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Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-Assisted Treatment in North Carolina

Recovery from opioid or alcohol use can involve physical symptoms, cravings, and other challenges. Our Medication-Assisted Treatment program combines appropriate medications with counseling and behavioral support based on each client’s clinical needs.

Understanding MAT

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-Assisted Treatment, commonly called MAT, combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies for alcohol or opioid use disorders.

Medication may help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms while clients address the behavioral and emotional aspects of recovery.

Medication-assisted treatment may help people who:

Are struggling with an opioid or alcohol use disorder
Experience cravings or withdrawal symptoms that affect recovery
Would benefit from medication combined with counseling and support
What's Included

Services Offered in Medication-Assisted Treatment

Our MAT program integrates medical care and behavioral support to address both the physical and personal aspects of recovery.

Personalized Care

Clinical Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation of substance use, health history, symptoms, and treatment needs.

Medical Support

Medication Management

Ongoing prescribing and monitoring by qualified providers based on individual needs.

Behavioral Care

Individual Counseling

One-on-one therapy addressing substance use patterns, mental health, and recovery goals.

Shared Recovery

Group Therapy

Supportive sessions focused on coping skills, accountability, and relapse prevention.

Why Choose MAT

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Craving Support

Medication may reduce cravings that can make recovery more difficult.

Symptom Management

Appropriate medication may help manage certain withdrawal symptoms.

Whole-Person Care

Combine medical treatment with counseling and recovery support.

Ongoing Monitoring

Adjust treatment as needs, symptoms, and recovery goals change.

Is MAT Right for You?

Who Is Medication-Assisted Treatment For?

Medication is not appropriate for every person or substance use disorder. A qualified provider can evaluate your substance use, medical history, symptoms, and recovery goals to determine whether MAT should be part of your treatment plan.

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Have an opioid or alcohol use disorder
Experience persistent cravings or withdrawal symptoms
Are willing to participate in counseling and ongoing monitoring
Can safely receive medication in an outpatient setting
Paying for Treatment

Does Insurance Cover Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Many health insurance plans cover at least part of Medication-Assisted Treatment, including eligible medications and behavioral health services. Coverage depends on the provider, plan benefits, medication, and clinical requirements.

Our team can verify your insurance and explain the benefits available before treatment begins, helping you understand your options and potential costs.

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Aetna
BCBS
MedCost
Cigna
UHC
Carelon
Medication-Assisted Treatment FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About MAT

What medications are used in Medication-Assisted Treatment?

The medications used depend on the substance use disorder and individual needs. Options may include buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone for opioid use disorder and naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram for alcohol use disorder.

Is Medication-Assisted Treatment replacing one drug with another?

No. MAT uses approved medications under medical supervision to help manage symptoms and support recovery. The dosage, purpose, and monitoring differ from uncontrolled substance use.

How long does Medication-Assisted Treatment last?

There is no single timeline for MAT. Treatment length depends on the medication, clinical needs, progress, health history, and recommendations of the prescribing provider.

MAT in North Carolina

Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment in North Carolina

Medication-Assisted Treatment in North Carolina provides an evidence-based option for people recovering from opioid or alcohol use disorders. MAT combines appropriate medication with counseling, behavioral therapies, and continued clinical monitoring. The goal is not simply to prescribe medication, but to address the physical, behavioral, and emotional factors that can affect recovery.

How Medication Supports Addiction Recovery

Substance use can produce physical changes that contribute to cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and a heightened risk of returning to use. Depending on the diagnosis, medication may help reduce certain symptoms and make it easier for a client to engage consistently in counseling and recovery activities.

Every medication works differently, and no single option is appropriate for everyone. Before prescribing medication, a qualified provider should review the client’s substance use history, physical health, current medications, treatment history, symptoms, and recovery goals. Continued appointments allow the provider to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan when necessary.

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder

FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder include buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. These medications work in different ways and have different prescribing, administration, and monitoring requirements. A medical provider determines which option, if any, is appropriate for a particular client.

Medication for opioid use disorder may help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms while reducing some of the risks associated with uncontrolled opioid use. Medication does not eliminate the need for a broader recovery plan. Counseling, behavioral support, overdose prevention education, and access to naloxone can remain important parts of care.

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

Medication may also be used as part of treatment for alcohol use disorder. FDA-approved options include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. The appropriate medication depends on factors such as current alcohol use, medical history, treatment goals, and the ability to follow the prescribed plan.

MAT is not a substitute for medical detoxification when alcohol withdrawal could be dangerous. Abruptly stopping heavy or prolonged alcohol use can cause serious complications. Anyone concerned about withdrawal should receive a medical evaluation before attempting to stop drinking without supervision.

Combining Medication With Counseling

Medication can address certain physical aspects of addiction, while counseling helps clients examine behaviors, triggers, relationships, mental health concerns, and patterns connected to substance use. Combining these services gives clients an opportunity to work on both immediate symptoms and the skills needed for continued recovery.

Depending on clinical needs, MAT may be incorporated into a Day Treatment Program, an Intensive Outpatient Program, or standard Outpatient Treatment. The appropriate level of care depends on stability, withdrawal risk, home environment, mental health, previous treatment, and the amount of structure required.

How Long Does MAT Continue?

There is no universal timeline for Medication-Assisted Treatment. Some clients may use medication for a shorter period, while others benefit from longer-term treatment. Decisions about continuing, changing, or gradually discontinuing medication should be made with the prescribing provider rather than according to an arbitrary deadline.

Stopping certain medications suddenly or without medical guidance may increase discomfort or the risk of returning to substance use. Ongoing monitoring allows treatment decisions to be based on the client’s response, safety, stability, and recovery progress.

Finding Medication-Assisted Treatment in North Carolina

When comparing MAT programs in North Carolina, consider the qualifications of the medical and clinical providers, medications offered, counseling services, appointment requirements, insurance participation, and access to multiple levels of addiction care. A quality program should explain the purpose of medication, potential risks, expected monitoring, and alternative treatment options.

Triad Recovery Center provides Medication-Assisted Treatment in Winston-Salem for adults with opioid or alcohol use disorders. Our location serves clients throughout the Piedmont Triad and surrounding North Carolina communities. A clinical assessment can help determine whether medication should be included in your individualized recovery plan.

Emergency Help

If there is immediate danger, an overdose concern, severe withdrawal symptoms, or another medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

988 Crisis Support

Call or text 988 for suicide, mental health, or substance use crisis support. This service is available to the person struggling or a concerned loved one.