What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is an evidence-based approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. It is most often used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders, helping men reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and stabilize early recovery.
At California Coastal Recovery Centers (CCRC) in Encinitas, MAT is provided within our men’s only IOP and PHP programs. This integration ensures that men not only receive medical support but also the therapy, structure, and life skills needed for long-term success.
Why MAT Matters in Recovery
For many men, the biggest barrier in early recovery is the cycle of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Without proper medical support, these challenges often lead to relapse. MAT helps break this cycle by:
- Reducing withdrawal symptoms so men can focus on counseling and personal growth
- Lowering cravings to make sobriety more sustainable
- Increasing retention in treatment programs, giving men more time to build healthier habits
- Reducing relapse risk compared to therapy-only approaches
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT improves survival rates, boosts treatment participation, and supports long-term recovery outcomes.
Medications Commonly Used in MAT
Different medications are selected based on the substance involved and individual needs. At CCRC, our medical team works with each client to determine the safest and most effective option. Commonly used medications include:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) – Helps reduce cravings and withdrawal in opioid addiction.
- Methadone – Another option for opioid use disorder, always provided under strict medical supervision.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol®) – Used for both alcohol and opioid addiction; blocks euphoric effects and reduces relapse risk.
- Acamprosate – Helps individuals with alcohol use disorder maintain abstinence.
These medications are always combined with therapy and structured outpatient care, ensuring MAT supports (not replaces) the recovery process.
The Role of Counseling with MAT
Medication alone is not recovery. At CCRC, MAT is always delivered as part of a comprehensive plan within IOP or PHP. Men participating in MAT also take part in:
- Individual Therapy – Exploring root causes of addiction and building coping strategies.
- Group Counseling – Sharing accountability, encouragement, and peer support.
- Family Therapy – Repairing relationships and creating stronger home environments.
- Relapse Prevention Planning – Building confidence and strategies for long-term sobriety.
This integrated model addresses the physical, emotional, and behavioral sides of recovery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for MAT?
MAT is not the right fit for everyone, but it can be life-changing for men who:
- Struggle with opioid or alcohol addiction
- Experience strong cravings or withdrawal symptoms
- Have relapsed in the past when using abstinence-only approaches
- Need extra stability to stay engaged in counseling and recovery work
Our medical team conducts thorough assessments to determine whether MAT is appropriate. Each plan is personalized, with medication use monitored closely for safety and effectiveness.
Addressing Misconceptions About MAT
A common misconception is that MAT simply “replaces one drug with another.” This is not true.
Unlike illicit drug use, MAT medications are prescribed, regulated, and monitored by medical professionals. Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) shows that MAT helps normalize brain chemistry, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and restore balance without creating a “high.”
In other words, MAT is not a replacement; it is a medical tool that supports recovery and increases the likelihood of success.
The CCRC Approach to MAT
At California Coastal Recovery Centers, MAT is not a stand-alone service, it is part of our men’s only IOP and PHP programs. This ensures men receive:
- Comprehensive care – Medication management combined with therapy and relapse prevention.
- Holistic wellness – Mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness to support body and mind.
- Life skills training – Tools for independence and stability after treatment.
- Aftercare planning – Continued support for long-term sobriety.
Our outpatient focus allows men to apply recovery tools directly to real life while still receiving strong clinical support.
Why Men’s Only MAT Matters
Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Men often face unique challenges with addiction, including social pressures, family roles, and stigma around seeking help. At CCRC, our men’s only environment provides space for honest conversations and peer support that feels relatable. This focus strengthens accountability and fosters a stronger sense of community.
Begin MAT in Encinitas Today
Recovery is possible and sometimes the right starting point is medical support. At California Coastal Recovery Centers in Encinitas, our men’s only IOP and PHP programs integrate MAT with therapy, holistic care, and relapse prevention to create a full pathway to healing.
Contact CCRC today to learn more about our Encinitas Medication-Assisted Treatment program and take your first step toward long-term recovery.