What is Medication-Assisted Treatment MAT?
Medication-Assisted Treatment MAT is a science-backed, life-saving approach for individuals facing opioid use disorder or chronic relapse. By combining carefully prescribed medications with an evidence-based approach that combines counseling and behavioral therapies, MAT helps ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and restore balance so recovery feels more manageable. Instead of a quick fix, MAT provides stability and a stronger foundation for lasting healing.
At Assure Recovery Center’s MAT program San Diego, we believe that every recovery journey is deeply personal. Our program is designed on a whole-person approach with compassion and care, focusing on your unique needs and long-term success. By blending medical support, therapeutic guidance, and a team that truly understands, we both treat and walk beside you at every step—helping you build a healthier, more hopeful future.
How MAT Works at Assure Recovery Center
Medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are proven tools for patients in the fight against addiction. These in-clinic treatments help patients as they calm the storm by reducing cravings, easing withdrawal symptoms, and restoring balance to brain chemistry. For many, this means relief from the constant physical and emotional tug-of-war with opioids—and a real chance to focus on healing.
At Assure Recovery Center, this treatment is never offered on its own. Instead, it’s carefully integrated into a larger recovery plan for patients that includes counseling, mental health support, and long-term aftercare. Our goal is not just to manage symptoms, but to help you rebuild your life with confidence, resilience, and ongoing support.
Methadone Clinic and Alternatives in San Diego, CA
Methadone clinics have long been a cornerstone of opioid recovery, offering daily dosing and structured support. Methadone is effective for many, providing stability and reducing the dangerous swings of withdrawal and relapse.
At Assure Recovery Center, patients get the benefit of also having access to alternatives such as Suboxone and Vivitrol. These options work differently—Suboxone combines buprenorphine and naloxone to block cravings, while Vivitrol provides a once-monthly injection to prevent relapse. Together, these choices allow us to find the best fit for each person’s unique journey.
A Step-by-Step Look at Detox and Recovery
The first step is a personalized intake and assessment. During this process, our team takes time to understand your substance history, provide a full assessment of any past or current medical conditions, and personal treatment goals. By building a clear picture of your needs, we can create a tailored plan to treat you in a way that offers the best chance for success.
Detox is then handled with the highest level of safety and care. Medications are used to minimize discomfort, while compassionate medical staff provide supervision and constant monitoring. This structured environment ensures that detox is as safe, stable, and manageable as possible—giving you the strength to move forward into recovery.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms During Detox
- Muscle aches and body pain
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Anxiety, panic, irritability
- Insomnia or vivid dreams
- Intense cravings for substances
Comprehensive Addiction Treatment Through MAT
Substance use disorder can take many forms, from prescription drug misuse to heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids—and recovery often requires more than willpower alone. Medication-Assisted Treatment at Assure Recovery Center addresses these challenges by supporting both the body and mind throughout the recovery process.
By reducing cravings and stabilizing brain chemistry, MAT helps individuals with substance use disorder regain control and focus on healing, while therapy and long-term care reinforce lasting change. Our program is designed to meet and treat the needs of people struggling with opioid dependence, prescription drug addiction, alcohol use disorder, and even complex cases of polysubstance use.
Medication-assisted treatment at Assure supports individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including:
- Prescription opioid dependence (OxyContin, Vicodin, etc.)
- Heroin addiction
- Fentanyl addiction
- Alcohol use disorder
- Polysubstance addiction
- Substance use disorder
Opioid Use Disorder and the Role of MAT in Treatment
Opioid use disorder is a complex medical condition that changes the way the brain works, hijacking its natural reward system and creating a cycle of dependency. Over time, this rewiring makes it difficult—sometimes nearly impossible—to quit without medical help.
This treatment is considered the gold standard for opioid and similar substance use disorders because it provides medical support. By restoring stability, MAT helps individuals with substance use disorder or various addictions reduce risk, avoid relapse, and safely move toward a life free from the grip of opioids.
Treating Opioid Addiction with Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT is more than substance abuse symptom relief—it’s a proven treatment program that can improve outcomes for patients suffering from opioid addiction. By reducing the risk of relapse and lowering the chance of overdose through medication management in a safe clinic space, this treatment provides a strong foundation for long-term healing.
It’s important to know that medically assisted options are not a replacement for therapy. Instead, it enhances therapy by giving individuals the stability they need to actively engage in counseling, address underlying issues, and make meaningful life changes.
FAQs About Medication-Assisted Treatment in San Diego
Most MAT programs today include evidence-based and FDA-approved medication options such as methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone), and extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol). These prescription medications, alongside other medications meant to help support whole-body health, are carefully selected to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, and support long-term stability.
Each treatment plan includes a comprehensive approach that is totally tailored to the individual. We consider your medical needs, personal goals, and any co-occurring mental health conditions to choose the medication that provides the best path forward.
No, MAT as a treatment program is not about swapping one substance for another. The medications used in our program are non-euphoric, clinically prescribed, and always taken under strict medical supervision.
Instead of fueling addiction, MAT provides stability so you can focus on the hard work of getting your life back on track. With symptoms managed, high-risk individuals are better able to engage in behavioral therapy, address underlying issues, and build a healthier future.
The length of medically assisted treatment services for substance abuse is different for everyone. Some clients with substance use disorder may benefit from a few months of support, while others find long-term treatment offers the best chance at success.
At Assure, these decisions are made collaboratively. Your team will work with you to adjust care as your progress, comfort level, and goals evolve.
Yes. Our treatment program specializes in dual-diagnosis care, where both addiction and mental health challenges are addressed together.
During intake, our team evaluates your mental health alongside your substance use history to ensure a truly integrated plan—helping you heal in both body and mind.
Why Choose Assure Recovery’s MAT Program in San Diego?
When it comes to recovering from opioid and drug dependency, where you seek help matters just as much as how you seek it. Assure’s MAT program in San Diego was built to provide care that goes beyond the basics—offering personalized treatment, compassionate support, and practical resources that guide you to sustain recovery throughout every stage of healing.
Personalized Addiction Treatment for Lasting Change
Everyone’s journey is different, which is why our treatment plans are individualized, trauma-informed, and reviewed regularly to match your progress. Some people might benefit from nutritional counseling, others from group therapy, and still more from counseling services. At Assure, you’ll never feel like just a number—your care is shaped around your story and your goals, not your past drug use.
Compassionate and Experienced Clinical Staff
Our team of licensed physicians, nurses, and therapists bring years of expertise and a deeply compassionate approach to every step of treatment. From managing medications safely to offering emotional support, our team is committed to helping you find and maintain recovery and find success free from drug use.
Convenient, Central Location in San Diego, CA
Located right in the heart of San Diego, Assure makes it easier for residents to access care close to home or work. Recovering is challenging enough—you deserve a program that’s both effective and accessible.
Focus on Long-Term Growth and Improvement
Healing doesn’t stop when you stop receiving treatment. Our program includes aftercare planning, ongoing therapy, and connections to community resources so you can transition confidently into a life of sustained improvement.
Choosing Assure means choosing a program that sees you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. With expert staff, a convenient San Diego location, and a strong core of additional support, our MAT program gives individuals grappling with drugs, opioids, alcohol, and more the tools, care, and confidence to move forward into a healthier, more hopeful future.
Reclaim Your Life with Medication-Assisted Treatment in San Diego
Medication-Assisted Treatment is not a shortcut; it’s a proven, safe, and empowering method of addiction treatment that helps people stabilize, heal, and rebuild their lives with confidence. By easing withdrawal, reducing cravings, and pairing medical support with therapy, MAT creates a real path forward for those facing opioid addiction or relapse. At Assure Recovery Center in San Diego, we’re here to guide you through every step of that journey with compassion and care.
Call Assure Recovery Center in San Diego today to learn how our MAT program can help you or a loved one start healing.
Sources:
Research, C. F. D. E. A. (2024, December 26). Information about Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD). U.S. Food And Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud
What is Methadone? Side Effects, Treatment & Use. (n.d.). https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options/methadone
