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Program Highlights

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) utilizes FDA-approved medications in combination with therapy to treat substance use disorders such as opioid addiction to reduce the risk of relapse and help manage and maintain recovery. Without MAT, the risk of relapse for someone with an opioid use disorder after detox only is 70%; heroin is 91%. MAT drastically reduces that risk.

Treatment Program Details

Medication-assisted treatment is an important part of Caron’s patient-centered treatment plans as it reduces cravings, anxiety, withdrawal symptoms, and post-acute withdrawal syndrome. The use of medications to help manage these physical issues allows the individual to focus their attention on their psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs through therapy, group meetings, and recovery support groups.

Caron uses MAT in combination with interdisciplinary interventions, including evidence-based therapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We also assess each patient for mental health issues and other healthcare needs, such as chronic pain, so that we can address them.

Patients have the choice to continue with medication-assisted treatment for maintenance. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome can recur up to a year after treatment and interfere with an individual’s ability to engage in their recovery practices and supports.

These are some of the medications Caron uses:

  • Buprenorphine is an opioid medication that, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people with an opioid use disorder and can be tolerated relatively well by most people.
  • Vivitrol® or naltrexone blocks opioids and alcohol from producing euphoric effects. Vivitrol should only be taken under the guidance of a licensed and experienced medical addiction treatment provider.
  • Suboxone® combines buprenorphine and naloxone, prevents cravings, and helps people to get treatment and move into recovery. Like buprenorphine, it is also noted by NIDA as an effective medication to treat opioid use disorder. Suboxone® is a registered trademark of Indivior UK Limited. Caron Treatment Center is not affiliated with Indivior UK Limited or its affiliates ("Indivior"), and any reference to it or its intellectual property is for informational purposes only and is not endorsed or sponsored by Indivior.

Patient-centered treatment

Why Caron Uses Medication-assisted Treatment

Caron uses MAT because it is well-researched and evidence-based and backed by all major medical associations for use in substance use disorder treatment. We use it for those whom it is medically necessary to help stabilize their systems and safely withdraw. MAT can also reduce the discomfort of medical detox.

The medications we use in medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have been clinically proven to make both inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment safer and more successful.

To help an individual begin a sustained recovery, treatment must include a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach such as the treatment services Caron provides, including the use of medication-assisted treatment.

MAT for Opioid Use Disorder

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Caron’s Position on Medication Assisted Treatment

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Caron’s medical experts oversee medication-assisted treatment.

FAQs about Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment is mostly used to treat addiction to opiates like heroin and painkillers like oxycodone or hydrocodone. Combining MAT with other treatment options such as counseling and behavior modification therapies can help people safely taper their opioid dependence, stabilize their systems, and engage in their disease management plan to maintain recovery.

MAT can also reduce the discomfort of medical detox. Caron uses medication-assisted treatment in detox for those whom it is medically necessary to help stabilize their systems and safely withdraw.

To help an individual begin a sustained recovery, treatment must include a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach such as the treatment services Caron provides, including the use of medication-assisted treatment.


Yes, we let patients choose to continue with MAT during treatment based upon their personal goals and clinical need.

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