Compassionate, evidence-based MAT care available via telehealth across Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, and more, or in-office at our psychiatric clinics.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders (SUDs) that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. It is designed to address the whole person by managing withdrawal, reducing cravings, preventing relapse, and supporting long-term recovery.
MAT is most commonly used for opioid use disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD), though it is also applied to other substance dependencies. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), MAT improves patient survival, increases retention in treatment, decreases illicit drug use, and reduces criminal activity among people with substance use disorders.
Unlike detox alone, MAT treats the neurological and behavioral dimensions of addiction together. Substance use disorder is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. It is a complex, brain-based medical condition that responds well to appropriate, integrated care.
At Care Anywhere Psychiatry, our experienced psychiatric providers offer personalized MAT evaluation and treatment via telehealth in Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Iowa, Florida, and Delaware, as well as in-office visits in Medford OR, Redlands CA, Fountain Hills AZ, and Las Vegas NV.
Substance use disorder exists on a spectrum from mild to severe. The DSM-5 defines SUD as a pattern of substance use that causes significant impairment or distress. To receive a clinical diagnosis, symptoms must persist for at least 12 months and cause meaningful interference in daily life.
Using a substance in larger amounts or for longer periods than originally planned, despite intentions to limit use.
Persistent desire to reduce or stop use, paired with repeated unsuccessful efforts to do so.
Spending a significant portion of the day obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of a substance.
Strong urges or compulsive desires to use the substance that are difficult to redirect or resist.
Neglecting obligations at work, school, or home as a result of substance use or recovery from it.
Continuing to use despite ongoing social, interpersonal, occupational, or health problems directly caused or worsened by the substance.
Giving up social engagements, hobbies, or important activities that were once meaningful in order to use.
Using substances in physically dangerous contexts, such as while driving, operating machinery, or caring for children.
Needing significantly more of a substance over time to achieve the same effect, or experiencing a reduced effect with the same amount.
Experiencing physical or psychological symptoms when reducing or stopping use, including nausea, sweating, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, or pain.
Substance use disorders vary by substance, severity, and individual presentation. Our providers are experienced in diagnosing and treating all of the following through MAT and integrated behavioral care.
Opioid use disorder involves compulsive use of opioids including prescription pain medications such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as illicit opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. OUD carries a high risk of overdose and is one of the most common SUDs treated with MAT. FDA-approved medications including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are the standard of care.
Alcohol use disorder ranges from mild to severe and involves an inability to control drinking despite harmful consequences. MAT for AUD includes FDA-approved medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram, which reduce cravings, ease withdrawal, and support sustained abstinence.
Tobacco use disorder is among the most prevalent and undertreated SUDs. MAT options include nicotine replacement therapies as well as prescription medications such as varenicline and bupropion, which reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms during cessation.
Stimulant use disorder involves compulsive use of cocaine, methamphetamine, or prescription stimulants. While no FDA-approved MAT medications currently exist for stimulants, treatment integrates evidence-based behavioral therapies, particularly contingency management, alongside psychiatric support.
Dependence on benzodiazepines or sedatives requires careful, medically supervised tapering and withdrawal management. Our providers create individualized protocols to safely reduce use while addressing the underlying anxiety or sleep conditions that often co-occur.
SUDs frequently co-occur with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and other psychiatric conditions. Integrated treatment, addressing both disorders simultaneously, produces significantly better outcomes than treating each in isolation. Our providers are trained in dual-diagnosis care across all presentations.
Substance use disorders do not develop from a single cause. They arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors, none of which reflect personal failure or a lack of character.
SUDs are highly heritable. Having a parent or sibling with a substance use disorder significantly increases a person’s biological vulnerability to developing one.
Substances hijack the brain’s dopamine reward system, producing intense feelings of pleasure that reinforce continued use. Over time, the brain adapts by reducing its natural dopamine production, making it increasingly difficult to feel pleasure or motivation without the substance.
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD are among the most common conditions that co-occur with SUDs. Many individuals begin using substances to self-medicate undiagnosed or untreated psychiatric symptoms, which can rapidly escalate into physical and psychological dependence.
Using substances during adolescence, when the brain is still developing, significantly increases the risk of developing a long-term SUD. Early exposure to addictive substances reshapes neural pathways during a critical developmental window.
Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences
A history of trauma, abuse, neglect, or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is strongly associated with higher rates of substance use disorder. Trauma does not cause addiction directly, but it dramatically increases vulnerability.
Social and Environmental Factors
Peer influence, social environments where substance use is normalized, and easy access to drugs or alcohol all contribute to risk. Socioeconomic stressors including poverty, unemployment, and housing instability further compound vulnerability.
Prescription Opioid Exposure
Many cases of opioid use disorder began with legitimate prescriptions for pain management. Long-term opioid use can produce physical dependence even in patients who take medications exactly as prescribed.
Substance use disorders are highly treatable. Most individuals see meaningful improvement in stability, cravings, relationships, and quality of life with a personalized MAT plan. Our psychiatric providers create individualized treatment plans that may include:
A thorough assessment of your substance use history, mental health history, medical background, and personal goals, forming the foundation of an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Depending on your substance use history and clinical profile, your provider may prescribe medications including buprenorphine (Suboxone), naltrexone (Vivitrol), methadone coordination, acamprosate, or disulfiram. We monitor your response closely and adjust prescriptions as needed to find the right fit for your life and recovery goals.
We connect patients with qualified therapists for evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and contingency management strategies that work alongside medication to address the psychological dimensions of addiction and build lasting recovery skills.
Many patients receiving MAT also have underlying depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychiatric conditions. Our providers treat both simultaneously, because addressing only one will limit the effectiveness of the other.
Regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress, manage side effects, adjust medication as needed, and provide continued support as your recovery evolves. Effective MAT is an ongoing partnership, not a one-time prescription.
You do not need to wait until things are unmanageable to reach out for help. Consider speaking with one of our psychiatric providers if:
We offer telehealth MAT treatment across Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Iowa, Florida, and Delaware, as well as in-person psychiatric care in Medford OR, Redlands CA, Fountain Hills AZ, and Las Vegas NV. We accept most major insurance plans.
Karen Linares received her PMHNP at Western University of Health Sciences and is board certified with both ANCC and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She provides telehealth psychiatric and general medicine services, with a commitment to under-served communities.
Yes. Care Anywhere Psychiatry offers telehealth MAT evaluation and treatment in Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Iowa, Florida, and Delaware. Appointments are available online from the comfort and privacy of your home. Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) can be prescribed through telehealth by our licensed providers.
This is one of the most common misconceptions about MAT. The medications used in MAT are prescribed at specific clinical doses to stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and allow patients to function and engage in recovery. They do not produce the euphoric high that drives addictive behavior when taken as prescribed. Research consistently shows that MAT reduces overdose deaths, illicit drug use, and criminal activity while improving quality of life. It is a medical treatment, not a substitution.
There is no universal timeline. Duration depends on the individual, the substance, and ongoing clinical assessment. Some patients benefit from MAT for a few months during early recovery. Others remain on medications for years or indefinitely, much like a person with diabetes remains on insulin. SAMHSA and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recommend against arbitrary time limits on MAT, as longer treatment duration is associated with better outcomes. Tapering decisions are made collaboratively between the patient and provider.
Yes. It is never too late to seek help. Many adults reach their 30s, 40s, or beyond before seeking formal treatment for a substance use disorder. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation can identify the appropriate level of care and treatment approach at any stage, and MAT can produce significant improvements in functioning regardless of how long the disorder has been present.
Yes. We accept a variety of insurance plans including Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Optum, Magellan, and BlueCross Blue Shield in select states. Medicaid and Medicare are accepted in Oregon and Nevada. Cash pay is also available. Contact our office to verify your specific coverage before your appointment.
Our compassionate psychiatric team is here to help. Book a new patient appointment today.
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