Published May 19, 2025 · Reviewed by Sergey Litvinov, MD · ~1106 words

Getting Sober: MAT vs. Medical Detox

For nearly everyone, the road to recovery begins with your physical health. An addiction to opioids, alcohol or any other drug of misuse takes a toll on the body. The most immediate concern for most people using opioids like pain meds or heroin is dealing with the intense withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Luckily, medical science offers us two solutions to this. Medical detox and Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT for short.

Differences Between MAT and Detox

• After detox, most people will not be taking any controlled substances.
• MAT programs may use controlled substances, such as Suboxone.
• Detox usually lasts 4-14 days, MAT may last months or even years.
• MAT always included a therapy or counseling component.
• You may complete a detox and end treatment there (NOT recommended)

What is Medical Detox?

A medical detox is the process of “weaning” a person safely off of a substance in a controlled environment. Medical drug or alcohol detox is an inpatient treatment. That means the patient will stay in a medical facility overnight under observation while they are treated.

What Happens During an Alcohol or Drug Detox?

During a medical detox, the patient receives medications to reduce and control any withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, diarrhea, insomnia or anxiety. This is for both comfort and safety. Much of the time in detox is focused on rest and recuperation.

Patients who are able and willing may be able to participate in mental health therapy and groups when they feel ready.

An inpatient alcohol or drug detox can take anywhere between 4 to 14 days. The length of detox depends on a number of factors.

Some factors that may affect the length of detox include:

• What substances you have been using.
• The amount of drugs or alcohol being consumed.
• How often the person is using and how long they’ve been addicted.
• The patient’s age and general physical health.
• Any past history of seizures (especially in withdrawal).

What is MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment)?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) helps people recover from addiction by combining meds with counseling and therapy. It eases withdrawal, cuts down cravings, and supports long-term sobriety. Mostly used for opioid and alcohol addiction, MAT can make recovery more manageable and has been shown to reduce the risk of relapse for opioid users.

How Does MAT Work?

MAT works by combating cravings for opiates or alcohol using safely administered medications and coupling this craving mitigation with counseling and recovery planning. Removing the obstacle of cravings for opioids or alcohol can lower the risk of relapse. This can make MAT particularly helpful for people who have struggled to put together substantial sober time.

However, MAT is NOT a “shortcut” to recovery. If you want everything addiction recovery has to offer, you must do the work of recovery. The personal transformation that leads to becoming comfortable in your own skin and being able to live a happy, productive life without drugs or alcohol takes hard work. But recovery from addiction is absolutely in reach for anyone with the willingness to stick with it.

MAT works by:

• Sharply reducing or eliminating cravings for opiates or alcohol.
• Integrating therapy and counseling to establish a recovery mindset.
• Encouraging participation in a recovery fellowship, like AA or NA.
• Providing a recovery plan with rules, objectives and incentives.

Answers to Your Questions About Detox and MAT

Medical Detox vs. MAT

Medical detox typically lasts 4-14 days at most. Once it is completed, the majority of patients will no longer be on any controlled substances. They may be prescribed an antidepressant or non-narcotic anxiety med, such as BuSpar or Vistaril for a period of time however. After detox, most people enter a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or intensive outpatient program (IOP) to continue reinforcing their recovery.

Medication assisted treatment, with medicines like Suboxone or Vivitrol may continue for several months to a year or longer. Each case is different. But MAT always includes a counseling or therapy component. It’s never medication alone. The medicines are simply one part of a treatment plan and are designed to keep cravings at bay to protect nascent recovery. People in MAT programs also often benefit from PHP and IOP treatment. It’s just as important to them as anyone else recovering from addiction in fact.

Do I Need a Medical Detox or MAT?

Every person is different. If you feel conflicted or confused about where to begin your addiction recovery—-don’t worry! This isn’t a decision you need to make right now. The best approach is to start at the beginning and take it as it comes. The first thing to do is call Pines Recovery Life for an evaluation.

Once we know more about what you’re struggling with, we can make appropriate treatment recommendations and outline your options. First things first.

Who is MAT For?

MAT is a proven, effective treatment for substance use disorders. But that doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for everyone. Most people find a conventional medical detox works well. But some people who have struggled with opioid dependence or alcohol addiction for a while and may have a lengthy history of painful relapses can benefit from MAT.

Eliminating alcohol or drug cravings from the equation makes it easier to accumulate more sober time. The important thing to understand is that MAT is not a cure or even a solution by itself. It’s one of many tools we have to treat addiction. But ultimately, it is the changes YOU make in your own behavior and thinking that leads to successful long-term recovery.

Is MAT right for you?

• If you have a long history of relapse on opioids or alcohol, it may be worth considering.
• MAT is not a cure or shortcut. You still need to do the work of recovery to get sober.
• Some people find some MAT medicines, like Suboxone, difficult to wean off of after a number of years.
• Be open and honest with your care provider so they can help you make an informed choice.

Pines Recovery Life Has Solutions for Addiction

Whether you need drug and alcohol detox or continuing recovery support in IOP, Pines Recovery Life is here to help every step of the way. Our mission is to provide a structured, supportive, nurturing environment where recovery can take root and flourish.

Please call us at (954) 569-2195 or contact us online to learn more about how we can help.

An inpatient medical detox is the safest, most comfortable way to get off of opiates, alcohol or any other substance. It is especially important for drugs like heroin, alcohol or benzodiazepines, which come with serious physical withdrawal symptoms.