Medication-Assisted Treatment Charleston SC - How MAT Works | Hope Integrative Medicine
October 31, 2026 · 1:22
Medication-assisted treatment is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid and alcohol addiction, combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies.
Ready to Talk About Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Our West Ashley team offers confidential medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol use disorders, through hybrid in-person and virtual care. Treatment typically begins with an in-person assessment in West Ashley, followed by weekly in-person or virtual visits before moving to a monthly schedule. Each plan is tailored to the patient and their situation. Schedule an appointment today.
Transcript
Understanding medication-assisted treatment. Here are three things to know. Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medicines with counseling and behavioral therapies. It treats substance use disorders, especially opioid and alcohol use disorders. It is not one size fits all. Treatment is tailored to each person, with a focus on easing withdrawal and cravings and lowering the risk of relapse. For opioid use disorder, medicines include buprenorphine, found in Suboxone, Sublocade and Brixadi, as well as methadone and naltrexone. For alcohol use disorder, options include naltrexone, acamprosate, which helps people who have stopped drinking stay abstinent, and disulfiram, which causes unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed. People in medication-assisted treatment are more likely to stay engaged in recovery. It significantly lowers the risk of fatal overdose, especially in opioid use disorder, and reduces the risk of infections such as HIV and hepatitis C. How long treatment lasts varies, so talk with your provider about your plan. Read the full article at hopeintegrativemed.com. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buprenorphine, found in Suboxone, Sublocade and Brixadi, reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric effects of opioids.
Disulfiram, sold as Antabuse, causes unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, which discourages drinking.
Yes. Naltrexone, including the Vivitrol injection, prevents the euphoric effects of opioids and also reduces the reinforcing effects of alcohol.
