Medication‑Assisted Treatment (MAT) in San Antonio, TX

Medication‑assisted treatment, also called MOUD for opioid use disorder, combines FDA‑approved medications with counseling and recovery supports to treat the whole person and improve retention in care.

MOUD refers specifically to medications for opioid use disorder (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone). “MAT” is often used more broadly and may also include medications for alcohol use disorder.

For OUD: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. For AUD: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These medicines work best alongside counseling.

No. Evidence‑based medications stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings/withdrawal, and reduce overdose and all‑cause mortality compared with non‑medication approaches. There’s no fixed time limit, treatment duration should be individualized.

Yes. Methadone and buprenorphine remain effective in the fentanyl era; some patients may need careful inductions or dose adjustments.

Methadone or buprenorphine are recommended treatments during pregnancy; decisions are individualized with your OB‑GYN.

Methadone is a full agonist dispensed by OTPs; buprenorphine is a partial agonist that can be prescribed in offices; naltrexone is an antagonist started after detox to block opioid effects.

Naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram are FDA‑approved for AUD and are commonly paired with counseling or mutual‑support.

There are no FDA‑approved medications for stimulant (cocaine/methamphetamine) use disorders; care focuses on behavioral therapies (e.g., contingency management). Benzodiazepine use disorder is typically treated with a clinician‑supervised taper, not MOUD.

No. Naloxone reverses an opioid overdose within minutes and is now available over the counter. Naltrexone is a longer‑acting blocker used after detox for OUD/AUD relapse prevention.

IOP (ASAM Level 2.1) typically provides ≥9 hours/week of structured therapy and skills work, scheduled to fit around work or school.

Most people start with a medical assessment and detox/stabilization if needed, then begin or continue medication and counseling in outpatient or IOP care. (Exact sequence depends on safety and clinical fit.)

Office‑based buprenorphine/naltrexone care can be coordinated through Nova; methadone is provided by licensed Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) regulated by Texas HHSC. We coordinate referrals as needed.

Yes. Federal and state rules require methadone for OUD to be dispensed via certified OTPs; take‑home flexibilities exist based on time in treatment and clinical judgment.

Yes. The federal “X‑waiver” was eliminated; qualified clinicians can prescribe buprenorphine in office‑based settings.

Medicare covers OUD treatment in OTPs (Part B) and often covers MOUD via Part D; parity law (MHPAEA) requires most commercial plans that offer SUD benefits to cover them comparably to medical/surgical care. Coverage varies by plan. Verify benefits.

Yes. Texas Targeted Opioid Response (TTOR) and Be Well Texas expand access and can help connect residents with affordable services.

Recovery housing provides structure, accountability, peer support, and routine while you continue medication management, therapy, and job/school commitments.

We use individualized dosing and “track & refine” visits to review cravings, side effects, and goals, adjusting medication and counseling as needed, and coordinating higher or lower levels of care when appropriate. (Clinical model aligned with ASAM/SAMHSA guidance.)

Use our Confidential Insurance Verification form or call. If you’re uninsured, we’ll still help you explore Texas resources (e.g., TTOR/Be Well Texas) and payment options.