If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you know how it disrupts life. Not on the person, but their family and community are affected. There are many treatment options available. One you might have heard of is medication-assisted treatment, or MAT. But what is medication-assisted treatment? And can it help you?
At Santé Center for Healing in Argyle, Texas, we offer residential and outpatient treatment programs for addiction. This includes a medication-assisted treatment program when necessary. We help people in our community and across Texas find a way forward.
What is medication-assisted treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is when doctors use medicine along with therapy to help people recover from drug or alcohol addiction.
You take medicine that helps your brain and body heal. At the same time, you work with counselors to talk about your struggles, your goals, and how to stay sober.
MAT isn’t just medicine. It’s a full treatment plan. It includes:
- Medical support from trained professionals
- Counseling to work on mental and emotional health
- Group therapy to connect with others who understand
- A plan to help you stay sober long-term
At Santé Center for Healing, MAT is part of our whole-person approach. That means we treat your body, mind, and spirit.
What addictions work best with MAT?
MAT is best used for certain addictions where medications have been proven to help. These include:
- Opioid addiction (like heroin or prescription pain pills, such as oxycodone or hydrocodone)
- Alcohol addiction
- Some stimulant addictions, in combination with therapy
Doctors choose MAT when the addiction affects brain chemistry in a way that medicine can help balance. MAT is not for everyone. A doctor will check your history and needs to see if it’s right for you.
What medicines are used in MAT?
When asking, “What is medication-assisted treatment?”, it makes sense to focus on the medication. The type of medicine depends on the addiction being treated. Here are some common options:
For opioid addiction
- Buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- Methadone helps stop withdrawal and blocks the high from other opioids
- Naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids if you try to use them again
For alcohol addiction
- Disulfiram makes you feel sick if you drink
- Naltrexone reduces the feeling of reward from drinking
- Acamprosate helps your brain feel more balanced and reduces cravings
Doctors give these medications, and they are safe when used correctly.
Benefits of medication-assisted treatment
MAT can offer many benefits for people who are ready to stop using drugs or alcohol. Some of those benefits include:
- Fewer cravings: so it’s easier to focus on healing
- Lower risk of overdose: especially with opioids
- Better mental health: when used with counseling and support
- Higher success rates: many people in MAT stay sober longer
- Improved physical health: sleep, energy, and appetite often improve
- Stronger support: because MAT includes counseling and therapy
When you combine medication with therapy, you’re treating both the body and the mind. That’s why MAT is so powerful.
Is MAT safe?
Yes, MAT is safe when given by trained doctors and used as part of a treatment plan.
You won’t get “high” from MAT medicine. You won’t be swapping one addiction for another. Instead, your body gets what it needs to heal safely and steadily.
At Santé Center for Healing, our team works closely with you. We monitor your progress and adjust your care as needed. We help you feel comfortable every step of the way.
MAT is not a shortcut – it’s support
Some people worry that using medicine in recovery is taking the easy way out. But that’s not true.
MAT is not a shortcut. It’s a support system. Addiction changes how your brain works. Medication helps restore balance. The emotional and mental work in therapy is the rest of the process.
In many cases, people use MAT for a limited time. In others, long-term use is helpful. It depends on your needs. What matters most is restoring a healthy life and well-being.
Who can get MAT at Santé Center for Healing?
When seeking medication-assisted treatment near Argyle, Texas, Santé Center for Healing can help. MAT is offered as part of our comprehensive treatment programs. We serve people from:
- Argyle
- Denton
- Flower Mound
- Lewisville
- Fort Worth
- Dallas
- And surrounding North Texas communities
Our admissions team is here to listen and help if you have questions.
What happens when you start MAT?
When you come to Santé Center for Healing, we start with an assessment. This helps us understand your:
- Health history
- Addiction history
- Mental health needs
- Personal goals
If MAT is a good fit, we’ll create a treatment plan that includes:
- A safe detox, if needed
- Medication approved by our medical team
- Individual and group therapy
- Family support
- A plan for long-term recovery
You’re never alone. Our staff walks with you through every stage of healing.
Take the next step toward healing and recovery today
If you’re in Texas and struggling with addiction, you don’t have to do it alone. Medication-assisted treatment might be the support you need to feel like yourself again.
At Santé Center for Healing, we’ve helped people for over 25 years. We have a beautiful 16-acre campus, and our caring team is ready to help. We can help you or a loved one today with residential and outpatient treatment programs. We also offer aftercare and alumni programs for when you finish treatment.
Call us today at 866.238.3154 or visit our website. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward recovery and hope.
Your healing can begin today. Let’s take that first step together.
