Choosing the right care can change a person’s life. At Sophros Recovery Tampa, our MAT programs use medication-assisted treatment, counseling, and ongoing support to help people in West Florida remain in care and build lasting recovery. Here we explain how medication-assisted treatment works and how our clinicians personalize addiction treatment for each patient.
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment is a combination of FDA-approved medication with behavioral therapies and counseling. MAT is an evidence-based approach used to treat substance use disorders, especially opioid addiction and alcohol use disorder. Research from SAMHSA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that MAT helps normalize brain chemistry, manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery when paired with therapy.
Importantly, MAT programs do not substitute one drug for another. They use carefully chosen medication to treat a chronic, treatable disorder, then add behavioral health care so patients can practice new skills and build healthy routines during addiction recovery.
How MAT works to support recovery
Addiction changes how the brain responds to stress, rewards, and behavior. MAT medications help balance these brain pathways so patients can focus on therapy and daily life.
How the larger MAT plan works:
- Medication reduces physical symptoms like opioid withdrawal and alcohol cravings, so treatment is safer and more comfortable.
- Behavioral therapies address the psychological and social aspects of substance use. Counseling, skills training, and contingency management help patients learn to manage triggers and reduce cravings over time.
- A holistic, personalized plan weaves in mental health care, wellness, and relapse prevention. At Sophros Recovery Tampa, your plan is built around your individual needs and goals.
If you are exploring MAT programs in the Tampa Bay area, our team can explain each step and answer your questions in plain language.
Medications used in MAT at Sophros Recovery Tampa
Our clinicians use common medications that are backed by strong science. The core options include buprenorphine-based therapy and naltrexone for alcohol or opioid use disorders. Your doctor will explain benefits, side effects, and how each medication fits your diagnosis and recovery goals.
Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone)
Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist medication that attaches to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids but activates them only partially. This action helps reduce cravings and stabilize withdrawal symptoms without producing the same high as heroin or other opioids. For many patients with opioid use disorders, Suboxone lowers overdose risk and improves comfort, making it possible to focus on therapy and daily responsibilities.
How it helps:
- Eases opioid withdrawal, reduces drug cravings, and supports stability
- Allows people to more fully engage in counseling and behavioral health services
- Has a safety profile that limits the effects of other opioids
For more information, see SAMHSA: buprenorphine and MedlinePlus: buprenorphine and naloxone.
Vivitrol (naltrexone injection)
Vivitrol is a monthly injection of extended-release naltrexone. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids and reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol. Vivitrol is given after a person has fully detoxed from opioids or alcohol. In recovery, it helps prevent relapse and supports therapy progress.
How it helps:
- Blocks the effects of other opioids, supports abstinence, and can reduce cravings for alcohol
- Once monthly dosing supports adherence during early recovery
- Works best with counseling and a full relapse prevention plan
Naltrexone is also available as a daily pill rather than a monthly injection. See MedlinePlus: naltrexone (oral).
Benefits of MAT for long-term sobriety
When thoughtfully combined with therapy, medication-assisted treatment offers clear benefits for people struggling with substance use:
- Fewer relapses and better retention; people remain in treatment longer
- Safer detoxification with fewer severe withdrawal symptoms
- Lower overdose risk for opioid addiction and better stability for alcohol use disorder
- More time and energy for health, work, and families
- Reduced criminal activity and improved functioning across a person’s life
- Support for mental health concerns like anxiety and sleep issues
- Stronger engagement in behavioral health care and support groups
These outcomes are supported by national data from SAMHSA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
How MAT fits with therapy and support
Medication helps with the physical aspects of addiction, like opioid withdrawal and alcohol cravings. Therapy addresses behavior, thoughts, and relationships. In our programs, counseling may include cognitive behavioral strategies, relapse prevention skills, and goal setting. Evidence shows that behavioral therapies, including contingency management, help patients build new habits and maintain change over time.
Learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs in Tampa, Florida.
Why choose Sophros Recovery Tampa for MAT programs
Some of the reasons people choose Sophros Recovery:
- Medical expertise and safety: MAT is started and monitored by licensed clinicians who understand addiction science and behavioral health needs. We coordinate with your doctor as needed to keep care aligned with your health history.
- Personalized plans: Every plan is tailored to your diagnosis, substance use history, mental health factors, and goals. Dosing, therapy, and follow-up are adjusted as you progress.
- Integrated services: We are not a stand-alone MAT clinic. We combine medication, counseling, and relapse prevention for comprehensive addiction treatment. You will have clear steps, scheduled check-ins, and support that adapts to your needs.
- Local, compassionate care in Florida: Our Tampa team offers convenient scheduling and a welcoming space for patients and families. We focus on dignity, acceptance, and practical tools that help you move forward.
Curious how treatment fits your schedule and support system? Read about our flexible Day or Night Treatment Program.
What to expect in your first visits
Here’s what treatment looks like as you get started:
- Assessment and diagnosis: We review your health history, current symptoms, goals, and priorities so we can tailor your plan appropriately. Lab work may be ordered if needed to guide safe prescribing.
- Start medication: Your clinician explains benefits, dosing, and how to take the medication. If Suboxone is chosen, you will learn how to start safely as opioids leave your system. If Vivitrol is selected, we confirm you are opioid-free before the first injection.
- Counseling plan: You will begin therapy that matches your needs. Together we set a relapse prevention plan and start working on integrating strategies into everyday life.
- Follow-up and adjustments: We meet regularly to adjust the medication, track symptoms, and support progress.
If you have questions during this process, call 813.544.2175 or review our overview of medication-assisted treatment in Tampa.
Safety, side effects, and informed choices
All medications have possible side effects. Your clinician will review interactions with other drugs and safety steps before you start. Examples of more common side effects include:
- Buprenorphine and naloxone (Suboxone), used as a film or tablet, can cause headache, nausea, or constipation for some patients.
- Naltrexone, in pill or injection form, is started only after opioids or alcohol are cleared to avoid sudden withdrawal. Possible side effects include decreased appetite, headache, and trouble sleeping.
MAT is safest when overseen by medical professionals and paired with therapy. Never start, stop, or change a treatment medication without guidance from your care team.
MAT in Tampa, Florida, for opioid and alcohol use disorders
Our MAT programs support people with opioid addiction related to prescription pain drugs, heroin, or other opioids, as well as alcohol use disorder. Treatment decisions are based on your goals, the substances involved, and other health factors. Many patients begin with medication and counseling as a first line of support, then step up or step down to different levels of care as symptoms change.
If alcohol is part of your story, you can learn more at our alcohol addiction rehab page.
Start your recovery journey in Tampa, Florida
You are not alone. MAT programs give you a clear process to treat addiction with compassionate, evidence-based care. Sophros Recovery is here to help you take the next step in the Tampa Bay area. Call 813.544.2175 for a confidential consultation. With the right combination of medication, therapy, and support, recovery is possible.
Are you seeking addiction treatment in Northeast Florida? Learn about our MAT program in Jacksonville.
