02 Dec What Options Are Available for MAT — and How Do You Choose What Fits You?

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MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling, behavioral therapy, and support services to treat substance use disorders (especially opioid and alcohol use disorders). The goal is to reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, prevent relapse, and help people build stability in recovery.

In Rhode Island, MAT is offered at specialized clinics, community treatment centers, and designated opioid-treatment programs (OTPs), including those connected to statewide initiatives for opioid use support.

Methadone

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that has been used for decades to treat opioid addiction safely and effectively. It attaches to the same brain receptors as other opioids but does so in a slow, controlled way that prevents withdrawal and reduces cravings without producing the intense high associated with opioid misuse. Methadone is dispensed through licensed opioid treatment programs (OTPs) where individuals receive medical monitoring, counseling, and structured support. This medication can be especially helpful for people with long-term or high-intensity opioid use who need daily stability to rebuild their lives.

Buprenorphine and Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Commonly Known as Suboxone)

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors only partially, resulting in a ceiling effect that reduces the risk of misuse, overdose, and respiratory depression. When combined with naloxone, it adds an additional layer of safety by deterring misuse. Buprenorphine can often be prescribed in office-based settings, including outpatient clinics and primary care practices. This flexibility makes it a strong option for individuals who need less structure than a daily methadone clinic but still require medical and therapeutic support. It reduces cravings, prevents withdrawal, and helps individuals regain emotional and physical stability.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that works by blocking opioid receptors entirely, preventing any euphoric effects if opioids are used. It does not reduce cravings the same way methadone or buprenorphine do, but it is a valuable option for people who are highly motivated for abstinence-based recovery or who cannot take opioid agonist medications for medical or personal reasons. Naltrexone is available as a daily pill or a monthly long-acting injectable and is also used to support individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder by reducing cravings and minimizing the rewarding effects of drinking.

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

In addition to naltrexone, other FDA-approved medications help people reduce or stop alcohol use. Acamprosate helps stabilize brain activity altered by long-term alcohol misuse and reduces cravings, especially during the early months of sobriety. Some individuals may also receive disulfiram, which creates an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed and is used in specific situations where accountability and structure are strong.

Counseling and Behavioral Therapies in MAT

No matter which medication is used, counseling remains a core component of MAT. Therapy helps individuals:

• Understand the emotional and behavioral roots of addiction
• Develop coping strategies for stress, cravings, and triggers
• Strengthen communication and rebuild relationships
• Create relapse-prevention plans
• Address co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression

Many MAT programs in Rhode Island include individual therapy, group therapy, family sessions, and access to case management or peer support.

Choosing the Right MAT Option

The best MAT option depends on the individual’s history, substance use patterns, mental health needs, lifestyle, and comfort level. People with severe withdrawal risk or long-term opioid dependence may benefit more from methadone, while those seeking flexibility may choose buprenorphine. Individuals committed to abstinence or recovering from alcohol use may prefer naltrexone or acamprosate. What matters most is choosing a program that offers medical oversight, evidence-based therapies, and supportive care that aligns with your long-term goals.

MAT in Rhode Island: What to Expect

Rhode Island offers a variety of MAT settings, including outpatient clinics, office-based prescribing, opioid treatment programs, and integrated behavioral-health centers. Many programs provide medication, therapy, case management, and recovery support all in one place, allowing individuals to receive comprehensive care tailored to their needs. MAT is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is a customizable pathway designed to help people stabilize, heal, and rebuild their lives at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.

You Deserve Effective, Compassionate Treatment

If you’re exploring options for MAT in Rhode Island, know that you have choices. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone each support recovery in different ways, and the right program will help you determine what fits your needs and goals. With the combination of medication, therapy, and ongoing support, MAT can provide safety, stability, and a strong foundation for long-term recovery.

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• If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at org. To learn how to get support for mental health, drug or alcohol conditions, visit FindSupport.gov. If you are ready to locate a treatment facility or provider, you can go directly to FindTreatment.govor call 800-662-HELP (4357).
• U.S. veterans or service members who are in crisis can call 988 and then press “1” for the Veterans Crisis Line. Or text 838255. Or chat online.
• The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. has a Spanish language phone line at 1-888-628-9454 (toll-free).

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Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD