Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Mount Sterling, KY: What It Is, Who It Helps, Medications Used, and How to Start

Struggling with a substance use disorder can feel overwhelming physically, emotionally, and in your relationships. The good news, recovery is possible. One of the most effective, evidence-based approaches is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and create a stable foundation for long-term treatment success.

If you are in the Mount Sterling, KY area, Sterling Crossroads offers compassionate, personalized medication-assisted treatment on an outpatient basis. Call 888.991.1476 or reach out online to get started.

What is MAT?

Medication-assisted treatment treats substance use disorders, primarily opioid use disorder and alcohol addiction, by pairing medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. Addiction can change brain chemistry and stress responses. MAT is an evidence-based approach that helps stabilize brain chemistry, reduce withdrawal symptoms, minimize cravings, and free up mental bandwidth so you can engage fully in therapy, life skills, and relapse prevention work.

MAT is not just meds. It is a comprehensive plan that addresses the medical, psychological, and social sides of substance use.

Is MAT right for you?

Ask yourself:

• Have I tried to stop but couldn’t follow through?
• Do I have strong cravings or withdrawal symptoms when I cut back?
• Have prior programs not stuck long term?
• Would a plan that combines medication with behavioral therapies fit me better?
• Do I want a personalized treatment plan based on my goals and history?

If you answered yes to any of these, consider a professional evaluation. The best way to know if MAT treatment is appropriate for you starts with a thorough assessment that reviews your medical history, substance use, mental health, goals, and safety needs.

How MAT works

Comprehensive addiction treatment works on multiple levels at once for better treatment outcomes:

• Biology: Medications reduce withdrawal symptoms and quiet physical cravings so you are not white knuckling it every day.
• Psychology: Counseling helps you process trauma, manage stress, and build coping skills using different behavioral interventions.
• Lifestyle: With stability, you can repair relationships, return to school or work, stay engaged with support groups, and rebuild routines that support recovery.

Medication-assisted treatment does not replace effort; it helps your effort count and supports long-term recovery.

Conditions MAT treats

MAT is used for opioid use disorder, including dependence on heroin and many prescription pain relievers. Alcohol use disorder can be treated with medications such as acamprosate, disulfiram, and extended release naltrexone as appropriate. Co-occurring mental health concerns are supported through behavioral therapies and, if appropriate, psychiatric medications. Medication-assisted treatment does not cure substance use on its own, but it does support better daily functioning so people are able to benefit more from therapy and other supports.

FDA-approved medication options

The purpose of medication-assisted treatment is to stabilize patients medically, assist patients with early recovery skills, and create space for behavioral therapies. Different medications serve different purposes. Your provider will recommend the safest, most effective option for your situation under medical supervision. Here are three common MAT medications:

Suboxone (buprenorphine plus naloxone) for opioid use disorder

• Purpose: Reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and lowers misuse potential.
• How it works: Buprenorphine partially activates opioid receptors to ease symptoms while naloxone helps deter tampering or misuse.
• Good fit for: People who benefit from a take-home medication under clinical guidance.

Sublocade (extended-release buprenorphine) for opioid use disorder

• Purpose: A maintenance treatment in the form of a monthly injection that maintains a steady dose.
• How it works: Provides consistent buprenorphine levels, easing opioid withdrawal and cravings.
• Good fit for: Those who want convenience and consistency without having to remember a pill every day. Learn more on our Sublocade treatment page.

Vivitrol (extended-release naltrexone) for opioid and alcohol use disorders

• Purpose: Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks euphoric effects of opioids and reduces alcohol cravings. Vivitrol is a brand of extended-release naltrexone given as a monthly injection.
• How it works: It prevents opioids from binding to brain receptors; for AUD it helps minimize cravings for alcohol.
• Important: Naltrexone requires full detox from opioids before the first dose to avoid precipitated withdrawal; for alcohol, detox is typically completed before starting, based on clinical judgment.
• Good fit for: People seeking a no-opioid option for OUD or support for AUD. Read more on our Vivitrol treatment page.

Medication choice depends on your history, current use, health considerations, and goals. At Sterling Crossroads, you and your medical providers decide together after a careful evaluation.

The CDC offers additional background on medications to treat opioid use disorder.

Benefits of MAT treatment

Real benefits of medication-assisted treatment can include:

• Cravings dial down: You can think clearly and focus on therapy without constant distraction from physical cravings.
• Withdrawal is manageable: Less survival mode and more healing means you can attend support groups and therapy consistently.
• Relapse risk drops: Evidence shows reduced overdose and improved treatment retention with appropriate medication-assisted treatment.
• Life stabilizes: It’s easier to show up at work or school and in relationships, which supports whole-patient recovery.
• Safety improves: There is a lower risk of opioid overdose and complications from opioid misuse or alcohol abuse.

Pros and cons of medication-assisted treatment

Pros and cons of medication assisted treatment will look different for each person. Here are some considerations:

Key advantages

Important considerations

Evidence-based approach: Medication-assisted treatment is backed by decades of research and is an effective treatment option for many people with opioid dependence and alcohol use disorder. Treats the whole patient, pairing medications with counseling, behavioral interventions, and peer support to address medical and physical aspects plus coping skills. Improves treatment outcomes: Studies associate MAT with lower mortality, less illicit opioid use, better treatment retention, and improved social functioning. Flexible formats, from office based buprenorphine to extended release naltrexone that does not require daily dosing.

Need for medical supervision: Starting and adjusting medications safely requires trained treatment providers and follow-up care. Possible adverse effects: As with any medication, there can be side effects. Your care team weighs risks and benefits with you and monitors your response. Stigma: A common misconception is that MAT is just substituting one drug for another. Even though MAT addresses addiction in a controlled, therapeutic way, stigma can persist because of misinformation. Access: MAT can be difficult to access, especially in rural communities. Not a stand-alone fix: Medication works best with counseling, skills practice, and ongoing peer support groups to reduce relapse risks.

Our job is to help you weigh the pros and cons of medication-assisted treatment in the context of your goals and health history. If you have questions about medication-assisted treatment for your situation, our team is ready to help.

MAT in Kentucky: why access matters

Kentucky has been hit hard by the opioid epidemic, and many families in rural areas have limited access to care. Having effective treatment close to home matters for safety and stability. Access to evidence-based medication-assisted treatment and behavioral therapies is critical for prevention of opioid overdose and for durable recovery.

How to start MAT at Sterling Crossroads, step by step

1. Contact us and let us know you are interested in MAT or want help exploring options. We answer questions, review basics, and schedule your intake quickly, often within 1 to 2 days based on availability.
2. We verify insurance benefits and discuss options so you know what to expect.
3. Our team does a comprehensive intake that reviews your medical and mental health history, substance use, and goals to determine the safest and most effective treatment plan.
4. You begin your personalized plan, starting medication when appropriate, therapy, skills training, and family support, often the same week as intake.

You do not need a referral to begin.

Safety, medical supervision, and what to expect

Here’s what you can expect going into medication-assisted treatment:

• Induction: Your first doses are carefully timed to reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal and to minimize cravings.
• Maintenance treatment: Once stabilized, you and your medical provider decide whether daily medication, monthly extended-release injections, or another approach fits best.
• Monitoring: Routine follow-up visits support dose adjustments, side effect management, and progress in therapy. This is part of whole patient care.
• Ongoing supports: We encourage peer support, family education, and other psychosocial supports that complement behavioral therapies.

If you are starting extended-release naltrexone, we will confirm an adequate opioid free window before your first injection. If you prefer buprenorphine, your clinician will time the first dose after early withdrawal begins to relieve symptoms safely.

How long are people on MAT?

Length varies. Some people use medication short term, others continue for years as maintenance treatment. Decisions are based on progress, risks, and goals, and they are made with your treatment providers.

MAT medications and pregnancy

Medication-assisted treatment can be used during pregnancy. Clinical teams consider maternal stability, fetal outcomes, and overdose risk when developing a plan. Sterling Crossroads will coordinate with your obstetric provider and ensure careful medical supervision if pregnancy is a consideration.

Whole-person addiction treatment at Sterling Crossroads

Medication-assisted treatment works best as part of a comprehensive, personalized plan with counseling and social supports. We offer individual and group therapy that teaches coping skills, relapse prevention, and life planning. We also support family involvement to strengthen recovery at home. Our outpatient care offers flexible schedules, with day and evening options to accommodate work or family responsibilities. And in addition to their expertise, our compassionate team is judgment-free, trauma-informed, and community-minded.

You do not have to do this alone. Medication-assisted treatment can make recovery safer, steadier, and more sustainable. Get help for opioid dependence or manage alcohol use disorder with a comprehensive treatment approach. We are ready to help you take the next step.