Last Updated: October 5h, 2026
Yes. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) may be coordinated as part of an intensive outpatient program (IOP) when medication is appropriate, and the client is stable enough for outpatient care. Medication management supports the treatment plan. It doesn’t replace therapy, recovery skills, or clinical monitoring.
This article explains medications commonly used in MAT, how Suboxone differs from methadone, what medication support may look like during IOP, and how prescribed medications can fit into an individualized recovery plan.
What is medication-assisted treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapy to treat certain substance use disorders. For opioid-specific treatment, federal sources increasingly use the term medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD).
Medication may reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, or block the effects of a substance, depending on the medication and the condition being treated. That support may make it easier to participate in therapy and practice recovery skills. It’s not a cure, and it’s not the right option for every person.
A treatment plan may also include:
- Individual and group therapy
- Education about cravings, triggers, and return-to-use risk
- Medication monitoring and safety discussions
- Case management
- Family or recovery support when appropriate
- Aftercare and ongoing clinical follow-up
At Sophros Recovery Tampa, MAT is one part of a therapy-first, integrated approach to treatment. When considering MAT for addiction recovery, our team may look at your medical history, substance use, current medications, past treatment, recovery goals, potential risks, and ability to follow the recommended treatment plan.
Which medications are typically used in MAT?
The FDA identifies buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone as approved medications for opioid use disorder.1 Different medications work in different ways and may be provided through different treatment settings.
Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that may help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The naloxone component is included to discourage certain forms of misuse. Buprenorphine treatment, including Suboxone treatment, requires a prescription, ongoing monitoring, and a plan based on the client’s needs.
Vivitrol is an extended-release form of naltrexone. Naltrexone treatment may be used as MAT for alcohol use disorder or to help prevent a return to opioid use after the required opioid-free period. For more information about how this medication works and what to expect, Sophros Recovery Tampa offers additional guidance through our Vivitrol Addiction Treatment Guide.
Methadone is a full opioid agonist used to treat opioid use disorder through federally certified opioid treatment programs.
The right medication depends on the individual. A provider may consider the substances involved, current opioid use, withdrawal risk, liver health, other medications, previous treatment response, recovery goals, and ability to follow monitoring recommendations.
Methadone vs. Suboxone: What’s the difference?
Methadone and Suboxone can both be used to treat opioid use disorder, but they are different medications and are accessed through different treatment systems. The comparison below is general education. A medical provider can help determine which treatment option may be appropriate based on your individual needs.
| Methadone | Suboxone | |
|---|---|---|
| Medication type | Long-acting full opioid agonist | Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, combined with naloxone |
| Typical access for opioid use disorder | Dispensed through a federally certified opioid treatment program, subject to program and take-home rules | May be prescribed by an authorized clinician in office-based and other outpatient settings, subject to federal and state requirements |
| Treatment structure | Often begins with frequent contact at an opioid treatment program; take-home schedules vary | Prescription and follow-up structure vary by clinician, client needs, and program |
| Main outpatient consideration | Requires coordination with an opioid treatment program | May fit an office-based or outpatient plan when clinically appropriate |
SAMHSA explains that buprenorphine and naltrexone can be prescribed in a range of care settings, while methadone for opioid use disorder is available through certified opioid treatment programs.2 Neither medication is automatically better. A clinician should weigh safety, access, prior response, preference, other medications, and the structure a person needs.
Do not switch, start, taper, or stop methadone or Suboxone without medical guidance. Transitions between these medications can cause withdrawal or other complications if they are not managed carefully.
How MAT fits into an IOP schedule
MAT can often be coordinated with outpatient treatment when clinically appropriate. For a medically stable client, medication management may be coordinated around IOP therapy sessions. The exact arrangement depends on the medication, prescriber, treatment plan, monitoring needs, and whether another provider is involved.
A typical outpatient plan may include:
- An assessment to determine whether medication is appropriate
- Prescriber appointments or brief medication check-ins
- Monitoring for benefits, side effects, adherence, and safety
- Individual and group therapy on the IOP schedule
- Coordination between the medication provider and therapy team, with the client’s permission
- Adjustments when symptoms, cravings, substance use, or risks change
Sophros Recovery Tampa provides structured IOP services several days per week based on each client’s individualized treatment plan. Medication appointments may take place separately or be coordinated with the overall treatment plan. Virtual IOP may offer added flexibility for some clients, though prescribing and medication monitoring may have separate in-person or telehealth requirements. Read our article: What Are the Benefits of a Virtual IOP for Addiction Recovery? for more information on a virtual IOP as a treatment option.
An outpatient MAT program isn’t appropriate for every situation or client. Significant withdrawal risk, medical instability, intoxication, severe sedation, immediate safety concerns, or difficulty participating consistently may require a different level of care. A clinical assessment can help determine the most appropriate setting.
Is MAT just replacing one addiction with another? Addressing the stigma
No. Taking a prescribed medication for a substance use disorder under medical supervision is different from uncontrolled substance use. The goal is to reduce withdrawal symptoms or cravings, support stability, and help the person stay engaged in treatment and daily life.
These medications still carry risks. Methadone and buprenorphine can cause physical dependence, and misuse is possible. Physical dependence means the body adapts to a medication and may experience withdrawal if it is stopped suddenly.
Addiction involves a broader pattern of impaired control and continued use despite harmful consequences. A prescriber can help manage these risks through careful medication selection, dosing, monitoring, and gradual changes when appropriate.
SAMHSA describes medication as one part of an evidence-based treatment plan that may also include counseling, behavioral therapy, medical care, and social support.2 People may follow different recovery pathways while using medication. Some consider themselves abstinent from non-prescribed substances while taking medication as directed. Others may choose a different recovery approach with guidance from their treatment team.
At Sophros Recovery Tampa, medication is used to support therapy, not replace it. Treatment can still focus on coping skills, triggers, relationships, mental health, practical barriers, and planning for life after an IOP.
Frequently asked questions
Many plans cover substance use treatment and some related medications when medically necessary, but coverage varies. The medication, pharmacy benefit, provider network, prior authorization, deductible, and approved level of care may affect cost. Sophros Recovery Tampa can verify your insurance benefits before treatment begins.
Insurance verification can help you understand your benefits, but it does not guarantee coverage or payment.
There is no standard timeline. Some people use medication for a shorter period, while others benefit from longer treatment. Progress, cravings, stability, risks, side effects, preference, and return-to-use history may influence the plan. Medication should not be stopped or tapered without the prescribing clinician’s guidance.
Possibly. Outpatient Suboxone treatment may be appropriate when a qualified prescriber completes an assessment, and the client can follow the medication and IOP plan safely. The timing of the first dose matters, so clients should follow their prescriber’s instructions rather than starting medication on their own.
Contact Sophros Recovery Tampa to ask about current MAT options and how medication management may coordinate with IOP treatment.
No. Methadone for opioid use disorder is provided through certified opioid treatment programs.
Ask about MAT and IOP together
Medication may help some clients feel more stable as they manage cravings or withdrawal symptoms and take part in therapy. The right approach looks different for everyone and may depend on the substance involved, medical history, current symptoms, other medications, recovery goals, and whether outpatient treatment is the right fit.
If you’re wondering whether MAT could be part of your IOP plan, the Sophros Recovery Tampa team is here to talk through your options. Call 813.686.6306 or contact our Tampa team to learn more about current medication options and verify your insurance benefits.
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