Pyramid Healthcare offers evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, including opioid addiction. MAT combines medications with behavioral therapy to treat the whole person, supporting individuals during the early stages of their recovery. This integrated approach reduces the chances of relapse and supports long-term recovery.

Our outpatient MAT services provide clients with flexibility while they receive effective treatment. Clients meet with our clinical team, including a nurse and/or physician, to decide the appropriate course of treatment. If MAT is recommended, the client is prescribed an individualized dose of medication and will participate in random, mandatory urine screens under supervision to verify their drug-free status. The individual will be assessed for the appropriate therapeutic level of care and engage in treatment services paired with their MAT. As the individual stabilizes, the frequency of treatment visits reduces over time, ensuring a smooth transition to sustained recovery.

Inpatient MAT services are often a vital component of a residential treatment stay at Pyramid Healthcare. Clients admitted to our withdrawal management program for opioid use disorder may begin MAT as part of their detox protocol. Depending on individual needs, clients may choose to continue MAT throughout their residential treatment and beyond. Our team may recommend an MAT maintenance program, which involves continuing the prescribed medication for an extended period, both throughout residential treatment and often after discharge. Additionally, clients can be set up for MAT induction following residential treatment as part of their aftercare plan when appropriate. For suitable candidates, MAT maintenance paired with behavioral therapy reduces the risk of relapse and greatly supports the transition back to day-to-day living.

While MAT sometimes involves using medications that are classified as opioids, proper prescribing and medically supervised use of MAT do not produce the same “high” or likelihood for misuse or addiction. For instance, methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that eliminates withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings by slowly activating opioid receptors. Buprenorphine (brand name Suboxone) is a partial opioid agonist that does not activate receptors as strongly as full opioid agonists do. Vivitrol® (brand name for naltrexone) is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors and is administered as an injection that releases naltrexone over several weeks (about a month), making it effective for preventing relapse.

Methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of opioid use disorder. These drugs, also known by their brand names Suboxone and Vivitrol®, have proven safe and effective when administered by a medical professional. They are recommended for opioid withdrawal management instead of abrupt cessation, ensuring a safer and more controlled detox process.

Counseling or behavioral therapy is an equally important component of MAT. Most programs require clients to participate in therapy alongside their medication regimen. This dual approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, promoting holistic healing.

Determining whether MAT is right for you involves discussing your treatment needs with a counselor or medical professional. While some individuals may prefer to abstain from medications, MAT often leads to better outcomes than other types of addiction treatment. If you’ve tried treatment before and have been unsuccessful, MAT may be the appropriate solution for you.

Pyramid Healthcare offers methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), Suboxone and Vivitrol® to help individuals overcome opioid addiction. Medication-assisted treatment is available at several of our treatment centers in both outpatient and inpatient settings depending on your specific needs. Call Pyramid Healthcare today at to learn more about our MAT options.