Recovery from opioid or alcohol addiction is rarely a matter of willpower. Often, the physical pull of withdrawal symptoms and cravings makes it difficult for individuals to heal emotionally until their bodies are stabilized. By combining FDA-approved medication and evidence-based counseling for the body and mind, Agape Detox Center creates a stable base for individuals to begin the journey toward true, lasting recovery. Our goal is to provide a solid foundation upon which individuals can make a change in their lives, not to replace one dependency with another.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Safer, More Sustainable Recovery
The right support can quiet the struggle and make space for real healing to begin.
A Steady Road to Recovery
Have you or a family member tried to stop using but found the withdrawal symptoms and cravings too much to manage? Please know that this is not due to a lack of willpower. Opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder are medical conditions, and they should be treated as such.
As part of the complete treatment experience at Agape Detox Center, we offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with kindness and without judgment, as one therapeutic tool within an overall treatment plan developed specifically for each individual.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment, referred to as MAT, is the use of FDA-approved medications along with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders, primarily OUD and alcohol use disorder.[1] Medications can ease withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making recovery possible.
Since each individual’s situation differs, the length of time a person uses medication can vary greatly. While some individuals need a short period on medication, others benefit from continued treatment over a longer period. The duration of treatment is determined individually by the client and their treatment team.
MAT can occur in various settings: inpatient facilities, outpatient and primary care settings, and specialized opioid treatment programs.[2] MAT treatment teams can include physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, counselors, and other healthcare professionals who work collaboratively.
At Agape Detox Center, we believe medication is just one component of a comprehensive treatment program. Our providers pair the prescribed medications with individual therapy, group therapy, and other forms of supportive behavioral health treatment, so both the physical and emotional components of recovery are treated together. Each client receives an individualized treatment plan based on their history, needs, and goals.
How (and Why) Medication-Assisted Treatment Works
Opioids and alcohol affect the brain’s reward system, stress levels, and cravings. These changes may remain even after an individual wishes to stop using. MAT addresses the biological basis for these issues by using medication in addition to counseling to treat the whole person rather than the addiction alone.
There are three medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD).[3]
They are:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine (typically prescribed as Suboxone)
- Naltrexone (which exists in an extended-release injectable form marketed as Vivitrol).
Both methadone and buprenorphine work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms through interaction with opioid receptors, but in a controlled, supervised way that does not produce the same high as opioids.
Methadone for OUDs is dispensed only through federally licensed opioid treatment programs.[4] Naloxone is included in Suboxone formulations to help deter misuse. Naltrexone functions differently by blocking opioid receptors entirely, and individuals taking the extended-release form receive monthly Vivitrol injections.[5]
For the treatment of alcohol use disorder, naltrexone is also used, along with other medications designed to reduce cravings for alcohol and support abstinence.[6]
At Agape Detox Center, the decision regarding which medication an individual will receive is never based on one-size-fits-all criteria. Our healthcare providers evaluate multiple factors before recommending a course of action, including the individual’s history of substance use, the type of substances involved, any co-occurring mental health diagnoses, and the individual’s personal preferences.
Efficacy of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Researchers have demonstrated that MAT reduces the frequency of opioid use, decreases the likelihood of an opioid overdose, improves an individual’s retention in treatment, and promotes longer periods of recovery compared to those who do not receive MAT.[7]
It can reduce rates of disease transmission, such as hepatitis C, help individuals maintain employment, and enable them to reconnect with others.[8]
MAT has become standard care when treating OUDs, and has contributed to a decrease in opioid overdose deaths.[9]
Agape Wide Range of Treatment
What to Expect from Medication-Assisted Treatment
Beginning MAT can create uncertainty for many, and that is perfectly understandable. To develop a clear understanding of your needs and circumstances before treatment begins, you undergo a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation at Agape Detox Center. Afterward, your provider discusses potential treatment options with you, explains how each one works, and answers any questions you may have about MAT, so you are actively involved in developing your own treatment plan.
Throughout the duration of treatment, you can expect regular monitoring sessions during which your provider evaluates your response to MAT and makes any necessary adjustments. Alongside the medication, you take part in counseling, which may include individual therapy and group therapy. Some days will be easier than others as you go through this process, and our team will continue to support you every step of the way as your body stabilizes and your confidence grows.
As you near the completion of your treatment, our team helps you create a long-range plan that details how best to taper off medication when appropriate and connects you with post-treatment resources so your recovery continues well beyond your time at Agape Detox Center.
Medication-Assisted Treatment at Agape Detox Center
What distinguishes Agape Detox Center from other treatment centers is our emphasis on providing truly personalized, whole-person care through medication-assisted treatment. We do not simply write prescriptions. Rather, our providers prescribe FDA-approved medications alongside compassionate counseling and empathy for each individual’s unique story.
Within our serene Florida setting, individuals have the opportunity to focus on their recovery, free from distraction, shame, or guilt. By supporting both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction recovery, we help you establish a foundation for lasting wellness and a life that reflects your values once again.
Recovery Is Stronger With the Right Support
Medication-assisted treatment can help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and create a more stable foundation for recovery. At Agape Detox Center, MAT is integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of addiction. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our programs and whether MAT may be right for you or your loved one.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Medication-Assisted Treatment
Is medication-assisted treatment merely replacing one substance with another?
No. This is a misconception many people share. The medications used in MAT, such as methadone, buprenorphine with naloxone (Suboxone), and naltrexone (Vivitrol), are given in prescribed, supervised doses, so they stabilize brain chemistry without producing a high. They reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing a person to focus on recovery. Major health organizations, including SAMHSA, classify MAT as an evidence-based medical treatment for OUD and AUD, not a substitute.
Which medications are used in MAT?
For opioid use disorder, the FDA has approved methadone, buprenorphine (as Suboxone), and naltrexone (available in an injectable form, Vivitrol). Naltrexone and other approved medications are also used for alcohol use disorder. Each client’s provider selects the medication best suited to their individual needs.
How long does someone use medication-assisted treatment?
There is no single answer, and duration depends on several factors, including how a person responds to treatment and the longer-term plan developed jointly by the client and their care team. Some people benefit from a few months of treatment, while others do better with longer-term care. Client-specific plans are created collaboratively based on each person’s progress and goals.
Does MAT involve therapy?
Yes. All clients undergoing MAT at Agape Detox Center receive both medication and counseling or behavioral therapy. Evidence demonstrates better outcomes when the two are combined.
Can my loved one start MAT at Agape Detox Center?
Yes. If your loved one is dealing with an addiction involving opioids or alcohol, our team would be glad to help. Our admissions staff can discreetly discuss the available options for starting MAT and explain how it fits into a complete recovery program that supports both the physical and emotional sides of healing.
Sources
[1] [3] [6] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025, August 25). Medications for substance use disorders. https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options
[2] [4] [5] [8] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). TIP 63: Medications for opioid use disorder, page 1-10. (Publication No. PEP21-02-01-002). https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/21349-medications-to-treat-opioid-use-disorder.pdf
[7] [9] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, February 16). Opioid use disorder: Treating. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/hcp/clinical-care/opioid-use-disorder-treating.html