About Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) at Trust SoCal combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy and counseling to provide a comprehensive, whole-patient approach to treating substance use disorders. Our JCAHO-accredited MAT program in Fountain Valley, Orange County, is overseen by board-certified addiction medicine physicians who specialize in the pharmacological management of opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other substance dependencies.
MAT is one of the most extensively researched and effective approaches to addiction treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT has been shown to reduce opioid overdose deaths by more than 50 percent, decrease illicit opioid use, reduce criminal activity, improve treatment retention rates, and increase social functioning. Despite this overwhelming evidence, MAT remains underutilized due to stigma and misinformation. At Trust SoCal, we are committed to providing MAT as a core component of our evidence-based treatment approach.
The medications used in our MAT program include buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade), naltrexone (Vivitrol), and other FDA-approved agents. For opioid use disorder, buprenorphine reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoria associated with full opioid agonists, while naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids entirely. For alcohol use disorder, medications such as naltrexone and acamprosate help reduce cravings and support abstinence. Our physicians carefully evaluate each client to determine the most appropriate medication based on their specific substance use history, medical profile, and treatment goals.
Critically, MAT at Trust SoCal is never medication alone. Each client receiving MAT also participates in ongoing behavioral therapy, including individual counseling, group therapy, and psychoeducation. Research consistently demonstrates that the combination of medication and behavioral therapy produces superior outcomes compared to either approach in isolation. Our therapists work with MAT clients on relapse prevention, coping skills, trauma processing, and the development of a sustainable recovery lifestyle.
MAT can be integrated at any point along the treatment continuum, from medical detox through outpatient care and long-term maintenance. Some clients begin MAT during detox and continue throughout their residential and outpatient treatment. Others may start MAT during outpatient care as part of their ongoing recovery support plan. The duration of MAT is determined by clinical need and is highly individualized. Some clients benefit from short-term medication support, while others may continue MAT for years or indefinitely, depending on their clinical profile and personal goals.
Trust SoCal's MAT program also includes regular medical monitoring, including office visits for medication adjustments, urine drug screening, and assessment of side effects and overall health. Our physicians coordinate closely with the broader clinical team to ensure that MAT is fully integrated into each client's comprehensive treatment plan. Call (949) 280-8360 to speak with our team about Medication-Assisted Treatment options.