Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in West Palm Beach, FL: What to Expect, Benefits, and Who Qualifies
Two of the most common types of addictions in the United States are alcohol use disorders and opioid use disorders.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, â46.3 million people aged 12 or older (or 16.5 percent of the population) met the applicable DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder in the past year.â[1] Of those 46.3 million people, 29.5 million struggled with alcoholism and 9.2 million had an opioid addiction.[1]
Unfortunately, overcoming addiction to opioids or alcohol is incredibly difficult, and many people relapse even after seeking treatment. However, with comprehensive, evidence-based treatment, anyone can recover. One of the most effective ways to treat alcohol and opioid addiction is medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, the hardest part is often getting through withdrawalâand staying steady afterward. Cravings, discomfort, and fear of relapse can make recovery feel out of reach.
At Mandala Healing Center, we offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in West Palm Beach, Florida to make that process safer, more manageable, and more effective. MAT combines carefully prescribed medications with therapy and support, helping you focus on healing rather than fighting constant physical symptoms.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an addiction treatment approach that combines medication with behavioral therapy and group counseling. This type of addiction treatment is beneficial in helping people recover from alcoholism and opioid use disorder.
While some people might reject the idea of using medications to treat an addiction, it’s important to remember that MAT emphasizes participating in therapy and group counseling. The medications are not intended to be a âcureâ for addiction, but rather an aid that allows people to fully focus on their recovery.
Many people are initially unsure about using medication in recovery. In practice, MAT is not a shortcut or a cureâitâs a tool that supports long-term sobriety when used as part of a structured program.
Another thing to be aware of is that MAT can be used during withdrawal and after. If you are participating in a MAT detox program, you will be given tapering medications to soothe your withdrawal symptoms. After detox, MAT medications are used to stop you from experiencing cravings and prevent relapse by making opioids and alcohol ineffective.
The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Benefits of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) include:[2]
- Improved patient survival
- Increased retention in treatment
- Decreased illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders
- Increased patientsâ ability to gain and maintain employment
- Improved birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant
At Mandala Healing Center, MAT is always integrated with therapy, ensuring that both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction are addressed together.
How Do MAT Medications Work?
Alcohol and opioid use disorder are both difficult conditions to overcome. During treatment, you are expected to fully immerse yourself in therapy and counseling while you are attempting to cope with cravings. Additionally, detox can feel impossible for anyone, as withdrawal symptoms can cause you to want to return to your substance abuse.
The reason MAT medications are used is to help you fully focus on the other aspects of recovery by preventing withdrawal symptoms or curbing your cravings. Understanding exactly how the specific medications work can help you feel more comfortable with medication-assisted treatment as a whole.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist.[3] The medication acts as an opioid without fully activating your receptors, preventing you from experiencing a high. Buprenorphine is often used during opioid detox to lessen the symptoms of withdrawal by tricking your brain into thinking itâs getting the drug it craves. Buprenorphine may be sold under the brand name Subutex or it may be prescribed in the form of a sublingual film called Suboxone, which also contains naloxone.
Buprenorphine is also available as a post-detox treatment as Suboxone or Sublocade, an extended-release injection of buprenorphine that can alleviate opioid cravings for up to a month.
Methadone
Methadone is a full opioid agonist, which means it works in the brain the same way that oxycodone or morphine would.[4] This medication is used during opioid detox to prevent you from experiencing cravings. However, it is considered habit-forming when abused.
Because methadone can get you high, it is only administered under the direct supervision of a medication-assisted treatment program.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids if you try to abuse them.[4] It also helps stabilize brain chemistry in chronic drinkers, thereby reducing alcohol cravings in recovering alcoholics. Typically, naltrexone is used after detox to prevent cravings and relapse.
Naltrexone is available in the form of a daily pill or a monthly injection known as Vivitrol.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram is a medication that prevents alcohol relapse. It is important to note that this medication can only be used after you complete alcohol detoxification. Disulfiram (Antabuse) causes unpleasant side effects (i.e. headaches, nausea, vomiting) when you drink alcohol. It is thought that the medication can prevent relapse by making drinking alcohol less appealing.[6]
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is another medication used to prevent relapse among individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder. It can be taken five days after stopping drinking and will begin to take effect about a week after your first dose.[7] Acamprosate works by reducing cravings for alcohol.
What to Expect During Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in West Palm Beach, Florida
Beginning treatment can feel uncertain, especially if you donât know what the process will look like. At Mandala Healing Center, the goal is to make each step understandable and manageable from the very beginning.
Your first step is a private, confidential assessment with our clinical team. This is not a rushed intakeâitâs a conversation where we take the time to understand your situation and begin shaping a path forward that feels realistic.
A Treatment Plan Built Around You
Once we have a clear picture of your needs, we develop a personalized plan. If medication-assisted treatment is appropriate, it is integrated thoughtfully into your overall care.
Your plan may include:
- A recommended MAT medication based on your history and needs
- Detox support, if you are still actively using
- A therapy schedule tailored to your recovery goals
- Additional support for mental health or co-occurring conditions
There is no fixed formulaâyour care evolves based on how you respond to treatment.
Stabilization and Withdrawal Support
If you are entering treatment during withdrawal, one of the first priorities is helping your body stabilize safely. This stage is often what prevents people from continuing treatment, so it is handled with close medical attention.
Medications may be used to:
- Ease withdrawal symptoms
- Reduce physical discomfort
- Lower the intensity of cravings
Our medical team monitors your progress closely, adjusting your care to keep you as comfortable and stable as possible.
Ongoing Medication Management
As you move forward, medication remains a supportive tool rather than the focus of your recovery. Youâll have regular check-ins with medical staff to ensure everything is working as intended.
This includes:
- Monitoring effectiveness and side effects
- Adjusting dosages when appropriate
- Evaluating long-term use versus gradual reduction
The aim is always stability and progress, not long-term dependence.
Therapy and Behavioral Support
While medication helps manage the physical side of addiction, therapy is where meaningful, lasting change takes place. This is where you begin to understand patterns, develop coping strategies, and rebuild a healthier way of living.
Your program may involve a combination of individual counseling and group therapy, along with practical tools for managing stress, triggers, and cravings in everyday life.
A Structured, Consistent Environment
Recovery becomes more manageable when there is stability around you. At Mandala Healing Center, you are supported in an environment that is structured without feeling rigid, and supportive without being overwhelming.
You can expect:
- A consistent daily routine
- A respectful, judgment-free setting
- Support from both clinical staff and peers
This foundation helps reduce uncertainty and allows you to focus more fully on your recovery.
Ongoing Adjustments and Progress Reviews
Recovery is not a fixed process, and your treatment plan should reflect that. As you move forward, your progress is reviewed regularly and adjustments are made as needed.
Whether that means refining your medication plan, shifting your therapy focus, or preparing for the next phase of care, each decision is made with your long-term stability in mind.
Preparing for Life After Treatment
As you gain stability, the focus gradually shifts toward what comes next. This stage is about making sure you leave treatment with a plan that supports continued progress.
This may include:
- Transitioning to outpatient care or continued MAT
- Strengthening relapse prevention strategies
- Building a reliable support system outside of treatment
The goal is not just to complete treatment, but to move forward with something sustainable.
What Makes MAT at Mandala Healing Center Different?
Not all MAT programs are the same. At Mandala Healing Center in West Palm Beach, we focus on whole-person recovery.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive medical evaluations before prescribing medication
- Close clinical monitoring throughout treatment
- Integration with evidence-based therapy and counseling
- A supportive, structured environment designed for long-term success
We donât rely on medication aloneâwe use it as one part of a broader, individualized recovery plan.
Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Right for You?
MAT can be especially helpful if you:
- Have struggled with relapse in the past
- Experience severe withdrawal symptoms
- Are recovering from opioid or alcohol dependence
- Need additional support to stabilize early recovery
Every personâs situation is different. Our team will help you determine whether MAT is appropriate and design a plan tailored to your needs.
Start Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in West Palm Beach, FL Today
Whether you suffer from alcoholism or opioid addiction, you must consider all of your treatment options. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a great tool that can help you overcome withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse later on in your recovery process. By using medications to prevent cravings, you will be able to fully focus on the therapy and counseling you are participating in.
To learn more about our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program in West Palm Beach, FL, please contact Mandala Healing Center today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Medication-Assisted Treatment
Is medication-assisted treatment addictive?
Medication-assisted treatment uses controlled, FDA-approved medications under medical supervision. While some medications interact with the same receptors as opioids, they are prescribed at safe, therapeutic doses to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptomsânot to produce a high. When used as directed within a structured program, MAT is a safe and effective recovery tool.
How long do you stay on MAT?
The length of time varies depending on your individual needs, history of substance use, and progress in recovery. Some people use MAT short-term during detox, while others benefit from longer-term support. At Mandala Healing Center, treatment plans are regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure the best outcome.
Is Suboxone the same as methadone?
No. Suboxone (which contains buprenorphine and naloxone) is a partial opioid agonist, while methadone is a full opioid agonist. Both are used to treat opioid addiction, but they work differently and are prescribed based on each individualâs clinical needs.
Can MAT be used for alcohol addiction?
Yes. Several medicationsâsuch as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiramâare commonly used to support recovery from alcohol use disorder by reducing cravings or discouraging drinking.
Do I still need therapy if Iâm on MAT?
Yes. Medication-assisted treatment is most effective when combined with therapy and counseling. While medication helps manage physical symptoms, therapy addresses the underlying causes of addiction and supports long-term recovery.
References:
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Medications for Substance Use Disorders, Retrieved From https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): What is Buprenorphine, Retrieved From https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): What is Methadone, Retrieved From https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/methadone
- The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): What is Naltrexone, Retrieved From https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/naltrexone
- Medline Plus: Disulfiram, Retrieved From https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682602.html
- Medline Plus: Acamprosate, Retrieved From https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a604028.html
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