Clinical Treatment — Northbound Treatment Services
Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and clinical support to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. It is not a shortcut — it is evidence-based medicine that saves lives and dramatically improves recovery outcomes.
What Is MAT?
Medicine That Makes Recovery Possible
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications — in combination with behavioral therapy and counseling — to treat substance use disorders. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes MAT as the gold standard for opioid use disorder, and its evidence base for alcohol use disorder is equally strong.
MAT works by reducing the physical symptoms — cravings, withdrawal, the compulsive drive to use — that make early recovery so difficult. With those physiological barriers reduced, clients can fully engage in the behavioral therapy that produces lasting change. MAT is not a substitute for therapy; it is a tool that makes therapy possible.
Research is consistent: clients treated with MAT are significantly more likely to remain in treatment, less likely to relapse, less likely to overdose, and more likely to achieve sustained long-term recovery than those treated without medications. It is, simply, more effective medicine.
3×
Better Outcomes with MAT
FDA-Approved Options
Medications Used in MAT
Northbound's physicians evaluate every client individually to determine which medication — if any — is clinically appropriate. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to MAT.
Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing significant euphoria. Often combined with naloxone (as Suboxone), it is one of the most effective FDA-approved medications for opioid use disorder. It can be prescribed in office-based settings, making it highly accessible.
- Heroin addiction
- Prescription opioid dependency
- Fentanyl use disorder
- Methadone transition
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist — it blocks opioid receptors, preventing opioids from producing any pleasurable effect. Available as a daily pill or monthly injection (Vivitrol), it is FDA-approved for both opioid and alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone is non-addictive and has no abuse potential, making it an excellent option for many clients.
- Opioid use disorder
- Alcohol use disorder
- Post-detox relapse prevention
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal when taken in controlled doses. It has a decades-long evidence base for opioid use disorder treatment and is dispensed through federally licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs). While highly effective, it requires more clinical oversight than buprenorphine due to its longer half-life.
- Severe opioid use disorder
- Heroin addiction
- Fentanyl dependency
Acamprosate (Campral)
Acamprosate helps restore the brain's neurochemical balance that alcohol disrupts, reducing post-acute withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness — the internal discomfort that often drives relapse in early alcohol recovery.
- Alcohol use disorder
- Post-detox PAWS
- Anxiety-driven relapse risk
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
Disulfiram creates a severe adverse reaction when alcohol is consumed — nausea, flushing, and heart palpitations — providing a powerful deterrent to drinking. Most effective when clients are highly motivated and receiving concurrent behavioral therapy.
- Alcohol use disorder
- Motivated, monitored clients
Our Approach
How Northbound Delivers MAT
01
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
Every client receives a full biopsychosocial assessment — substance use history, medical history, co-occurring conditions, and goals — to determine which, if any, medication is clinically appropriate.
02
Informed Consent & Shared Decision-Making
Northbound's physicians walk through every MAT option with clients and families — explaining the benefits, risks, and alternatives — so every treatment decision is made together.
03
Medical Induction & Monitoring
Medications are introduced under physician supervision, with dosing titrated carefully for efficacy and tolerability. Regular monitoring adjusts the plan as recovery progresses.
04
Integrated Behavioral Therapy
MAT is always delivered alongside individual therapy, group counseling, and evidence-based behavioral interventions. Medication reduces the physiological barrier — therapy rebuilds the life.
05
Tapering & Long-Term Planning
Northbound's physicians work with each client on a long-term medication plan — whether that means a planned taper, indefinite maintenance, or transition to a different approach — based on clinical response and individual goals.
38+
Years treating opioid & alcohol dependency
>97%
Drug abstinence rate (USC study)
24/7
Medical oversight throughout treatment
Common Questions
About MAT
Have more questions? Our admissions team is available 24/7 with answers — and no obligation.
(866) 311-0003Is MAT Right for You? Let’s Find Out Together.
Northbound’s physicians evaluate every client individually — no assumptions, no one-size-fits-all. Call us 24/7 for a free, confidential consultation.