.
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Co-occurring mental health support
Care for anxiety, depression, trauma, and related conditions, treated alongside substance use rather than separately.
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Accountability and long-term planning
A consistent team and a plan that looks beyond the first few weeks of recovery, with family support when appropriate.
Cost & Coverage
How Much Does MAT Cost in Atlanta?
There is no single answer.
The cost of MAT at Northview Wellness depends on several things, and each plan is built around what your physician recommends for you.
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01
Insurance Your insurance plan and what it covers
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02
Medication The medication included in your treatment plan
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03
Appointments How often you meet with your physician and care team
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04
Level of Care Whether MAT is part of PHP, IOP, or outpatient treatment
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05
Related Services Therapy, psychiatric care, and other services in your plan
Many insurance plans may cover MAT and related addiction treatment services, but benefits vary by carrier and plan. Northview Wellness can verify your insurance benefits before treatment begins, so you know what is covered before anything starts.
Start Treatment
Start Medication-Assisted Treatment at Northview Wellness
The first step is a conversation. Our admissions team can help determine whether MAT is appropriate for you and whether detox, PHP, IOP, OP, or another level of care is the right next step.
You do not need a plan to call. You just need a phone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A few of the questions we hear most often about Medication-Assisted Treatment at Northview Wellness. Call us if yours is not here.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is the use of FDA-approved medications alongside therapy, monitoring, and clinical support to treat substance use disorders. It is most commonly used for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. MAT may help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal-related symptoms, support physical stability, and lower relapse risk while a person engages in the rest of treatment.
Is MAT just replacing one drug with another?
No. When MAT medications are prescribed and monitored appropriately by a physician, they are not used to produce a high. They are used to steady the brain, ease cravings and withdrawal-related symptoms, and create the stability needed to engage in therapy and recovery work. MAT is an evidence-based medical treatment, not a substitute for one substance with another.
Does MAT include therapy?
Yes. MAT is not a stand-alone solution. At Northview Wellness, medication is connected to a broader recovery plan that may include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, relapse-prevention planning, co-occurring mental health support, and family support when appropriate.
What addictions can MAT help treat?
MAT is most commonly used for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. That includes addiction to heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids, and alcohol. A physician determines whether MAT is appropriate based on substance use history, medical history, mental health needs, and recovery goals.
Do I need detox before starting MAT?
It depends on the substance, the severity of use, and the person's medical history. Some people start MAT after detox; others begin MAT as part of their initial treatment plan. A physician will help determine whether detox, MAT, or another level of care is the right starting point.
Does insurance cover MAT?
Many insurance plans may cover Medication-Assisted Treatment and related addiction treatment services, but benefits vary by carrier and plan. Northview Wellness can help verify insurance benefits before treatment begins so you know what is covered.
How long does MAT last?
There is no fixed length. Some people use MAT for months, others for longer. The right length depends on the person, the substance, the progress made in therapy, and the recovery plan. Your physician and care team review the plan with you over time rather than holding you to a set timeline.
Can MAT be part of PHP, IOP, or outpatient treatment?
Yes. MAT can be included as part of a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), or an Outpatient Program (OP) at Northview Wellness. Medication decisions are coordinated with the rest of your therapy and clinical care so the plan stays consistent across levels of care.