At Pyramid Healthcare, we recognize that overcoming substance use disorder is a complex process that requires medical, psychological and behavioral support. For many individuals struggling with opioid or alcohol addiction, quitting “cold turkey” can be dangerous, painful and even life-threatening due to severe withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a scientifically backed approach that helps individuals safely manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and prevent relapse, allowing them to focus on long-term recovery. MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and therapy, ensuring a holistic treatment experience that addresses both physical dependence and emotional well-being.

Who Can Benefit from Medication-Assisted Treatment?

MAT is often recommended for individuals struggling with:

  • Opioid dependence, including heroin, fentanyl or prescription painkillers

  • Alcohol addiction, where withdrawal symptoms can be severe or dangerous

  • Severe cravings and withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to stay sober

  • Co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, anxiety or PTSD

  • Poly-substance abuse, where multiple substances have been used together

If withdrawal symptoms or cravings interfere with daily life and recovery goals, MAT can provide stability, allowing individuals to transition into long-term sobriety with professional support.

How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work?

MAT is not just about taking medication—it is a comprehensive treatment approach that includes:

  • Medication management to relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings

  • Individual therapy to address underlying emotional and psychological factors

  • Group therapy to provide peer support and shared experiences

  • Life skills training to help individuals rebuild their lives and develop coping strategies

MAT is carefully monitored by our licensed medical professionals, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants and psychiatrists, ensuring that each client’s treatment plan is personalized and adjusted as needed.

Common Medications Used in MAT

The type of medication prescribed in MAT depends on the individual’s needs, history of substance use and recovery goals.

For Opioid Dependence:

  • Methadone – A long-acting opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without causing a high; ideal for individuals with severe opioid addiction

  • Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex) – A partial opioid agonist that helps ease withdrawal symptoms with a lower risk of dependency; often used for individuals transitioning off opioids

  • Naltrexone (Vivitrol) – A non-opioid medication that blocks the effects of opioids, reducing the risk of relapse; suitable for those who have already detoxed

For Alcohol Dependence:

  • Disulfiram (Antabuse) – Causes unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed, discouraging relapse

  • Naltrexone (Vivitrol) – Reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol, making it easier to stay sober

  • Acamprosate (Campral) – Helps normalize brain chemistry after long-term alcohol use, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings

Each medication is carefully prescribed and monitored to ensure safety and effectiveness, with doses adjusted as clients progress in their recovery.

Why Medication-Assisted Treatment Is Effective

MAT is a highly effective treatment approach that has been shown to:

  • Reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making sobriety more manageable

  • Improve treatment retention rates, increasing the likelihood of long-term recovery

  • Lower the risk of relapse and overdose, especially for opioid addiction

  • Support mental and emotional well-being, allowing individuals to focus on healing

MAT does not substitute one addiction for another—when used properly, these medications help stabilize individuals, allowing them to regain control of their lives without the chaotic highs and lows of addiction.

MAT and Behavioral Health Support

At Pyramid Healthcare, we believe that medication alone is not enough—successful recovery requires comprehensive behavioral health support. That’s why our MAT program includes:

  • Individual therapy with a master’s-level therapist to explore triggers, emotions and coping strategies

  • Group therapy sessions to build a support network and learn from shared experiences

  • Life-skills training to help individuals manage stress, relationships and responsibilities

  • Support for co-occurring disorders, such as depression, anxiety or PTSD

Additionally, we offer higher levels of care for those who need more structured support:

  • Substance Abuse Comprehensive Outpatient Treatment (SACOT)– Intensive, structured care for individuals in early recovery

  • Substance Abuse Intensive outpatient programs (SAIOP) – Flexible treatment options for those transitioning from higher levels of care

MAT Treatment Schedule & Availability

Our MAT program is available at our Asheville, NC location, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate individual needs.

MAT Group Therapy Sessions:

  • Wednesday: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

  • Thursday: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Regular attendance at group therapy and counseling sessions is encouraged to ensure clients receive the full benefits of treatment.

Insurance Coverage & Affordability

At Pyramid Healthcare, we are committed to making MAT accessible to those who need it. Many insurance providers, including North Carolina Medicaid, cover medication-assisted treatment under Managed Care (MC) plans.

Our team can assist with:

  • Insurance verification to determine coverage options

  • Guidance on financial assistance programs for those without insurance

  • Coordination of services to ensure uninterrupted care

If you have questions about coverage or payment options, our team is here to help.

Take the First Step Toward Lasting Recovery

At Pyramid Healthcare, we understand that addiction is not a choice—but recovery is. Our medication-assisted treatment program provides the medical support, counseling and resources needed to help individuals break free from addiction and rebuild their lives.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid or alcohol dependence, you are not alone—help is available.

Available at these facilities:

  • ACTT & Outpatient

    Asheville, NC

  • Specialty Programs

    Asheville, NC — Methadone Clinic

  • ACTT & Outpatient

    Jacksonville, NC

  • Outpatient

    Walnut Cove, NC

    Stokes County