Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT is available at our seven outpatient clinics located in Danbury, New Milford, Waterbury, Torrington, Derby, New Haven, and Bridgeport.
What Is MAT?
At MCCA we embrace a multi-disciplinary approach to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). The use of medication is always done in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.
Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat these disorders, and for some people struggling with addiction, MAT can help sustain recovery.
MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The prescribed medication operates to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and normalize body functions without the negative effects of the abused drug.
Medications used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and MAT programs are clinically driven and tailored to meet each patient’s needs.
“I appreciate the continued support, understanding and feedback. Knowing that the decisions I make daily have been correct, even though I doubt myself at times. Thank you for everything!”
Medication Assisted Treatment at MCCA
- How it works: This medication safely blocks the intense effects of opioids while eliminating severe physical cravings, allowing you to focus fully on your therapy and healing.
- Your options:
- Suboxone® (Film): A daily prescription film strip that dissolves easily under the tongue under medical supervision.
- Sublocade® (Monthly Injection): A continuous, extended-release injection given on-site by our medical team. Because it lasts all month, it eliminates the need to take a daily medication at home.
- Subutex® (Tablet): A daily sublingual tablet that is an exceptionally safe and highly recommended option for those seeking recovery support.
- How it works: A non-addictive medication that blocks the brain’s receptors for both opioids and alcohol, effectively removing the physical desire or “reward” of using them.
- Your options:
- Vivitrol® (Monthly Injection): A convenient, long-acting prescription injection administered on-site by our healthcare team once a month.
- ReVia® / Depade® (Tablet): A traditional daily oral tablet.
- Note: To ensure your safety, Naltrexone options are introduced after you have safely cleared opioids from your system to prevent sudden withdrawal.
- How it works: A highly structured, daily medication used to treat opioid use disorder. It eliminates withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings without producing a “high,” bringing immediate stability to your day-to-day life.
- The benefit: Delivered safely through our specialized medical protocols, it helps individuals rebuild a predictable daily routine and stay engaged in long-term counseling.
- How it works: Taken as a daily tablet, Acamprosate is designed specifically for individuals recovering from alcohol dependence. It helps restore the natural chemical balance in a brain that has been disrupted by long-term alcohol use.
- The benefit: It is highly effective at reducing the ongoing, subtle distress and emotional discomfort that often trigger alcohol cravings in early sobriety.
- How it works: A daily oral medication that acts as a strong deterrent against drinking alcohol. If an individual consumes alcohol while taking Disulfiram, it triggers a temporary but highly uncomfortable physical reaction (such as nausea and flushing).
- The benefit: It provides a powerful layer of psychological accountability for individuals who want an extra safeguard to help them stay committed to their sobriety goals.
- A Safe, Judgment-Free Environment: Our medical and counseling teams walk alongside you with dignity, compassion, and respect.
- Dual Support: We blend medical stabilization with counselor-led therapy so you can heal both body and mind together.
- Proactive Future Planning: We help you build a structured routine, connect with peer support, and lay the groundwork for a healthier tomorrow.
