Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Scranton, PA
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the evidence-based use of FDA-approved medications — combined with counseling and behavioral therapies — to treat substance use disorders. For opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, MAT is recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as the gold standard of care, producing significantly better outcomes than either medication or therapy alone.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania, where opioid use disorder and alcohol addiction have placed enormous strain on communities throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, access to high-quality, integrated MAT has historically been limited. Provive Wellness in Scranton, PA offers MAT integrated with PHP and IOP programs — bringing evidence-based addiction treatment close to home for adults throughout NEPA. Call (610) 947-0800 to speak with our admissions team.
Key Takeaways
- MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder.
- SAMHSA identifies MAT as the gold standard of care for opioid use disorder — significantly reducing cravings, withdrawal, and overdose risk.
- MAT is not “trading one addiction for another” — this misconception is both inaccurate and clinically harmful. MAT medications are prescribed and monitored by licensed providers as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Provive Wellness in Scranton, PA integrates MAT into PHP and IOP programs, serving Lackawanna County, Luzerne County, Wyoming County, and the broader NEPA region.
- Most major insurance plans cover MAT. Call (610) 947-0800 to verify your benefits. Same-week appointments are often available.
Table of Contents
- What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
- How MAT Works
- FDA-Approved Medications Used in MAT
- MAT for Opioid Use Disorder in NEPA
- MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder in Scranton
- Common Misconceptions About MAT
- MAT at Provive Wellness in Scranton, PA
- Levels of Care Alongside MAT at Provive
- Does Insurance Cover MAT in Pennsylvania?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Getting Started
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment is a clinical approach that uses FDA-approved medications alongside individual therapy, group therapy, and structured clinical support to address both the physical and psychological dimensions of substance use disorders simultaneously.
MAT is not a standalone solution. The medications used in MAT reduce cravings, manage withdrawal, and block the rewarding effects of drugs and alcohol — creating the neurological stability in which behavioral therapy can be most effective. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), combined pharmacological and behavioral treatment produces better outcomes than either approach alone for most substance use disorders.
MAT is approved by the FDA, endorsed by SAMHSA, and recommended by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association as a core component of effective addiction treatment.
How MAT Works
Substance use disorders involve changes in brain chemistry — particularly in the dopamine and opioid receptor systems — that make stopping genuinely difficult, even for people who are highly motivated to recover. Cravings, withdrawal, and the conditioned responses built up over years of use are neurobiological phenomena, not character failures.
MAT medications work by targeting these neurobiological mechanisms:
- Agonist medications (such as buprenorphine) activate opioid receptors in a controlled, partial way — reducing withdrawal and cravings without producing the intense euphoria of illicit opioids.
- Antagonist medications (such as naltrexone) block opioid and alcohol receptors entirely — eliminating the rewarding effects of use and reducing the drive to drink or use.
- Anti-craving medications (such as acamprosate) reduce the protracted withdrawal discomfort — anxiety, insomnia, restlessness — that drives relapse in early alcohol recovery.
When combined with structured psychotherapy in a PHP or IOP program, these medications give clients the neurological stability to engage meaningfully in treatment and build the skills needed for lasting recovery.
FDA-Approved Medications Used in MAT
For Opioid Use Disorder
Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Sublocade): A partial opioid agonist that reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings without significant euphoria at therapeutic doses. Suboxone combines buprenorphine with naloxone to deter misuse. Buprenorphine can be prescribed by licensed outpatient providers — making it ideal for integration into PHP and IOP programs.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol): An opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors, preventing opioids from producing rewarding effects. Available as a once-monthly injectable (Vivitrol) or daily oral tablet. Naltrexone requires a period of abstinence before initiation to avoid precipitated withdrawal.
For Alcohol Use Disorder
Naltrexone (oral or Vivitrol): Also FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder, naltrexone reduces cravings and the rewarding effects of alcohol — decreasing the urge to drink and lowering relapse risk.
Acamprosate (Campral): Reduces the anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness associated with protracted alcohol withdrawal and early abstinence — making the early recovery period more manageable and reducing relapse risk.
Disulfiram (Antabuse): Creates an unpleasant physical reaction when alcohol is consumed — providing a behavioral deterrent. Most effective when taken under supervision as part of a structured program.
MAT for Opioid Use Disorder in NEPA
Northeastern Pennsylvania has been significantly affected by the opioid crisis. Fentanyl and illicitly manufactured opioids have driven overdose mortality across Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties, while access to evidence-based treatment — particularly MAT — has not kept pace with need.
Without MAT, opioid withdrawal drives many people back to use before they can engage meaningfully in therapy. With buprenorphine or naltrexone, withdrawal is managed and cravings are reduced — creating the conditions for genuine clinical work. SAMHSA’s research consistently shows that MAT for opioid use disorder reduces illicit drug use, lowers overdose risk, decreases criminal activity, and significantly improves treatment retention.
See our guide to opioid and fentanyl addiction treatment in Scranton, PA for a full overview of opioid treatment options at Provive.
Important note on medical detox: If you are currently using opioids daily and are physically dependent, medically supervised detoxification may be required before outpatient MAT can begin. Provive Wellness does not provide inpatient medical detox. Our admissions team will refer you to an appropriate medical detox program in the Scranton area and coordinate your step-down into PHP or IOP at Provive once you are medically stable.
MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder in Scranton
Alcohol use disorder is one of the most prevalent behavioral health conditions in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Lackawanna County ranks among the highest counties in Pennsylvania for rates of excessive drinking. Yet fewer than 10% of adults with alcohol use disorder receive treatment in a given year, and fewer still receive evidence-based MAT as part of that treatment.
Naltrexone has the strongest evidence base for reducing alcohol cravings and relapse in early recovery. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) both identify medication as an underutilized but highly effective component of alcohol use disorder treatment. At Provive Scranton, MAT for AUD is integrated with individual therapy, group therapy, and relapse prevention planning within PHP and IOP.
See our guide to alcohol addiction treatment in Scranton, PA.
Common Misconceptions About MAT
“MAT is just trading one addiction for another.” This is the most common misconception about MAT — and the most damaging. FDA-approved MAT medications are prescribed and monitored by licensed medical providers as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. At therapeutic doses and under medical supervision, buprenorphine and naltrexone do not produce the euphoria, intoxication, or compulsive use that characterize addiction. SAMHSA, the American Psychiatric Association, and every major medical authority reject this framing as clinically inaccurate.
“People on MAT aren’t really in recovery.” Recovery is defined by a return to health, functioning, and a meaningful life — not by the absence of medication. Millions of people use medication to manage chronic conditions. Using medication to manage opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder is no different. SAMHSA’s definition of recovery explicitly includes medication as a valid and valued component of a recovery pathway.
“MAT is only for severe addicts.” MAT is appropriate for a broad range of presentations — from moderate to severe opioid or alcohol use disorder. Provive’s clinical team evaluates each person individually to determine whether MAT is appropriate and which medication fits best based on their history, diagnosis, and recovery goals.
MAT at Provive Wellness in Scranton, PA
Provive Wellness integrates MAT into our PHP and IOP programs at our Scranton location at 1123 Capouse Ave, Scranton, PA 18509. Our psychiatric team conducts MAT evaluations, manages prescriptions, and monitors medication response as part of the overall treatment plan — alongside individual therapy, group programming, and holistic care.
MAT is not appropriate for every person in treatment. Provive’s clinical team makes individualized recommendations based on each client’s diagnosis, history, and needs. When MAT is recommended, prescribing and monitoring occur within the program — not as a separate service requiring separate appointments at a different facility.
Levels of Care Alongside MAT at Provive
PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program)
PHP provides 20 or more hours of structured clinical programming per week across 5–7 days for 4–6 weeks. For individuals beginning MAT, the intensive structure of PHP provides close clinical oversight during medication initiation and dose stabilization — the period when clinical support is most critical. Learn more about PHP at Provive.
IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program)
IOP provides structured treatment across 3–6 days per week for 8–12 weeks. IOP allows clients to maintain work, school, and family responsibilities while continuing MAT and building the skills needed for sustained recovery. Learn more about IOP at our Scranton location.
Does Insurance Cover MAT in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), most insurance plans are required to cover MAT as part of substance use disorder treatment — including both the medications and the associated clinical services. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has identified expanding access to MAT as a federal priority. Provive Scranton accepts:
- Aetna
- BlueCross BlueShield
- Cigna
- Independence Blue Cross
- Humana
- Anthem
- Magellan Health
- TRICARE
- VA Community Care Network (CCN)
- United Healthcare
- Optum
Call (610) 947-0800 and our admissions team will verify your benefits before your first appointment at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MAT right for everyone with opioid use disorder?
MAT is appropriate for most people with moderate to severe opioid use disorder, and SAMHSA recommends it be offered to all eligible individuals. Provive’s clinical and psychiatric team evaluates each person individually to determine whether MAT is appropriate and which medication fits best based on their history, health status, and recovery goals.
Does Provive Scranton prescribe Suboxone / buprenorphine?
Provive’s psychiatric team includes licensed providers with the DEA waiver required to prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone). Prescribing and monitoring are integrated into our PHP and IOP programs — not offered as standalone services separate from the treatment program.
Can I start MAT without going through detox first?
For buprenorphine, you need to be in mild-to-moderate withdrawal before the first dose — but a formal inpatient detox program is not required in all cases. For naltrexone (Vivitrol), a period of abstinence from opioids is required before initiation. If you are currently using opioids daily, our admissions team will discuss the right approach for your specific situation when you call.
How long does MAT last?
The duration of MAT is individualized. SAMHSA and the American Society of Addiction Medicine do not specify a required duration — the evidence supports continued MAT for as long as it is clinically beneficial. Many people use MAT for one to two years; others use it longer. The decision is made collaboratively with your prescriber based on your progress and recovery goals.
What if I need alcohol detox before starting treatment at Provive Scranton?
Alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious and potentially life-threatening. If you are physically dependent on alcohol, medically supervised detox is required before outpatient treatment begins. Provive Wellness does not provide inpatient medical detox — our admissions team will refer you to an appropriate medical detox facility in the Scranton area and coordinate your transition into PHP or IOP at Provive once you are stable.
Does MAT work alongside mental health treatment for co-occurring conditions?
Yes — and treating co-occurring substance use and mental health conditions simultaneously is the evidence-based standard of care. Many people using MAT for opioid or alcohol use disorder also live with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Provive’s integrated treatment model addresses both within the same program, with the same clinical team, from day one. See our guides to depression treatment, anxiety treatment, and PTSD treatment in Scranton, PA.
Getting Started
Provive Wellness is located at 1123 Capouse Ave, Scranton, PA 18509, serving adults throughout Lackawanna County, Luzerne County, Wyoming County, and the broader NEPA region. Same-week appointments are often available.
If you are in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) provides free, confidential guidance on finding treatment near you.
Call (610) 947-0800 or contact us online to speak with our admissions team, verify your insurance, and learn how MAT can be part of your recovery plan.
