Medication-Assisted Treatment in MA

Based in South Shore Massachusetts, we care for people across Rockland, Quincy, and the surrounding communities. If you or someone you love is living with opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder, MAT can be a safe, evidence-based path toward lasting recovery.

What is medication-assisted treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment is a whole-person approach to treating substance use disorders. It combines prescription medications, which reduce cravings and ease withdrawal, with the counseling and behavioral therapies that help you rebuild your life in recovery. The medication is not a replacement for one addiction with another. It is a clinical tool, prescribed and monitored by licensed providers, that helps stabilize your brain and body so you can fully engage in treatment.

Major health authorities, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), recognize MAT as one of the most effective treatments available for opioid use disorder. Research shows it lowers the risk of overdose, improves the chances a person stays in treatment, and supports long-term recovery.

The conditions MAT treats

Opioid use disorder. MAT is most established for opioid addiction, including dependence on heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone. Medications help manage the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms that so often lead to relapse.

Alcohol use disorder. Specific medications can reduce alcohol cravings and support people who want to stop drinking, used alongside counseling and, when needed, medically supervised alcohol detox.

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The medications we use

Matched to your needs by a licensed prescriber

Every person’s biology and history are different, so our prescribers match the medication to your needs. The most common options in a MAT program include the medications below. Your provider will talk you through how each works, what to expect, and which is the best fit for your goals. For a closer look at one common choice, see our guides on getting through Suboxone withdrawal safely and what to expect from Suboxone.

Medications we use in our MAT program
Medication	What it is	How it helps	How it’s given
Suboxone	Buprenorphine combined with naloxone	A partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal with a lower risk of misuse and overdose	Daily film or tablet
Vivitrol	Extended-release naltrexone	Blocks the effects of opioids and reduces alcohol cravings; non-addictive	Monthly injection
Oral naltrexone	Daily naltrexone tablet	Reduces alcohol cravings and heavy drinking, and can support opioid recovery after detox; non-addictive	Daily tablet
Acamprosate (Campral)	Non-opioid alcohol medication	Helps the brain rebalance after alcohol dependence and supports staying alcohol-free; non-addictive	Tablets taken daily

How MAT fits into your care at Rockland Recovery

Medication is only one part of recovery. At Rockland Recovery, MAT is woven into a full continuum of care, so you are supported clinically and personally:

Medically supervised detox, when you need a safe, comfortable start.
Partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP), where MAT is paired with group and individual therapy.
Counseling and behavioral therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, tailored to you.
Sober living, if you want structure and community as you rebuild.

This integrated approach is what makes MAT work. The medication steadies you; the therapy helps you understand and change the patterns that led to addiction.

What to expect when you start

Starting MAT begins with a thorough assessment. A licensed provider reviews your history, your substance use, your health, and your goals. Together you decide whether MAT is right for you and, if so, which medication fits your situation.

From there, we handle the induction carefully and monitor how you respond, adjusting as needed. You are never managing this on your own. Our clinical team stays in close contact, and your counseling begins right alongside your medication.

MAT for co-occurring disorders

Treating addiction and mental health together

Many people who live with addiction also live with depression, anxiety, or the effects of trauma. MAT can be part of an integrated plan that treats both at once. Our dual diagnosis treatment addresses substance use and mental health together, because lasting recovery depends on caring for the whole person.

Why choose Rockland Recovery for MAT

We are a licensed Massachusetts treatment provider rooted in the South Shore community. Our team understands that no two recovery journeys look the same, and we build a plan around you, not a formula. From your first call to your aftercare and alumni support, we are with you.

Insurance and getting started

Most major insurance plans cover medication-assisted treatment. The fastest way to find out what your plan covers is to verify your insurance, which takes only a few minutes and carries no obligation. You can also call us at 855-732-4842 to speak with someone who can answer your questions with compassion and without judgment.

Recovery is possible, and you do not have to start it alone. Reach out today.

Frequently asked questions

How does Suboxone work?

Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. It attaches to the same receptors in the brain that other opioids target, which reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high. The naloxone in Suboxone discourages misuse. Because buprenorphine has a “ceiling effect,” the risk of overdose is lower than with full opioids.

Is Suboxone addictive?

Suboxone can create physical dependence, which means stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal. That is different from addiction, which involves loss of control and harmful use. When taken as prescribed and monitored by a provider, Suboxone is a safe, effective treatment that helps people stay in recovery.

Does Suboxone help with pain?

Buprenorphine, the active medication in Suboxone, does have pain-relieving properties, and it is sometimes used in pain management. However, in a MAT program its primary purpose is treating opioid use disorder, not chronic pain. Your provider can talk with you about how it may affect pain and coordinate your care.

How long does Suboxone stay in your system?

Buprenorphine has a long half-life and can be detectable in urine for several days to more than a week, depending on your dose, metabolism, and how long you have taken it. If you have a specific concern about testing or timing, your provider is the best source of guidance.

Is MAT just replacing one drug with another?

No. MAT medications are prescribed at controlled doses that stabilize brain chemistry rather than produce a high. They reduce cravings so you can focus on counseling and rebuilding your life. Leading health authorities consider MAT an evidence-based medical treatment.

How long does someone stay on MAT?

There is no single answer. Some people benefit from MAT for months, others for years. The right length is a clinical decision made with your provider based on your progress and goals.

Does insurance cover MAT?

Most major insurance plans cover medication-assisted treatment. You can verify your insurance in a few minutes to find out exactly what your plan includes.

This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Medication-assisted treatment decisions should be made with a licensed provider who knows your history. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

Contact Rockland Recovery Treatment Centers

At Rockland Recovery, we’re committed to providing compassionate and effective addiction treatment services. We understand that reaching out for help is a significant step, and our team is here to guide you through every stage of your journey toward recovery.