At Shanti Recovery & Wellness, we provide medication-assisted treatment in Portland, OR, as part of our integrated and clinically grounded approach to treating substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Rooted in science and delivered with empathy, our MAT services are designed for individuals seeking not only relief from addiction, but also long-term, sustainable healing. We understand that addiction is complex, deeply tied to a person’s biology, mental health, life history, and environment. That’s why we don’t treat symptoms in isolation. We treat the whole person.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective strategies available to support recovery from opioid and alcohol use disorders. Yet, at Shanti, MAT is never one-size-fits-all. It’s a collaborative, thoughtful process, integrated with psychiatric evaluation, therapy, and long-term care planning. We offer both in-person and telehealth options, so support is accessible, flexible, and always grounded in clinical oversight.
How MAT Supports Long-Term Stability
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications, alongside counseling and behavioral therapies, to treat substance use disorders. MAT is a whole-patient approach that helps sustain recovery, prevent overdose, and support long-term stability. Importantly, MAT is not simply replacing one substance with another. It’s a medically-informed treatment that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms so individuals can more fully engage in recovery.
At Shanti, MAT is never offered in isolation. We pair medications with comprehensive psychiatric care, individualized therapy, and trauma-informed support. This holistic framework increases the chances of long-term success by addressing both the biological and emotional roots of addiction.
MAT is backed by decades of research and has been shown to improve survival rates, increase retention in treatment, reduce illicit drug use, and support greater social functioning. When integrated with psychiatric care, it becomes a powerful tool for those navigating complex mental health and addiction challenges.
Medications Used in MAT for Stabilization and Healing
Several medications are commonly used in MAT, each designed to support recovery in different ways depending on the substance being treated. These include methadone, buprenorphine (with or without naloxone), and naltrexone. As highlighted in a 2020 article published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, these medications can be administered in various forms, but Suboxone (a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone) is widely considered the most effective and practical option for outpatient treatment settings like Shanti Recovery & Wellness.
Suboxone works by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same euphoric high as opioids, allowing patients to regain stability while minimizing the risk of misuse. Naltrexone, often used for both alcohol and opioid use disorder, blocks the euphoric effects of substances and supports abstinence. Methadone, while highly effective, is typically administered in more specialized or inpatient environments and is not the primary medication used at Shanti.
Our psychiatric team carefully evaluates each client’s medical history, substance use patterns, and overall mental health to determine the most appropriate medication. In our medication-assisted treatment in Portland, OR, we approach every decision with thoughtfulness and care, never defaulting to a single solution. It’s not just about choosing a medication but also choosing the right care for each individual.
When Is MAT the Right Fit?
Medication-assisted treatment is not for everyone, but it can be life-changing for those who are appropriate candidates. At Shanti, MAT is typically recommended for individuals struggling with opioid or alcohol use disorders who have experienced difficulty achieving or maintaining sobriety through abstinence alone. It may also be a strong option for people who have relapsed in the past, those with severe withdrawal symptoms, or individuals managing co-occurring psychiatric conditions that make early recovery especially challenging.
Because MAT addresses both physical dependence and psychological cravings, it offers a stabilizing foundation for individuals ready to engage in deeper healing work. For clients navigating dual diagnoses, MAT provides enough relief to begin therapy, rebuild relationships, and restore a sense of agency.
Our team conducts a thorough psychiatric evaluation before recommending MAT. We explore not only your substance use history but also your mental health needs, life context, and recovery goals. This ensures MAT is introduced as part of a larger, integrated plan, one that aligns with your unique path to healing.
How We Approach MAT for Addiction in Portland
At Shanti Recovery & Wellness, MAT for addiction is delivered with clinical precision and human care. Our clients receive more than a prescription; they receive a plan. We incorporate MAT into a broader therapeutic journey that includes ongoing psychiatric support, trauma-informed therapy, care coordination, and regular check-ins to ensure the medication is working safely and effectively.
We also recognize that addiction recovery is not linear. We meet our clients with compassion at every step, whether you’re just beginning your journey or returning after relapse. There is no shame in needing support. Our nonjudgmental, stabilizing environment allows you to explore treatment without pressure or fear.
For clients who choose our medication-assisted treatment in Portland, OR, here’s what to expect:
- A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine suitability and the right medication.
- Individualized treatment planning that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
- Ongoing monitoring to ensure safety, effectiveness, and appropriate dosing.
- Collaboration with therapists and other providers for integrated care.
- Flexibility through in-person or telehealth visits, so support fits your schedule.
We know that lasting recovery involves more than managing symptoms. It involves rebuilding self-trust, fostering resilience, and accessing support that remains steady over time. Our MAT services are built with that in mind.
Supporting Better Outcomes with MAT
Medication-assisted treatment works best when paired with commitment, communication, and collaboration. While the medications used in MAT reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, long-term success comes from engaging fully with the treatment process. At Shanti, we encourage every client to be an active participant in their care. This means showing up to appointments, being honest about what’s working (and what’s not), and staying engaged with your therapy or psychiatric follow-up.
Maintaining consistency is key. Medications like Suboxone and naltrexone are most effective when taken regularly and under supervision. It’s also important to avoid isolation; recovery thrives in connection. Whether through individual therapy, family support, or sober communities, surrounding yourself with care makes a difference.
We also invite you to see MAT as one part of a larger journey. The medication supports stability, but healing often requires addressing trauma, exploring emotional triggers, and learning new coping skills. These aspects of recovery can be hard, but they’re also transformative. At Shanti, you’re never doing that work alone. Our providers walk alongside you with patience, respect, and unwavering clinical integrity.