Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Boca Raton describes our local facility’s use of specific FDA-approved medications to reduce drug and alcohol cravings. Because alcohol and opioid use problems can be so difficult to overcome, our MAT program in South Florida has become a successful option for people struggling with these issues. While many addiction treatment facilities claim to offer MAT, some of the medications used can be habit-forming, so different facilities can vary greatly in their philosophy and approach to using them.

Whether MAT is a viable option also depends on the individual. Ideally, the medication helps remove the existing dependency without forming a new one. Your care team will evaluate your specific situation to determine whether it’s the right fit for you.

In 2023, an estimated 3.1% of people aged 12 or older misused opioids, according to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and opioids remain one of the leading drivers of overdose deaths in the U.S. Medication-assisted treatment can meaningfully reduce that risk: one NIH-funded study found that opioid overdose deaths fell by 59% among people receiving methadone and 38% among those receiving buprenorphine.

Sunlight Recovery’s residential detox treatment works to optimize your chances of long-term recovery success. We want every patient who comes through this program to be safe, comfortable and medically monitored 24 hours a day. Our dedication to your safety and comfort is what shapes our approach to MAT. Our center accepts in-network insurance and is accredited, licensed, and a member of trusted organizations, including:

  • CARF (accreditation)
  • The Joint Commission (accreditation)
  • Florida Department of Children and Families (state license)
  • Agency for Health Care Administration (state license)
  • National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (membership)

In the next section, you’ll learn more about Sunlight Recovery’s MAT treatment. We’ll discuss what MAT is, the types of MAT we use, the criteria we use when prescribing Suboxone and how we help patients whose long-term maintenance needs fall beyond the scope of our program.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

What is medication-assisted treatment? MAT started as a short-term medicinal intervention used during early recovery. It was intended to work as part of a complete treatment plan that included intensive behavioral therapy addressing the emotional and psychological origins of the addiction.

We look for the root cause of addiction rather than simply focusing on physical symptoms. Sunlight Recovery’s MAT program aims to equip you with a strong foundation of coping strategies that continue to help you long after you leave us.

Our “do no harm” approach to MAT when medically treating a severe substance addiction like heroin shapes our method of care. We want to be careful not to simply replace one dependency with another, so our approach favors short-term MAT during detox and stabilization.

Goals of the Sunlight Recovery MAT Program

The Sunlight Recovery MAT program aims to detox and stabilize. First, we focus on managing physical dependency with as little discomfort as possible, using medications and round-the-clock care. At this stage, we may administer medication to reduce the pain associated with withdrawal symptoms. From there, we do everything within our knowledge to reduce or eliminate the potential of a future relapse.

While every person deserves an individual approach to healing, our program follows an evidence-backed continuum of care:

Detox. Detox is the first stage for most people getting sober. This is generally a medically supervised process — monitoring, medications and safety checks — that helps people stay safe during the early period after their last use.

Residential treatment. Many people need close monitoring and daily therapy during their first 30 to 90 days. Sunlight Recovery supports people through this difficult phase with residential care.

Outpatient treatment. People who respond well to the initial phases can progress to outpatient treatment. During this period, you can live and work outside of the center while still receiving frequent in-person support from our staff.

Sober living. As recovery stabilizes, many people transition to sober living. This often takes the form of regular meetings and the daily application of coping strategies aimed at maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.

Alumni. It’s important for people in treatment to see examples of past success. That’s why our alumni program invites past residents to visit and support current residents. Peer connection like this plays a major role in helping people in early sobriety see light at the end of the tunnel.

Types of MAT Used at Sunlight Recovery

At Sunlight Recovery, the MAT medications we use are Suboxone and Vivitrol, along with several medications for alcohol use disorder. We use these to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders:

  • Vivitrol. This is a long-acting injectable form of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. It blocks the opioid receptors that opioids and alcohol act on, which lowers cravings and drug-seeking behavior. Our team only administers it after determining that you’re a good match for it, typically after detox during the stabilization stage of treatment.
  • Suboxone. This combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, with naloxone, an opioid antagonist, in a sublingual tablet or film that dissolves under the tongue. Because buprenorphine is a partial agonist rather than a full opioid — and naloxone discourages misuse — Suboxone has a lower potential for misuse than full opioid agonists. It’s now considered a leading medication for opioid detox.
  • Methadone. Methadone is an FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder, sometimes offered under the brand name Dolophine. Because methadone for ongoing opioid use disorder treatment can only be dispensed through licensed opioid treatment programs, our team provides referrals to those providers when methadone is the right fit.
  • Oral naltrexone. This medication helps with alcohol addiction by blocking the opioid receptors involved in alcohol’s rewarding effects. People can still drink while taking it, but alcohol tends to feel less pleasurable.
  • Acamprosate. This is largely intended for people who have already stopped drinking but need help stabilizing their brain chemistry after years of heavy use. It can ease the anxiety and discomfort of early recovery. Because it isn’t processed by the liver and doesn’t interact with opioids, it can be a good option for people with liver concerns or co-occurring opioid use.
  • Disulfiram. Designed primarily for motivated patients who want an aversive deterrent to drinking, this medication blocks the normal breakdown of alcohol in the body. The unpleasant physical reaction that follows any drinking can be a strong incentive to stay alcohol-free.

At Sunlight Recovery, we administer Suboxone in two phases:

  1. During the induction phase of detox, we use it to relieve withdrawal discomfort.
  2. We also use it during the stabilization phase to assist with possible lingering withdrawal symptoms. During this period, we slowly reduce the dosage until it’s no longer medically required, or until the patient is clinically stable enough to be transferred to our partners for long-term maintenance treatment.

Why Short-Term Suboxone for Detox and Stabilization?

Suboxone for detox and stabilization helps our patients achieve a safe and complete withdrawal. Patients are also deeply engaged in an intensive inpatient program of group and individual therapy while tapering off Suboxone. These help them identify and address the addiction triggers and behavioral patterns that need to change.

We designed our addiction programs to be abstinence-based. We aim to ensure patients have a chance to process their behavioral challenges in a secure, drug-free setting. For this reason, we believe minimal short-term Suboxone use is best suited for detox and stabilization.

How We Help Patients Who Need Suboxone Maintenance

Certain patients with severe addictions may require long-term Suboxone maintenance. In cases like this, we can transfer them to the care of one of our reputable medical partners, who will manage their long-term pharmaceutical care. This process involves gradually weaning the patient down to a maintenance dosage of Suboxone and ensuring their emotional and physical stability before transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many insurance plans cover some or all of the costs associated with medication-assisted treatment, including medications, counseling and medical appointments. Coverage varies by provider and plan, so it’s important to verify your benefits before beginning treatment. Our team can help you understand your coverage options and discuss available payment arrangements.

There is no universal timeline for medication-assisted treatment. Some people use MAT for a few months, while others benefit from treatment for several years. The duration depends on your recovery goals, medical history and response to treatment. Decisions about continuing or tapering medication should always be made with the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

Yes. For many individuals, long-term MAT is a safe and effective way to support recovery and reduce the risk of relapse. Research has shown that ongoing treatment can improve outcomes and help people maintain stability in their personal and professional lives. The appropriate length of treatment varies from person to person.

Sunlight Recovery offers medication-assisted treatment using evidence-based medications that are appropriate for each client’s needs. Because methadone is subject to specific federal and state regulations and can only be dispensed through licensed opioid treatment programs, we offer referrals to licensed providers. Contact our team directly to discuss current MAT options and determine which treatment approach is right for you.

Is Medication-Assisted Treatment Right for You?

Recovery is rarely a straight path, but effective treatment is available. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, Sunlight Recovery can help you explore evidence-based treatment options and develop a personalized plan for long-term recovery. Call our 24/7 admissions line at (855) 625-6684 — every call is confidential, with no obligation.