Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid & Alcohol Addiction

Font Size: + -

Print

Call our 24/7 Access Line toll free at 888-678-7277

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a way to help people recover from substance use disorders by using both medicine and counseling. The medicines used in MAT are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and each program is designed to fit the needs of the person receiving treatment.

Studies show that MAT can help treat substance use disorders and is often used to prevent or reduce opioid overdoses. It is most commonly used for opioid addiction but can also help with other substance use disorders, like alcohol addiction.

MAT reduces cravings and blocks the "high" from alcohol and opioids. It also helps the body function properly without the harmful effects of these substances.

Opioid Use Disorder Medications

Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid use disorders for short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine, codeine and semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. These MAT medications can be used for months, years or longer. As with any medication, consult your doctor before discontinuing use.

Buprenorphine (also known as Suboxone) - suppresses and reduces cravings for opioids. It typically comes as a tablet that you put under your tongue and is taken daily.
Methadone - reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal and blunts or blocks the effects of opioids.
Naltrexone - blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids and prevents feelings of euphoria.
Sublocade: This is once-monthly injectable buprenorphine product for the treatment of moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder in adult patients who have already initiated treatment with oral buprenorphine.

Contra Costa Health's Choosing Change clinics offer buprenorphine as part of a treatment plan that includes group therapy and one-on-one meetings with a care team.

We also partner with the community organizations to provide methadone maintenance:

Learn more about MAT for opioid addiction

Alcohol Use Disorder Medications

Acamprosate, disulfiram and naltrexone are the most common medications used to treat alcohol use disorder. They are not a cure, but they are most effective when combined with counseling in a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program. All three medications are covered by Medi-Cal and available through your primary care doctor or managed health plan.

Acamprosate: This is a medication used to prevent relapse in people who have stopped drinking alcohol. It does not prevent withdrawal symptoms, but it can help people resist the urge to drink. Acamprosate is typically started on the fifth day of abstinence and reaches full effectiveness in five to eight days. It is taken in tablet form, three times a day, preferably at the same time each day. Acamprosate may have some side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea and headache. It is important to talk to your doctor about whether acamprosate is right for you and to discuss any potential side effects.
Disulfiram: Also known as Antabuse, disulfiram is a medication used to treat chronic alcoholism. It is most effective in people who have already gone through detoxification or are in the early stages of abstinence. Disulfiram is taken once a day in tablet form. It should never be taken while intoxicated or for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol. If a person taking disulfiram drinks even a small amount of alcohol, they will experience unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, headache, vomiting, chest pain and difficulty breathing. These side effects can begin within 10 minutes of drinking alcohol and can last for an hour or more.
Naltrexone: This medication blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and helps people with alcohol use disorder to reduce their drinking and stay motivated in treatment.