Medical-Assisted Treatment in Long Island

What Is Medication Assisted Treatment MAT

Medication Assisted Treatment combines FDA approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. MAT is widely considered the gold standard for opioid use disorder whether the opioids were prescription painkillers or heroin and it is also used for alcohol use disorder in appropriate cases.

MAT medications are used to

• Reduce cravings.
• Relieve withdrawal symptoms.
• Block or blunt the euphoric effects of opioids and in some cases alcohol.
• Help restore healthier brain circuitry especially in reward and stress systems.

The goal is to stabilize the physical side of addiction so you can fully engage the mental, emotional, and social work of recovery. When you are not battling constant cravings or uncomfortable withdrawal you have more bandwidth for therapy skills practice and rebuilding routines.

How Does MAT Work

Opioids activate receptors in the brain that trigger strong reward signals. That rapid spike in feel good chemistry is one reason opioid addiction can develop quickly.

MAT helps in two main ways

1. Using slow and steady opioid agonists or partial agonists that bind to the same receptors but without the rapid high. Absorption is controlled, easing withdrawal and cravings while allowing normal functioning.
2. Using antagonists that block those receptors. If someone uses opioids while on an antagonist the euphoric effect is blocked which reduces reinforcement and helps prevent relapse.

Important safety note If you stop MAT medications without medical guidance and then return to previous opioid amounts your lowered tolerance can raise overdose risk. Never start or stop MAT on your own, always work with a qualified clinician.

Who Should Consider Medication Assisted Treatment

MAT is appropriate for many people with moderate to severe opioid use disorder including those at high risk of overdose older adults individuals with respiratory conditions and people who have not done well with non medication approaches alone.
MAT can also be considered for alcohol use disorder to help reduce reward seeking and cravings when combined with counseling.

What Medications Are Used in MAT

MAT uses medications that interact with opioid receptors in ways that support stabilization and healing. Your care team will recommend options based on your goals history and medical profile.

1. Methadone

A long acting full agonist that binds the same receptors as other opioids in a controlled way. It relieves withdrawal and cravings without the rapid high and typically lasts 24 to 36 hours per dose. Methadone is dispensed in federally regulated programs with regular clinical oversight.

2. Buprenorphine often combined with Naloxone as Suboxone

• Buprenorphine is a partial agonist. It eases withdrawal and cravings with a ceiling effect, after a certain dose more does not produce more effect which lowers misuse risk compared with full agonists.
• Naloxone in combination products is an abuse deterrent that becomes active if the medication is tampered with.
• Naloxone on its own is also used as an emergency reversal for opioid overdose restoring breathing quickly.
  Buprenorphine can be prescribed in office based settings by qualified clinicians which improves access.

3. Naltrexone oral and extended release injection Vivitrol

An opioid receptor antagonist used for both opioid and alcohol use disorders. It blocks the rewarding effects if substances are taken. Because it can precipitate withdrawal it is started after detox and is most effective when someone is motivated to maintain abstinence and engaged in counseling.

Benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment

1. Reduced Risk of Overdose
   MAT with methadone or buprenorphine lowers fatal overdose risk by reducing illicit use and stabilizing tolerance. Wider office based access to buprenorphine increases reach.
2. Better Retention in Care: By managing withdrawal and cravings MAT helps people stay engaged in therapy groups and medical follow up, key predictors of long term success.
3. Stronger Odds of Long Term Recovery: Stabilizing brain chemistry frees attention for coping skills relapse prevention and rebuilding life domains like family work and school.
4. Improved Pregnancy Outcomes in OUD: With appropriate prenatal care MAT particularly buprenorphine is associated with fewer complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
5. Reduced Illicit Use and Legal Risk: When you are not chasing withdrawal relief day to day you are less likely to engage in risky behaviors to obtain substances and more able to focus on recovery plans.

What To Expect After You Complete a MAT Phase

Recovery is ongoing. Cravings may still appear but tend to be less frequent and intense. Most people continue with some mix of outpatient therapy medical follow ups peer support groups and in many cases continued medication for as long as it is beneficial. Plans are individualized, some remain on MAT for months others for years.

Choosing the Right MAT Program in Long Island

When exploring programs consider

• Accreditation and proper licensing.
• Medication options offered and access to counseling.
• Insurance acceptance and cost transparency.
• Clinician qualifications and ability to coordinate with your other providers.
• Location hours and transportation access.
• Outcomes data and patient reviews when available.

How we help Long Island Addiction Resources is not a treatment facility. We listen to your goals verify your insurance and connect you with vetted MAT providers across Long Island who offer coordinated counseling and medical care.

How Medication Assisted Treatment Works to Ease Opioid Withdrawal

If you are seeking medication assisted treatment in Long Island we can connect you with local clinicians and programs that align with your needs schedule and insurance. Options include office based buprenorphine programs methadone clinics with counseling and naltrexone services integrated with therapy.