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MAT vs Abstinence-Only Recovery What Sacramento Patients Should Know

Confused about recovery options? Learn why CORE Medical Clinic in Sacramento offers MAT for safe, long-term opioid treatment that goes beyond abstinence.

April 22, 2025

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic Team

MAT vs Abstinence-Only Recovery What Sacramento Patients Should Know

Not All Recovery Paths Are the Same

If you or someone you love is thinking about quitting opioids, the choices can feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions we hear in Sacramento is:

“Should I choose medication-assisted treatment (MAT), or should I go drug-free?”

While both paths are valid,not all recovery methods offer the same support, safety, or long-term success— especially when it comes to opioid addiction. AtCORE Medical Clinic in Sacramento, we offerMATbecause it combines medication, counseling, and real-world support — not just detox and willpower.

Here’s what you need to know about both approaches so you can make the best decision for your recovery.

What Is Abstinence-Only Recovery?

Abstinence-only recovery is based on the idea of quitting all drugs completely — including medications like methadone or buprenorphine. This is the model often used in 12-step programs or non-medical treatment centers.

While it can work for some, abstinence-only recovery has challenges:

  • High rates ofrelapse, especially in the first year
  • No medical supportfor withdrawal symptoms or cravings
  • Can increase risk ofoverdoseif someone relapses after a period of no use
  • Doesn’t addressphysical dependencyon opioids

For some people with mild opioid use disorder (OUD), this approach might be enough. But for many, especially those usingfentanyl, heroin, or long-term painkillers, the withdrawal can be too intense to manage alone.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy. It’s not about “replacing one drug with another” — it’s about helping your bodystabilizeand giving you space to rebuild your life.

AtCORE Medical Clinic in Sacramento, we provide:

  • Methadone clinicservices to manage cravings and prevent relapse
  • Buprenorphine treatment(also known as Suboxone) for patients looking for flexibility and lower misuse potential
  • Naltrexone therapyto block the effects of opioids after detox
  • Opioid detox centersupport for medically managed withdrawal
  • Substance use disorder (SUD) treatmentincluding therapy and case management
  • Opioid withdrawal managementtailored to your medical and emotional needs

Why MAT Works Better for Most People with OUD

Research shows thatMAT is more effective than abstinence-only recoveryfor opioid use disorder.

Benefits of MAT include:

  • Fewer withdrawal symptoms
  • Stronger engagement in treatment
  • Lower risk of relapse and overdose
  • Better mental and physical health
  • More stability in daily life, work, and relationships

MAT also removes the pressure to “tough it out” alone. Recovery shouldn’t be about suffering — it should be about healing.

Is MAT Right for You?

If you’ve tried to quit opioids and found it too hard to manage the symptoms… or if you’re scared of relapsing after a clean period… MAT may be your safest option.

Our team atCORE Medical Clinicwill work with you to create a plan that fits your needs, goals, and lifestyle. We treat you withrespect, privacy, and compassion— always.

📍 We proudly serve Sacramento and nearby communities with proven, evidence-based care. 🔗Explore our services

Recovery Is Personal. Your Plan Should Be Too.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to opioid addiction recovery. But the right tools make all the difference.

Whether you’re just starting to explore treatment or looking for long-term support,CORE Medical Clinic in Sacramentois here for you — withreal solutions that meet you where you are.

💬Call us or visit our website today to learn how MAT can help you recover safely — and stay in recovery for good.

Educational content from Core Medical Clinic. This article does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

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