Evidence that Medication Assisted Treatment MAT is More Effective than Abstinence

Best Practices for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

At our Outpatient Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic in West Virginia, we’ve been proudly serving individuals and families since April 2021. Our mission is to help those struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) reclaim their lives through evidence-based care, ongoing support, and a commitment to best clinical practices.

Whether referred to as a MAT clinic or an Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) facility, our goal is the same: to offer safe, effective, and compassionate treatment for people recovering from opioid addiction using FDA-approved medications such as oral buprenorphine (Suboxone®) or injectable buprenorphine (Brixadi) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a proven, science-backed approach to treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder (OUD). It combines medications like buprenorphine with counseling, behavioral therapies, and support services to treat the “whole person.”

MAT helps individuals:

Alleviate withdrawal symptoms
Reduce cravings
Block the euphoric effects of opioids
Prevent relapse
Improve social, emotional, and physical stability

Decades of research show that MAT significantly increases the likelihood of long-term recovery while lowering the risk of fatal overdose.

Our Approach: Best Practices for Medication-Assisted Treatment

At our outpatient MAT clinic, we follow industry-leading standards to ensure every patient receives personalized, ethical, and effective care. Below are the best practices that guide our treatment model.

1. Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Before starting any MAT program, it’s critical to perform a full patient assessment. This includes:

Substance use history
Co-occurring mental health
conditions
Physical health status
Readiness for change
Risk of relapse

This evaluation helps determine the appropriate medication and dosage while identifying other support needs (housing, employment, trauma history, etc.).

2. Informed Consent and Patient Education

We believe informed patients are empowered patients. Before initiating MAT:

Patients receive a full explanation of how MAT works, including risks and benefits.
We discuss treatment expectations and program requirements.
A treatment agreement is signed that outlines mutual responsibilities, confidentiality, and compliance standards.

Education builds trust, increases adherence, and reduces stigma around addiction and recovery.

3. Safe Induction and Stabilization

The induction phase—starting medication—is done carefully and under medical supervision:

Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) is typically initiated when a patient is in mild-to-moderate withdrawal to avoid precipitated withdrawal.
Dosage is slowly adjusted over several days based on patient response and side effects.
Patients are closely monitored during this phase to ensure safety and comfort.

This stabilization sets the foundation for long-term success in treatment.

4. Integrated Counseling and Behavioral Health Support

MAT is most effective when combined with therapy. We incorporate:

Individual counseling
Group therapy sessions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Motivational interviewing

Counseling helps patients explore root causes of addiction, develop coping strategies, and build a supportive network for recovery.

5. Routine Drug Screening and Monitoring

Ongoing toxicology screening is a vital part of MAT. It helps:

Monitor medication adherence
Observe for potential relapse
Prevent diversion or misuse
Support accountability and transparency

Urine drug screens are done randomly and frequently, helping us guide clinical decisions and adjust treatment plans as needed.

6. Individualized Dosing and Medication Management

There is no one-size-fits-all dosage. We:

Adjust medication levels based on withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and patient goals
Offer medication reviews during each visit
Monitor for any adverse reactions or drug interactions

comfort, safety, and long-term stabilization

7. Coordination of Care and Case Management

Recovery is about more than just medications. We provide referrals and help with:

Primary care and mental health services
Employment and education support
Transportation resources
Housing referrals

Case management ensures that the whole person is supported throughout recovery.

8. Long-Term Maintenance and Tapering When Appropriate

For many, MAT is a long-term or even lifelong solution. Studies show that longer durations of MAT (12 months or more) reduce relapse rates and increase stability. However, when patients are ready to taper:

We use a slow, medically supervised approach
Tapering is paired with increased behavioral support
We ensure the patient feels supported every step of the way

There is no “right” timeline for treatment—it’s about what’s best for the individual.

9. Ethical Practices and Stigma Reduction

We operate with the highest standards of confidentiality, respect, and dignity. Addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failure. Our goal is to eliminate shame and create an environment where healing and self-growth can happen.

We also work to educate the community and referral partners to reduce stigma and increase awareness of how effective MAT truly is.

Why Patients Choose Our West Virginia MAT Clinic

Since 2021, our outpatient clinic has helped hundreds of individuals find recovery through Medication-Assisted Treatment. We are proud to offer:

Same day or next-day appointments
Medicaid and BCBS insurance accepted
A respectful, non-judgmental care environment
A team of experienced addiction medicine professionals

Our commitment is not just to treatment—but to transforming lives.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Recovery is possible—and it starts with asking for help. If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction, contact us today to learn how our MAT program can support your journey to healing.

109 Tolley Drive, Bridgeport, WV 26330

Let’s walk the path to recovery—together.