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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Substance Abuse: A Safer Path to Recovery
- Dr Titilayo Akinsola
- Sep 25
- 3 min read
Addiction is not a moral failure — it’s a medical condition that changes the brain and body. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, you may already know how exhausting the cycle of craving, withdrawal, and relapse can be.
For many people, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) offers a safer, more effective path to recovery. At Favor Mental Health in Bel Air, MD, we specialize in medication management, including evidence-based approaches to help patients break free from dependence and rebuild their lives.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with medical oversight and, when needed, supportive counseling. The goal isn’t to replace one drug with another — it’s to:
Reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Decrease cravings.
Stabilize brain chemistry.
Allow patients to focus on long-term recovery.
Unlike short-term detox programs, MAT provides ongoing stability so patients can return to work, rebuild relationships, and restore their health.
Medications Commonly Used in MAT
At Favor Mental Health, we prescribe and monitor medications carefully, based on each patient’s needs:
Buprenorphine (Suboxone®): Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same “high” as opioids.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol®): Blocks the effects of opioids and alcohol, helping prevent relapse.
Methadone: For some patients, methadone provides strong craving control, though it’s less common in outpatient settings like ours.
Each option has specific benefits, and our role is to guide patients to the safest, most effective choice.
Why MAT Works Better Than “Willpower Alone”
Addiction rewires the brain’s reward system, making it extremely difficult to quit without medical help. Studies show that patients using MAT are:
2–3 times more likely to stay in recovery compared to those without medication.
Less likely to overdose.
More likely to maintain jobs and family stability.
As Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, has said:
“Medications for opioid use disorder are safe, effective, and save lives.”
A Local Example
One of our Bel Air patients came to us after multiple failed attempts at quitting opioids on his own. He described the cycle as “white-knuckling it until the withdrawal became unbearable, then relapsing again.”
Through buprenorphine treatment, his cravings dropped within days, allowing him to focus on counseling, repairing relationships, and returning to work. Today, he’s over a year into recovery.
This is the difference MAT can make.
Addressing Common Myths About MAT
❌ “It’s just replacing one drug with another.”✔️ MAT uses safe, controlled medications that don’t cause the same destructive highs or behaviors as illicit drugs.
❌ “People on MAT aren’t really sober.”✔️ Sobriety means living free from the chaos of addiction. MAT allows stability, not impairment.
❌ “I’ll be stuck on medication forever.”✔️ Many people taper off safely over time. For others, long-term use is necessary to maintain recovery — and that’s okay.
How Favor Mental Health Supports MAT Patients
Comprehensive evaluations to match patients with the right medication.
Close monitoring to adjust doses and minimize side effects.
Confidential, non-judgmental care in our Bel Air, MD clinic.
Optional supportive counseling for patients and families who want additional help.
Our focus is on practical, safe solutions that meet patients where they are.
Is MAT Right for You or Your Loved One?
MAT may be the right option if:
You’ve tried quitting and relapsed multiple times.
Withdrawal symptoms make it nearly impossible to stop.
Cravings interfere with daily life, relationships, or work.
You want a treatment plan that provides structure and safety.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
You don’t have to go through addiction alone — and you don’t have to rely on willpower alone.
At Favor Mental Health in Bel Air, MD, we provide confidential, individualized Medication-Assisted Treatment to help you or your loved one break the cycle and find a safer, healthier path forward.
Visit our website today to schedule an evaluation and start your recovery journey.
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