What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. The American Society of Addiction Medicine recognizes MAT as the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder, and peer-reviewed research shows it cuts overdose deaths by more than 50% while improving retention and daily functioning.
If you're looking for a Suboxone doctor on Long Island, a Vivitrol provider, or a clinic that offers Sublocade or Brixadi injections, this guide explains how each medication works, who qualifies, and how to get connected with a provider in Nassau or Suffolk County.
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How MAT Works
Opioids trigger a rapid surge of reward chemistry in the brain, which is part of why opioid addiction develops so fast. MAT counters this two ways:
- Partial agonists (buprenorphine — the active ingredient in Suboxone, Sublocade, and Brixadi) bind the same brain receptors slowly and steadily, easing withdrawal and cravings without producing a high.
- Antagonists (naltrexone — Vivitrol) block those receptors entirely, so opioids produce no reward and relapse is less reinforcing.
MAT Medications Available Through Long Island Providers
Modern lineup first — methadone last.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone)
A daily film or tablet that reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal. Suboxone doctors on Long Island prescribe it in an office-based setting, making it one of the most accessible MAT options. Buprenorphine has a "ceiling effect" that lowers misuse and overdose risk; the naloxone component deters tampering.
Zubsolv (Buprenorphine/Naloxone)
A faster-dissolving daily tablet alternative to Suboxone, for patients who prefer a tablet to a film.
Sublocade (Extended-Release Buprenorphine)
A once-monthly buprenorphine injection for patients already stable on Suboxone — one monthly provider visit replaces daily dosing. We connect you with Long Island clinics that administer Sublocade.
Brixadi (Buprenorphine XR)
FDA-approved in 2023, Brixadi injections come in weekly or monthly options with flexible dosing. Unlike Sublocade, Brixadi typically does not cause injection-site nodules or welts — a preferred choice for patients concerned about visible marks. Brixadi providers are newer and less common on Long Island; we help you find one.
Vivitrol (Naltrexone)
A monthly, non-narcotic injection that blocks opioid receptors and reduces alcohol cravings. Vivitrol doctors on Long Island start it after detox, since it can precipitate withdrawal if opioids remain in the system. Vivitrol treats both opioid and alcohol use disorder.
Methadone
A full opioid agonist with more than 50 years of evidence, used primarily for severe opioid addiction. Unlike office-based buprenorphine, methadone is dispensed daily at federally regulated Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) with regular clinical oversight. We can connect you with a licensed Long Island methadone clinic when that level of structure fits.
Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder
Naltrexone (oral or Vivitrol), acamprosate, and disulfiram are FDA-approved options that reduce cravings, deter drinking, or restore chemical balance when paired with counseling.
| Medication | Type | Dosing | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suboxone | Partial agonist | Daily film/tablet | Office-based |
| Zubsolv | Partial agonist | Daily tablet | Office-based |
| Sublocade | Partial agonist (ER) | Monthly injection | Office-based |
| Brixadi | Partial agonist (XR) | Weekly/monthly injection | Office-based |
| Vivitrol | Antagonist | Monthly injection | Office-based |
| Methadone | Full agonist | Daily | OTP clinic only |
Who Should Consider MAT?
Opioid use disorder — ASAM recommends MAT as first-line treatment, especially for heroin or fentanyl use, prescription opioid dependence (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine), prior relapse after therapy alone, chronic-pain patients with dependence, those at high overdose risk, and pregnant women (buprenorphine or methadone are appropriate; naltrexone is not started in pregnancy).
Alcohol use disorder — moderate-to-severe AUD, frequent cravings, relapse despite therapy, or high-risk drinking patterns.
MAT is not appropriate for people allergic to the medications, those with severe liver disease (for some drugs), or anyone actively using opioids who is starting naltrexone (it causes precipitated withdrawal).
The MAT Treatment Process
- 1
Assessment
Clinical evaluation to determine medication fit and treatment goals.
- 2
Induction
Medication is started safely under provider supervision.
- 3
Maintenance
Stable dosing paired with counseling and recovery support.
- 4
Long-term plan
Continued maintenance or taper if and when appropriate.
The Evidence MAT Works
Peer-reviewed and federal addiction-medicine research.
Lower all-cause mortality
Sordo et al., BMJ 2017
Stay in treatment 6+ months
vs. 10–30% with therapy alone
Less illicit opioid use
Federal addiction treatment data
Employment, health, relationships
Long-term MAT outcome studies
Common Myths About MAT
Tap a myth to read the evidence-based response.
Does Insurance Cover MAT in New York?
New York state-regulated plans cannot require prior authorization for formulary buprenorphine (including Suboxone) or for injectable naltrexone (Vivitrol).
Medicaid covers Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Sublocade under a single statewide formulary. Medicare covers office-administered injectables (Sublocade, Vivitrol) under Part B and oral Suboxone under Part D. Self-funded employer (ERISA) and out-of-state plans follow different rules.
The fastest way to know what your plan covers is to let us check — free and confidential.
How to Find a MAT Provider on Long Island
When comparing programs, consider accreditation and licensing, which medications a clinic offers (do they do Sublocade and Brixadi injections, or only Suboxone?), counseling integration (including IOP / outpatient options), insurance acceptance, clinician qualifications, and location and hours.
How we help: Long Island Rehab Helpline is not a treatment facility. We listen to your goals, verify your insurance, and connect you with vetted Suboxone doctors, Vivitrol providers, and Sublocade/Brixadi clinics across Nassau and Suffolk County that pair medication with real counseling. We also partner with Long Island Addiction Resources for additional MAT program listings.
Ready to start MAT? Call for free, confidential help — available 24/7. Same-day starts available.
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Medical References & Sources
This page contains information sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature, federal health agencies, and accredited medical institutions to ensure accuracy and compliance with E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) standards.
- ASAM. "National Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder, 2020..". Available at: https://www.asam.org/quality-care/clinical-guidelines/national-practice-guideline
- NIDA. "Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder Research Report, 2021..". Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction
- Sordo L, et al. "BMJ 2017 (mortality).". Available at: https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1550
- Mattick RP, et al. "Cochrane 2014 (buprenorphine).". Available at: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD002207.pub4/full
- Jonas DE, et al. "JAMA 2014 (AUD pharmacotherapy).". Available at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1869208
- NYS OASAS. "14 NYCRR Part 822 (OTP regulations), 2024..". Available at: https://oasas.ny.gov/regulations
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. This page does not provide medical diagnoses, treatment prescriptions, or clinical recommendations. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
This content was written by certified addiction professionals and reviewed by licensed medical practitioners to ensure accuracy and adherence to current clinical guidelines. Last fact-checked: July 6, 2026.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, you can reach our 24/7 confidential Long Island Rehab Helpline at 631-762-3763 for free, confidential information and treatment referral.