Opioid and alcohol addiction are treatable medical conditions. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Here’s what MAT is, how it works, and what to expect if you’re considering it near Conway, Arkansas.
What is medication-assisted treatment?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat opioid use disorder — including addiction to heroin, fentanyl, or prescription painkillers — and alcohol use disorder. Medication helps stabilize the body while therapy addresses behavior, trauma, and mental health. SAMHSA and the CDC recognize MAT as a highly effective approach for reducing overdose risk and supporting long-term recovery, with benefits that include reduced cravings, eased withdrawal symptoms, and more stable brain chemistry.
How does MAT work?
Addiction changes brain chemistry, particularly in the areas that govern reward, stress, and impulse control. MAT medications interact with these systems — some, like buprenorphine, activate opioid receptors in a controlled way; others, like naltrexone, block opioid receptors; still others reduce alcohol cravings or ease the withdrawal symptoms that often trigger relapse. At Hickory Grove Recovery, clinicians pair medication with therapy from the start, addressing trauma, coping patterns, mental health symptoms, and physical dependence together.
Medications used in MAT
For opioid use disorder:
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) — reduces cravings and withdrawal, and lowers the risk of misuse.
- Subutex (buprenorphine) — used in specific situations, including pregnancy.
- Vivitrol (naltrexone injection) — a non-addictive monthly injection that blocks the effects of opioids.
- Vivitrol (naltrexone) — a once-monthly injection that blocks the effects of opioids, started after detox is complete.
For alcohol use disorder:
- Naltrexone (oral or injectable) — reduces alcohol cravings.
- Acamprosate (Campral) — supports brain stabilization after alcohol is stopped.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) — creates an unpleasant physical reaction if alcohol is consumed.
Medical providers evaluate each person individually and select the medication that best fits their clinical history and goals.
Benefits of medication-assisted treatment
MAT can reduce overdose risk, improve treatment retention, decrease illicit opioid use, support long-term stability, and help people maintain employment and strengthen family relationships.
Common myths about MAT
“MAT replaces one addiction with another.” Clinicians carefully dose medications to prevent euphoria, stabilizing brain chemistry without creating a new pattern of addiction.
“You aren’t really sober if you use MAT.” Recovery looks different for everyone — treating a medical condition with prescribed medication is part of a legitimate recovery path.
“MAT lasts forever.” Treatment length varies by person. Some taper off over time; others benefit from longer-term stabilization, always guided by a medical provider.
What to expect from MAT at Hickory Grove Recovery
Treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment for MAT suitability, followed by medication selection integrated with individual and group therapy, ongoing medical monitoring and dosage adjustments, and coordination across detox, residential care, and aftercare planning.
Finding MAT near Conway, Arkansas
Hickory Grove Recovery is located in Morrilton, about 20 minutes from Conway via I-40. We serve individuals from Conway, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Russellville, Searcy, Benton, Bryant, and the surrounding area. Admissions is available 24/7, transportation can be arranged, and we work with commercial insurance plans. If you have Arkansas Medicaid or a PASSE plan, call admissions and we’ll talk through your options.
Take the next step toward recovery
MAT can reduce cravings, lower overdose risk, and strengthen the foundation for long-term recovery. Call us at 501.509.5143 any time — our team is available 24/7.