Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in New York
Medication-assisted treatment has revolutionized addiction recovery, particularly for opioid use disorder. If you've tried to quit opioids or alcohol through willpower alone and couldn't, MAT offers a different path. FDA-approved medications can reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and let you focus on rebuilding your life rather than fighting your brain chemistry every moment.
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MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies for a "whole patient" approach. For opioid addiction, medications include buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex), methadone, and naltrexone (Vivitrol). For alcohol addiction, options include naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram.
These medications work by affecting the same brain receptors that opioids and alcohol target, but in safer, controlled ways. Buprenorphine and methadone reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal without causing the high of heroin or painkillers. Naltrexone blocks opioid effects entirely, making using pointless. For alcohol, naltrexone reduces the pleasurable effects of drinking, while acamprosate helps restore chemical balance.
MAT isn't about trading one addiction for another. When taken as prescribed, these medications normalize brain chemistry rather than disrupting it. They're tools that make recovery possible for people who couldn't achieve it through abstinence-only approaches.
MAT begins with evaluation to determine the right medication for your situation. For opioid addiction, this might mean same-day or next-day start on buprenorphine—you don't need to be in severe withdrawal. Methadone requires daily clinic visits initially. Vivitrol is a monthly injection that works best after a period of abstinence.
Medication alone isn't MAT—counseling is essential. You'll work with therapists on the behavioral and psychological aspects of addiction while medication handles the physical cravings. Many people attend individual and group therapy alongside medication management.
Treatment duration varies. Some people successfully taper off medication after 1-2 years; others benefit from longer-term or indefinite maintenance. The focus is stability and quality of life, not rushing off medication to prove something.
- People with opioid use disorder (painkillers, heroin, fentanyl)
- People with alcohol use disorder
- Those who have tried abstinence-only treatment without success
- People experiencing severe cravings
- Those who need help managing withdrawal
- Anyone seeking evidence-based treatment
Starting MAT is increasingly quick and accessible. Many New York programs offer same-day starts for buprenorphine. Methadone programs require intake assessment but can typically start within days. Initial appointments involve medical evaluation, discussion of options, and beginning medication if appropriate.
You'll have regular appointments for medication management—more frequent initially, then typically monthly once stabilized. Counseling happens alongside medication, either at the same program or separately. Random drug screening is standard to monitor progress and safety.
Typical Duration:
Treatment duration is individualized. Many treatment guidelines recommend at least 1-2 years of MAT before considering tapering. Some people remain on medication indefinitely—there's no shame in this if it maintains your recovery and quality of life. What matters is that it's working.
New York has extensively expanded MAT access. Opioid treatment programs (OTPs) provide methadone throughout the state. Buprenorphine is available through certified physicians in both specialty programs and primary care settings. Vivitrol can be administered at various medical facilities. Telehealth has further expanded access, particularly for buprenorphine.
MAT is the gold standard for opioid addiction treatment. Research consistently shows it reduces opioid use, decreases overdose deaths, improves treatment retention, and helps people maintain employment and relationships. The evidence is overwhelming—MAT saves lives. For alcohol, medications significantly improve abstinence rates when combined with counseling.
Centers Offering Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
OASAS-licensed facilities in New York
820 River Street Inc, located in Albany, NY, offers a wide range of substance use treatment options. Their services include intensive outpatient programs, traditional outpatient care, and outpatient treatments featuring methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone. With a strong emphasis on 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief interventions, the facility is dedicated to serving adult men, women, and individuals who have experienced trauma. The center is inclusive, providing specialized care for both adults and adolescents, ensuring that both male and female clients receive the support they need. Renowned for its quality care and customized programs, 820 River Street Inc is an essential resource for anyone in the Albany area looking for effective rehabilitation services.
820 River Street Inc, nestled in Queensbury, NY, provides a comprehensive approach to substance use treatment for adults who are also dealing with serious mental health issues, as well as emotional disturbances in children. Our center offers a variety of services, including intensive outpatient and outpatient programs, as well as methadone and buprenorphine treatment. We utilize a range of effective methods such as 12-step facilitation, brief interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy. What makes us unique is our commitment to serving a diverse community, including special programs tailored for active duty military personnel, adolescents, and adult men. We are proud to support both adults and children/adolescents, accepting clients of all genders. At 820 River Street Inc, our goal is to provide high-quality, personalized care that nurtures successful rehabilitation journeys for everyone we serve.
Abbott, situated in Orchard Park, NY, is a leading rehabilitation center that specializes in outpatient services for individuals dealing with substance use issues and co-occurring disorders, both in adults and children. Our facility offers a variety of treatment options, including outpatient methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone therapies. We pride ourselves on utilizing evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and anger management. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of diverse groups, including active duty military personnel, adolescents, and adult men. At Abbott, we are committed to providing personalized care and support for all our clients, ensuring that both men and women receive the compassion and help they need to triumph over addiction and mental health challenges.
Access Recovery, located in Middletown, NY, is dedicated to providing a variety of evidence-based treatment programs designed to support both adults and children struggling with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Whether you’re looking for intensive outpatient, standard outpatient, or specialized treatment options like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, the center has you covered. At Access Recovery, we take a comprehensive approach to care that includes techniques such as anger management, brief interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy. This ensures that each client receives personalized support that truly meets their individual needs. Our facility also offers specialized programs tailored for active duty military members, adolescents, and adult men, making our services inclusive for a wide range of clients. We proudly serve both males and females across all age groups, providing the quality care and support essential for those on the path to recovery from addiction and mental health challenges.
Situated in Rochester, NY, "Action for a Better Community" is dedicated to providing comprehensive substance use treatment, alongside specialized care for those facing co-occurring serious mental health conditions. This facility offers a range of outpatient programs, including effective methadone and buprenorphine treatments. With a strong emphasis on 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief intervention strategies, the center serves adult men and women as well as children and adolescents who have dealt with intimate partner violence. Recognizing the unique needs of both genders, "Action for a Better Community" is committed to delivering quality care for all clients on their journey toward recovery from substance use disorders and mental health challenges.
At Addiction Care Interventions in Brooklyn, NY, we understand that tackling substance use can be particularly challenging for adults who are also dealing with serious mental health issues or emotional struggles. That's why we offer specialized treatment options that cater to those unique needs. Our facility provides both residential and short-term residential programs, ensuring that our clients receive 24-hour care in a nurturing and supportive environment. We believe in a personalized approach to treatment, utilizing methods like 12-step facilitation, anger management, and brief interventions to tailor our care for each individual. We take pride in offering unique programs designed specifically for adult men and women, as well as clients who have faced intimate partner or domestic violence. Our commitment extends to adults and young adults of all genders, as we prioritize delivering quality care and comprehensive support for anyone looking to overcome addiction.
Editorial Team
Healthcare Information SpecialistsMedical Training NYC
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Content Information
This content is compiled from official government sources including SAMHSA and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Our editorial team verifies facility licensing and updates information regularly.
Important: This is a directory service providing information only. We do not provide medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always consult with healthcare professionals before making treatment decisions.
If you're experiencing a medical emergency:
- SAMHSA - Medication-Assisted Treatment — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- NIDA - Medications to Treat Opioid Use Disorder — View source (Accessed December 2025)
- NY OASAS — View source (Accessed December 2025)