Reviewed by Vinsent Franke, MBA, AMFT, CADC-II, RA, Founder of iRely Recovery. Updated September 2026.
Intro
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and counseling to treat opioid use disorder. It is medical care, not a shortcut and not a crutch, in the same way insulin is medical care for diabetes.
At iRely Recovery in Los Angeles, MAT is one of our therapy programs, integrated into a full clinical plan with individual counseling, group therapy and case management, so medication provides the stability that makes the rest of treatment possible.
Key Points
- Reduces overdose mortalitySAMHSA reports MAT lowers opioid overdose deaths by 50 percent or more compared to no treatment.
- Three FDA-approved medicationsBuprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone, each suited to different needs.
- Works best paired with therapyMAT combined with counseling outperforms medication alone.
- Long-term maintenance is evidence-basedThere is no set timeline, and you are never rushed to taper off. Call 818-869-2112.
In Short
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) at iRely Recovery pairs FDA-approved medications, buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone, with behavioral therapy and counseling to treat opioid use disorder. MAT reduces overdose mortality and works best combined with counseling. Most insurance is accepted. Call 818-869-2112 to verify your benefits.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the combined use of FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and counseling to treat opioid use disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration describes this whole-patient approach as one of the most effective ways to support recovery, because it addresses both the physical dependence and the behaviors that sustain it.
MAT is not a substitute for therapy. At iRely Recovery, it is delivered alongside individual counseling, group work and case management, so the medication creates the stability needed for the rest of treatment to work.
FDA-Approved MAT Medications
Three medications are FDA-approved for treating opioid use disorder, and iRely Recovery offers all three as part of an individualized plan.
| Medication | How It Works | Common Form | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buprenorphine (Suboxone) | Partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal without producing a full opioid high | Sublingual film or tablet | Most patients, including those starting treatment or stepping down from higher levels of care |
| Methadone | Full opioid agonist that stabilizes brain chemistry and eliminates withdrawal and cravings at a supervised dose | Daily oral liquid, dispensed under supervision | Patients with a longer history of opioid use disorder who need a highly structured dosing schedule |
| Naltrexone (Vivitrol) | Opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids entirely, with no potential for misuse | Monthly injection | Patients who have completed detox and want a non-opioid maintenance option |
MAT vs. MOUD: Understanding the Terminology
You may see two different terms used for the same evidence-based approach. MAT, or Medication-Assisted Treatment, is the older, broader term for combining medication with behavioral therapy. MOUD, or Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, is SAMHSA’s preferred term since around 2020. It is more medication-focused and avoids the stigma that the word treatment can carry, as if using medication were a failure rather than sound medical care.
Both terms describe the same clinical approach: FDA-approved medication paired with counseling and support. At iRely Recovery, we use both terms so the information is accessible whichever one you searched for.
How Effective Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Research consistently supports MAT as one of the most effective treatments available for opioid use disorder. SAMHSA reports that medication-assisted treatment reduces opioid overdose mortality by 50 percent or more compared to no treatment. Patients on MAT are also more likely to stay in treatment and less likely to use illicit opioids than those who attempt recovery through detox or willpower alone.
The evidence is clear that MAT combined with counseling outperforms medication alone. This is why iRely Recovery integrates medication management directly into a full clinical program rather than offering it as a stand-alone prescription service.
Does MAT Just Replace One Addiction With Another?
No. This is one of the most common questions we hear, and it deserves a clear, non-judgmental answer. MAT medications work by normalizing brain chemistry, not by producing intoxication. Patients on a stable, medically supervised dose do not experience a high, and they are able to work, care for their families and function in daily life in ways that active opioid use disorder often prevents. SAMHSA is clear that MAT reduces illicit opioid use and the health risks that come with it, and long-term maintenance is an evidence-based, medically appropriate choice for many patients, not a step to be rushed past.
How Long Does MAT Last?
There is no single answer, because MAT is tailored to each patient. Some people use medication for short-term stabilization during the first weeks of treatment. Others continue for three to six months while they build the skills and support system that sustain recovery. Many patients benefit from long-term maintenance of a year or more, and that is a legitimate, evidence-based path, not a sign that treatment has failed. Your care team will work with you to decide what timeline fits your situation, without pressure to taper off before you are ready.
Does Insurance Cover MAT?
Most insurance plans cover medication-assisted treatment, including ACA marketplace plans, Medi-Cal in California, Medicare Part D and employer-sponsored insurance, which is subject to federal parity rules requiring equal coverage for substance use treatment and other medical care.
Contact iRely Recovery to verify your specific benefits. Our team will confirm your coverage before your first appointment. Call 818-869-2112.
MAT at iRely Recovery
iRely Recovery integrates medication-assisted treatment into a full behavioral health program, not a stand-alone prescription service. Our medical team manages Suboxone, methadone and Vivitrol protocols, tailored to each client’s history and goals, alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual counseling and case management.
Your first appointment includes a medical intake, an assessment of your opioid use history and current symptoms, and a conversation about which medication and dosing approach fits you best. From there, our medical team manages your prescription and monitors your progress alongside your therapy schedule. iRely Recovery serves patients throughout the Los Angeles area from our residential facility in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood.
To learn more about our clinical team, visit our about page, or start the admissions process today. If you have questions before you are ready to begin, contact our team directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medication-Assisted Treatment
What is medication-assisted treatment therapy?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone with behavioral therapy and counseling to treat opioid use disorder. It addresses both the physical and behavioral sides of addiction, and SAMHSA identifies it as one of the most effective treatment approaches available.
What medications are used in medication-assisted treatment?
The three FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder are buprenorphine (often known by the brand Suboxone), methadone and naltrexone (the brand Vivitrol). Each works differently and is chosen based on your history and goals, and iRely Recovery offers all three.
How effective is medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder?
MAT is one of the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder. SAMHSA reports that it reduces opioid overdose mortality by 50 percent or more compared to no treatment, and research consistently shows that MAT combined with counseling outperforms medication alone.
What is the difference between MAT and MOUD?
MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) is the broader, longer-standing term for combining medication with behavioral therapy. MOUD (Medications for Opioid Use Disorder) is SAMHSA’s preferred term since around 2020, focused on the medication itself and intended to reduce stigma. Both describe the same evidence-based approach.
Is medication-assisted treatment covered by insurance in California?
Most insurance plans cover MAT, including ACA marketplace plans, Medi-Cal, Medicare Part D and employer insurance, which must provide parity with other medical coverage. Contact iRely Recovery to verify your specific benefits before your first appointment.
How long does medication-assisted treatment last?
The timeline depends on the individual. Some patients use medication for short-term stabilization over a few weeks, others continue for three to six months, and many benefit from long-term maintenance of a year or more. Your care team will help you decide what fits your situation, without pressure to stop before you are ready.
Start Medication-Assisted Treatment Today
MAT is medical treatment, not a last resort. Call 818-869-2112 to speak with our clinical team about medication-assisted treatment at iRely Recovery, or start the admissions process online.
