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Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
in santa ana, california
At The Grove, we recognize that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially for men battling substance abuse. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) offers a clinically proven path toward stability by combining FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies. It’s especially effective in treating opioid use disorder, alcohol addiction, and certain cases of prescription drug misuse. For many, MAT helps ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support long-term recovery efforts.
Substance use affects men differently, often leading to higher rates of addiction, riskier patterns of use, and more intense withdrawal symptoms. A recent study in Neuropsychopharmacology found that men may be more sensitive to drug-related cues and stress during recovery, making relapse more likely without the right support. This research underscores the need for treatment that addresses these unique risks. At The Grove, our Medication-Assisted Treatment program in Orange County is designed with those factors in mind—offering medical support, structure, and therapy to help men build a lasting foundation for recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication-Assisted Treatment, or MAT, is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders that combines prescribed medications with behavioral therapy and counseling. The medications used in MAT help reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and restore brain chemistry, allowing individuals to focus more fully on their recovery. MAT is most commonly used for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and in some cases, stimulant or prescription drug addiction. Common medications include:
- Buprenorphine (Subutex, Suboxone) – Used for opioid use disorder; helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a full opioid high.
- Methadone – Used for opioid use disorder; a long-acting opioid agonist that stabilizes brain chemistry and blocks the effects of other opioids.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol) – Used for both opioid and alcohol use disorders; blocks the euphoric effects of substances and reduces cravings.
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) – Used for alcohol use disorder; causes unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed, helping deter use.
At The Grove in Santa Ana, our clinical team works closely with each client to ensure MAT is part of a broader, personalized treatment plan that includes therapy, support, and long-term recovery tools.
How Does Medication-Assisted Treatment Work?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) helps people recover by reducing cravings, easing withdrawal, and blocking the high from drugs or alcohol. It supports brain stabilization while therapy addresses the emotional and behavioral side of addiction.
When someone becomes dependent on substances like opioids or alcohol, the brain adapts to their presence. MAT medications—like buprenorphine and methadone—attach to the same receptors as those substances but in a safer, controlled way. This helps the body adjust without the shock of withdrawal, making it easier to fully engage in treatment
Why Choose Medication Assisted Treatment in Orange County?
If you’re feeling stuck—torn between wanting to quit and not knowing how—MAT might be the support you’ve been missing. Maybe you’ve tried before and relapsed, or maybe the fear of withdrawal has kept you from starting at all. That’s where Medication-Assisted Treatment comes in. It’s designed to make the process safer, smoother, and more sustainable.
At The Grove, we offer judgment-free guidance to help you decide if MAT fits into your recovery journey. You don’t need to have all the answers—we’re here to walk you through your options and create a plan that works for your life. If you’re ready to explore a more supported path forward, we’re ready to help you start.
How We Implement MAT at The Grove
At The Grove, Medication-Assisted Treatment is more than just managing withdrawal—it’s a structured part of a long-term recovery plan. We use MAT to help men feel physically stable so they can focus on deeper healing through therapy and support. It’s available across all of our programs, including Partial Hospitalization (PHP), Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and standard Outpatient.
National clinical guidelines, like those outlined in TIP 63 by SAMHSA, emphasize that medication alone is not enough—lasting change happens when MAT is part of a broader therapeutic plan. That’s why we combine medication with individual therapy, group counseling, dual diagnosis support, and non–12-step care that meets each man where he is in his journey.
MAT at The Grove includes:
- Customized medication plans supervised by medical professionals
- Integration of MAT across all levels of care
- Weekly therapy to support emotional healing and long-term stability
- Group sessions that focus on life skills, relapse prevention, and connection
- Dual diagnosis support for co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety
- Non–12-step programming that puts your individual needs first
- Ongoing assessments to ensure your treatment evolves as you do
If you’ve been struggling to find a program that fits or if you’re ready to try something that’s grounded in science and compassion, we’re here. MAT could be the turning point you’ve been looking for—and we’re ready to walk with you every step of the way. Reach out today to learn how The Grove can help you build a recovery plan that truly works.
Breaking the Stigma Around MAT
Many people avoid Medication-Assisted Treatment because of common stigmas—like the belief that it’s “cheating,” not true sobriety, or just replacing one drug with another. Others fear being judged for needing medication at all. But MAT is backed by science and recommended by leading experts because it helps reduce relapse, stabilize brain function, and support long-term recovery. At The Grove, we know that real recovery looks different for everyone. If outdated beliefs have kept you from seeking help, we’re here to offer clarity, compassion, and a treatment plan that meets you where you are.
Take the First Step Toward a Stronger Recovery
The Grove proudly offers medication assisted treatment in Orange County, helping men find lasting recovery through evidence-based care and personalized support. Located in Santa Ana, our program serves individuals from across the region seeking structure, healing, and a path forward.
Our approach is personalized, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based care. You don’t have to navigate this alone. With a dedicated clinical team, access to dual diagnosis support, pet-friendly sober living, and flexible non–12-step options, we’re here to help you heal in a way that feels right for you. Reach out today—let’s build a plan that helps you feel stable, supported, and truly ready to move forward.
