Do you have to detox before receiving MAT?

While detoxification is not always required before starting medication-assisted treatment, it may be recommended in some instances. Detoxification, also known as detox, is a process that helps to manage withdrawal symptoms and prepare the body for MAT safely. During detoxification, the body undergoes a series of changes as it eliminates toxins and adjusts to the absence of the substance it has become dependent on. This process can be challenging and uncomfortable, as withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. The decision to undergo MAT should be made in consultation with an addiction specialist or healthcare provider. They will consider various factors, such as the type and severity of substance use disorder, your overall health, and your readiness for treatment. In some cases, detoxification may be necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of MAT. Depending on the substance abused, withdrawal can be fatal. For example, long-term alcoholism can result in seizures upon quitting drinking. This is why you can’t start a medication like Disulfiram which makes alcohol putrid, because you will end up quitting alcohol cold turkey leading to potentially dangerous consequences. So while the goal is MAT, you will need to detox first and then start a medication.

What medications treat opioid addiction?

These medications can assist in recovery by blocking or reversing the effects of opioids. They can be administered in the form of a tablet, film, implant, or injection. Injections will need to be administered at an Eleanor Health clinic. Buprenorphine (Subutex, Sublocade) Buprenorphine/Naloxone films or tablets (Suboxone or Zubsolv) Naltrexone Naloxone (Narcan) Eleanor Health does not prescribe Methadone.

What medications treat alcohol addiction?

These medications can reduce alcohol cravings but should not be taken while consuming alcohol due to serious side effects: Acamprosate (formerly Campral) Disulfiram (Antabuse) Naltrexone (Vivitrol or Revia)

Will my insurance cover medication for addiction treatment?

Eleanor Health accepts most major insurance plans including Aetna, Wellpoint, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicaid, and United Healthcare. If we don’t contract with your insurance plan, we will work with your out-of-network benefits to ensure you still benefit from insurance.

Does Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) work?

Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) is considered to be highly effective. Studies have shown that MAT can reduce the risk of death from a substance use disorder by more than 50% and up to 90% of people who use MAT maintain their sobriety at the 2 year mark.

Prescribed Medications

Prescription Pillars

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with therapy and peer support. It helps treat substance use disorders—especially opioid and alcohol addiction—by reducing symptoms, improving outcomes, and lowering the risk of relapse.

At Eleanor Health, we offer evidence-based medications prescribed to your unique needs and recovery goals in the following pillars.

1. Medication For Opioid Use Disorder

Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are FDA-approved treatments that help people reduce or stop their opioid use. These medications—like buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone—work by easing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and lowering the risk of relapse and overdose. At Eleanor Health, MOUD is part of a comprehensive, personalized care plan that supports long-term recovery with dignity and compassion.

2. Medications For Alcohol Use Disorder

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (MAUD) can help reduce cravings, make drinking less rewarding, and support long-term recovery. FDA-approved options like naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are most effective when combined with therapy and support. At Eleanor Health, we use these medications as part of a personalized care plan tailored to your goals—whether that’s cutting back or quitting altogether.

3. For Mental Health & Co-Occurring Conditions

Medications for Mental Health and Co-Occurring Conditions play a vital role in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges that often occur alongside substance use. These medications help stabilize mood, improve emotional well-being, and create a stronger foundation for recovery. At Eleanor Health, we integrate mental health medications into your personalized care plan to support your whole-person healing—because recovery is about more than substance use alone.

Commonly Prescribed Medications

1. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

Medications used to support recovery by reducing cravings, managing withdrawal, or discouraging alcohol use:

Disulfiram
Acamprosate
Naltrexone
Topiramate
Gabapentin

2. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

Medications used to reduce withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, and support long-term recovery:

Buprenorphine
Naloxone
Suboxone

3. Mental Health & Co-occurring Conditions (Whole Person)

Includes medications for nicotine/tobacco use, stimulant use, and withdrawal support.

Medications for Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety and PTSD

Hydroxyzine
Buspirone
Prazosin

Depression & Anxiety (Antidepressants)

Citalopram
Escitalopram
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Fluvoxamine
Duloxetine
Venlafaxine

Mood Stabilizers & Bipolar Disorder

Valproic Acid
Divalproex Sodium
Lamotrigine
Lithium
Oxcarbazepine

Antipsychotics

Aripiprazole
Iloperidone
Fluphenazine Decanoate
Ziprasidone Hydrochloride
Haloperidol
Haldol Decanoate
Paliperidone
Paliperidone Palmitate
Lurasidone
Brexpiprazole
Risperidone
Asenapine / Asenapine Maleate
Quetiapine Fumarate
Cariprazine
Olanzapine

Nicotine Use Disorder (Smoking Cessation)

Bupropion Hydrochloride (Zyban)
Varenicline (Chantix)
Nicotine Patch
Nicotine Lozenge
Nicotine Inhaler

Stimulant Use Disorder (Supportive/Off-label)

Bupropion
Dextroamphetamine/Amphetamine
Methylphenidate
Atomoxetine
Lisdexamfetamine

Withdrawal Management (Primarily for Benzodiazepine or Alcohol Withdrawal)

Lorazepam
Clonazepam
Chlordiazepoxide Hydrochloride
Oxazepam
Diazepam

A Whole-Person Approach

At Eleanor Health, we believe that recovery is about more than just treating symptoms—it’s about healing the whole person. Our whole-person care approach recognizes the deep connections between physical, mental, and emotional health, and how social factors like housing, employment, and access to support systems influence a person’s overall well-being. This patient-centered strategy not only supports individuals medically and psychologically, but also addresses the social determinants of health that often play a key role in long-term recovery outcomes.

We understand that addiction is a complex condition that often co-occurs with mental health challenges and chronic physical illnesses. In fact, over 80% of people with a substance use disorder (SUD) also face mental health conditions. Untreated physical or psychological issues can contribute to relapse, which is why we tailor our care to address all aspects of a person’s health.

Medication is just one part of recovery. At Eleanor Health, you’ll also have access to:

Individual or Group therapy
Peer recovery support
Social services and care coordination
Virtual and in-person appointments

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