What is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders. It typically combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole-person” treatment plan. Despite common misconceptions, MAT is not about swapping one drug for another. It’s about using safe, clinically-supervised medications to help people recover from opioid and alcohol addiction more effectively and with fewer withdrawal symptoms. At Denova Collaborative Health, we offer MAT services that are personalized, compassionate, and backed by clinical research. 

How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work? 

MAT is designed to reduce cravings, relieve withdrawal symptoms, and help people engage more fully in therapy. It’s most commonly used for opioid use disorders (OUD), including heroin and synthetic opioids like fentanyl, as well as alcohol use disorder. Often times MAT supports both physical and mental health recovery by combining medication with therapy and long-term support. At Denova, we provide MAT individually or combined with therapy services. 

Medications Used in MAT 

For Opioid Use Disorder, several medications are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): 

• Buprenorphine (brands like Suboxone and Subutex) partially activates opioid receptors in the brain. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal without producing a strong “high.” 
• Naltrexone (brand name Vivitrol) is a non-addictive medication that blocks opioid receptors completely, preventing the euphoric effects of opioids. 
• Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It must be administered in a certified opioid treatment program. *Denova does not currently offer Methadone.

These medications are safe and effective when prescribed and monitored by a trained medical provider. They allow individuals to stabilize their lives so they can focus on healing and making meaningful changes. 

At Denova, our addiction-trained providers—including psychiatrists and primary care clinicians—are certified in MAT services and use some of these medications based on each person’s unique clinical needs. 

Counseling and Behavioral Therapies 

Sometimes medication alone is not enough. MAT can include behavioral health care such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based therapies. These approaches help patients understand the root causes of addiction, develop healthier coping skills, and rebuild their lives in a sustainable way. 

With over 200 licensed behavioral health providers and case managers, Denova delivers trauma-informed, recovery-focused therapy. Our team uses Denova Symptom Based Assessments to monitor the progress of mental health diagnoses like PTSD, anxiety, and depression and adapt care plans as needed. 

What MAT Treats 

MAT is primarily used to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), including addiction to prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. It is also an effective treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. In some cases, MAT may be appropriate for other types of substance use disorders when clinically indicated. 

MAT can be part of both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. At Denova, we offer MAT in an outpatient setting so clients can receive the care they need while continuing with their daily routines. We also provide addiction-focused care for perinatal and postpartum patients through our board-certified perinatal psychiatric specialists. 

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment 

MAT is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments available for opioid and alcohol addiction. Its benefits include: 

• Lower risk of overdose and relapse 
• Reduced withdrawal symptoms 
• Improved engagement in therapy and treatment programs 
• Higher treatment retention rates 
• Stronger long-term recovery outcomes 

Most importantly, MAT helps individuals feel more stable, supported, and capable of reclaiming their lives with dignity. 

Is MAT Right for You or a Loved One? 

MAT may be a good option for individuals struggling with opioid or alcohol use disorders, especially when cravings or withdrawal symptoms make recovery feel out of reach. However, MAT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. A qualified medical provider should evaluate each person’s medical history, recovery goals, and needs to determine if MAT is the right choice. 

At Denova, we know that addiction is not a moral failing. Our team is here to walk alongside you with dignity and care. We’ll help you explore your options and find the approach that works best for you or your loved one. 

Denova’s Approach to Medication-Assisted Treatment 

Denova Collaborative Health offers MAT services at multiple clinic locations across Arizona, as well as through telehealth when appropriate. We provide care to both adults and adolescents (15+), and our MAT providers are experienced in managing co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, hypertension, and diabetes. 

Our MAT services are fully integrated with therapy, psychiatry, and case management. We provide: 

• Comprehensive assessments from our CAT (Comprehensive Assessment Team) 
• Same day or next day appointments—including for hospital discharges 
• On-site access to labs, EKGs, injections, and urine drug screening 
• Support for perinatal MAT and substance use disorder care 
• Trauma-informed services for LGBTQ+ populations and multilingual communities 

Whether you’re seeking treatment for yourself or helping a loved one get care, we’ll make the process easier, not harder. We also work with all six Medicaid payors in Arizona and are committed to breaking down access barriers. 

Medication-Assisted Treatment is a safe, effective, and research-supported way to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. By combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy, MAT gives people the tools they need to feel better and build a healthier future. 

If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, contact Denova today. Our team is here to help you take the first step toward recovery—with compassion, clinical expertise, and support every step of the way.