Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. It is one of the most effective approaches for reducing cravings, easing withdrawal, and preventing relapse over the long term.
The Recovery Village Atlanta provides medication-assisted treatment at two locations in metro Atlanta — Roswell and Stockbridge — where MAT is delivered as part of a complete treatment plan, never medication alone.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment pairs medication with individual and group therapy to treat opioid or alcohol use disorder. The medication addresses the physical side of addiction — minimizing withdrawal symptoms and reducing or blocking cravings — while therapy addresses the behaviors and underlying causes. Used together, they are far more effective than either approach on its own.
MAT is endorsed by the FDA and major medical bodies as a clinically proven treatment for opioid and alcohol addiction. At The Recovery Village Atlanta, every MAT plan is built and supervised by our medical team and tailored to the individual — the right medication, the right dose, and the right level of care.
MAT for Opioid Addiction
Opioids — including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine — are among the most dangerous substances to attempt to quit without support. For opioid use disorder, MAT combines medication with behavioral therapy and can be used for months, years, or as long as it is clinically beneficial.
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Opioid Addiction Medications
- Buprenorphine — works by reducing opioid cravings. As a partial opioid agonist, it eases withdrawal without producing the same high as a full opioid, which lowers its potential for misuse. It is available as an injection or a sublingual tablet.
- Methadone — a full opioid agonist that is highly effective at preventing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Because methadone carries its own risks, it is administered only under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, preferably at an accredited treatment facility.
- Naltrexone — works differently from buprenorphine and methadone: rather than easing cravings, it completely blocks opioid receptors, so opioids produce no effect if a person relapses. It does not create dependence of its own.
MAT for Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most common and most under-treated addictions in the United States. Because alcohol is legal and widely available, it is easy to overlook how serious dependence has become. For AUD, MAT pairs evidence-based medication with individual and group therapy to support lasting recovery.
Alcohol Addiction Medications
- Acamprosate — believed to reduce cravings and ease symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia during recovery. It has a strong record of helping people avoid a return to drinking and is typically taken three times daily, started a few days after the last drink.
- Disulfiram — causes unpleasant physical effects (such as nausea and flushing) if alcohol is consumed, creating a strong deterrent. Taken as a once-daily tablet, it must not be taken until at least 12 hours after the last drink.
- Naltrexone — for AUD, naltrexone blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol, which has been shown to reduce relapse rates and shorten relapses when they occur. It is available as a tablet or a monthly injection.
How Much Does MAT Cost?
The cost of MAT varies by individual, by medication, and by how much your insurance covers. Many plans cover MAT, particularly for opioid addiction; where coverage is limited or absent, cost depends on the specific medication prescribed and the dosing schedule your care team recommends.
The most accurate way to know your cost is to verify your benefits with our admissions team — it is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Is MAT Covered by Insurance?
MAT is covered by most insurance plans, either fully or in part. If you have insurance, our admissions team can confirm your coverage confidentially — online or over the phone. The process is simple: you complete a short verification form, and a member of our team contacts you to review what your plan covers. Self-pay options are also available.
Medication-Assisted Treatment in Atlanta, GA
The Recovery Village Atlanta is an accredited facility staffed by licensed medical professionals experienced in delivering MAT as part of a complete continuum of care. We offer medication-assisted treatment across two metro-Atlanta locations:
- The Recovery Village Atlanta — Roswell, 11725 Pointe Place, Roswell, GA 30076, serving north metro Atlanta including Alpharetta, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Marietta.
- The Recovery Village South Atlanta — Stockbridge, 1000 Eagles Landing Pkwy, Stockbridge, GA 30281, serving Henry County and the south metro.
MAT works best as part of comprehensive care, which is why we pair it with medical detox, residential treatment, dual diagnosis care for co-occurring mental health conditions, and ongoing therapy. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, verify your insurance benefits or call to talk with our admissions team about whether MAT is the right fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT
Q: Is medication-assisted treatment just replacing one drug with another?
A: No. This is a common misconception. MAT medications are prescribed and monitored by medical professionals at controlled, therapeutic doses to stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse — they do not produce the high of misused substances. Used alongside therapy, MAT is an evidence-based medical treatment, not a substitution.
Q: How long does someone stay on MAT?
A: It varies. Some people use MAT for months, others for years, and some long-term. The right duration is a clinical decision made with your care team based on your progress and needs. There is no fixed endpoint, and stopping is always done gradually under medical supervision.
Q: Does MAT work for both opioid and alcohol addiction?
A: Yes. MAT is FDA-approved for both. Opioid use disorder is commonly treated with buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone; alcohol use disorder with acamprosate, disulfiram, or naltrexone. In every case, the medication is paired with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Q: Does insurance cover MAT?
A: Most major insurance plans cover MAT, particularly for opioid addiction. The fastest way to confirm what your plan covers is to verify your benefits with our admissions team — free, confidential, and with no obligation to enroll.
Q: Can I get MAT without going to inpatient rehab?
A: MAT can be delivered across different levels of care. For many people it works best as part of a complete program that may include detox, residential treatment, or outpatient care. Our admissions team can assess your situation and recommend the right level of support.
