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One of the most common questions we hear from clients and families at More Than Rehab is also one of the most fearful: "If I start taking medication for my addiction, will I be stuck on it for the rest of my life?"
There is a pervasive stigma surrounding medication-assisted treatment in Texas, and across the country. Many people view it as "trading one addiction for another." This fear often keeps people from seeking life-saving help because they don't want to be tethered to a clinic or a prescription bottle forever.
However, the landscape of addiction medicine has changed dramatically in the last few years. MAT is no longer just about "maintenance"; it is about stabilization, neurological healing, and eventually, freedom.
At More Than Rehab, we view MAT as a bridge, not a crutch. It is a tool designed to buy you time — time to heal your brain, rebuild your life, and engage in behavioral therapy without the constant noise of cravings. But like any bridge, the goal is to get to the other side.
To understand the timeline, you first have to understand the science. There is a medical difference between a physical dependence and a substance use disorder.
MAT treats the substance abuse behaviors by stabilizing the physical dependence. When dosed correctly, medications like Suboxone or Methadone do not get you "high." Instead, they occupy the brain's opioid receptors just enough to stop withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This allows the patient to feel "normal" for the first time in years, clearing the fog so they can actually participate in mental health services and counseling.
For years, the standard for opioid use disorder was a daily pill or film (Suboxone) or a daily visit to a clinic (Methadone). While effective, the daily ritual of taking something to "feel okay" can be psychologically draining for some. It can also lead to ups and downs in medication levels throughout the day.
This is where the benefits of injectable MAT are changing the game.
When comparing Sublocade vs Suboxone, Sublocade offers a distinct advantage for those seeking long term sobriety. Sublocade is a monthly injection that releases a steady flow of buprenorphine (the active ingredient in Suboxone) into the body over 30 days.
MAT isn't just for opioids. For those struggling with alcohol use disorder, the Vivitrol shot for alcohol is a powerful tool. Unlike Antabuse (which makes you sick if you drink), Vivitrol blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol and reduces cravings.
It is non-narcotic and non-addictive. For many of our clients, getting this monthly shot provides a "safety net" that allows them to navigate early recovery events (like weddings or holidays) without the constant white-knuckling of cravings.
There is no single number, but research and clinical experience suggest a phased approach works best. The question of "how long should I stay on MAT" usually falls into three stages:
Phase 1: Stabilization (0–6 Months) The immediate goal is opioid overdose prevention and stopping the chaos. During this time, the brain is healing from the damage done by active addiction. Stopping medication too early here is the #1 cause of relapse.
Phase 2: Maintenance and Repair (6 Months – 2 Years) Once the cravings are gone, the real work begins. This is when the client rebuilds their career, repairs relationships, and dives deep into trauma therapy. The medication acts as a guardrail during this stress.
Phase 3: The Taper (Medical Decision) Once a patient has stable housing, a strong support network, and solid coping mechanisms, they may choose to taper. Tapering off Suboxone or discontinuing shots should always be done under the guidance of a health care professional.
It is important to remember that medication alone is not recovery. If you take Suboxone but don't change your behaviors, friends, or thinking patterns, you aren't recovering; you're just not using heroin today.
Real recovery happens in the groups, in therapy, and in the community. MAT simply clears the runway so that behavioral therapy can take off.
1. Is MAT just trading one addiction for another?
No. Addiction is defined by the negative impact on your life (loss of job, legal issues, health destruction). MAT stabilizes your life, allows you to hold a job, be a present parent, and improve your health. It treats the medical condition of addiction much like insulin treats diabetes.
2. Can I get the Vivitrol shot if I'm still drinking?
You generally need to be detoxed from alcohol (usually 7-10 days sober) before receiving Vivitrol to ensure your liver is healthy enough and to avoid adverse reactions. This is why inpatient detox is often the first step.
3. Does insurance cover these injections?
Most major insurance providers and Medicaid now cover Sublocade vs Suboxone and Vivitrol shots because they are proven to reduce hospitalizations. Our admissions team at MTR can verify your benefits within minutes.
4. What happens if I want to stop MAT?
You should never stop cold turkey. Withdrawal from buprenorphine can be long and uncomfortable. We will design a slow, medically supervised taper schedule to minimize discomfort and ensure your long term sobriety isn't compromised.
Whether you are interested in the Vivitrol shot for alcohol, Sublocade, or traditional detox, More Than Rehab offers a full spectrum of addiction medicine combined with the therapy you need to stay sober. Call us today. We are available 24/7 to take your call:
