Medication-Assisted Treatment in Colorado Springs
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) helps stabilize your body, reduce cravings, and enhance therapy outcomes. At Drift Behavioral Health in Colorado Springs, you’ll receive a personal plan, experienced clinicians, and flexible in-person or virtual care.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with therapy to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. These medications reduce withdrawal and cravings so you can focus on recovery. Some professionals also use the term MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder).
Medications We Use at Drift
- Buprenorphine: Daily Suboxone or long-acting Sublocade injection
- Naltrexone: Oral tablets or monthly Vivitrol injection
Note: We do not dispense methadone onsite. If methadone is the best choice, we coordinate with certified opioid treatment programs for safe care.
The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment
MAT combines medicine and therapy for opioid or alcohol recovery
Buprenorphine and naltrexone lower cravings and relapse risk
Start quickly with in-person or secure Zoom visits in Colorado
Evening and daytime schedules that fit around your lifestyle
You’ll get personal planning, case management, and family support
Drift assists with inpatient placement and aftercare when needed
We verify your insurance coverage before treatment begins
Why MAT Works
When paired with therapy, medication-assisted treatment reduces relapse risk and overdose deaths. Federal data shows significant drops in mortality after nonfatal overdoses when people receive buprenorphine or methadone, especially with follow-up care and naloxone access.
How MAT Works at Drift
Your First Steps
Same-day or next-day assessment
Lab review and safety screen
Shared decision on medication choice
Start treatment with close follow-ups
Care That Fits Your Life
In-clinic visits in Colorado Springs
Secure Zoom visits across Colorado
Day and evening group scheduling
At-home lab kits, when appropriate
Transportation support if needed
Telehealth MAT in Colorado
Federal telehealth flexibilities are extended through December 31, 2025. Colorado law also supports the live-video MAT feature with private payer coverage. Drift follows these guidelines to deliver safe, legal support.
Access Is Expanding
The Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2023 removed the “X-waiver,” letting qualified prescribers treat OUD with buprenorphine under a standard DEA license. Dispensing increased nationwide after this change.
Who Can Benefit From MAT
- People with opioid use disorder (fentanyl, heroin, prescription pain pills)
- Those with alcohol use disorder who need help staying off alcohol
- Individuals stepping down after detox or inpatient programs
- People who struggled to quit alone and need medical support
What to Expect
During Induction
Your clinician starts with a low dose to ease withdrawal. You’ll meet often during the first 1–2 weeks. Counseling begins right away to build recovery skills.
Ongoing Care
Expect regular visits, therapy, and skills training. Monthly injections (Sublocade or Vivitrol) are scheduled in-clinic. If tablets are better, we coordinate with pharmacies.
Safety and Side Effects
Most people feel steadier within days. Side effects like headache, nausea, or sleep changes usually fade as your body adjusts. We monitor them closely with you.
Our Full Support Model
Therapy That Builds Skills
You’ll receive cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy skills groups, motivational interviewing, IFS, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. Both group and individual sessions are included.
Family Involvement
With your consent, loved ones join through family therapy, education, and coaching sessions. These sessions help families improve communication, understand recovery needs, and strengthen relationships.
Aftercare and Community
We prepare you for life after treatment with a clear relapse-prevention plan, alumni groups, and community referrals. Long-term planning ensures you have structure and accountability for continued success.
Levels of Care and Scheduling
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Full-day care, 5–6 days per week
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): 3–5 days per week, day or evening
- Outpatient and Virtual Care: Get online services statewide in Colorado
- Case Management: Placement support when higher care is required
Reviews and Success Stories
Reach Out to Drift Behavioral Health
Medication-Assisted Treatment can be a safe and effective path toward recovery. At Drift Behavioral Health, you’ll receive individualized care, flexible scheduling, and lasting support in Colorado Springs or online.
Common Questions About MAT
Is MAT the same as MOUD?
Yes, they overlap in opioid care. Medications for opioid use disorder, or MOUD, is a newer term that highlights the role of medicine as primary treatment, not just a supplement.
Do I have to be off opioids before buprenorphine?
Yes. You need to be in mild withdrawal before starting to avoid precipitated withdrawal. Our team guides timing and induction safely.
Can I start MAT by telehealth?
Yes. Current federal flexibilities allow telehealth MAT through 2025. Drift ensures ID checks, consent, and monitoring across Colorado.
Do you offer methadone?
We don’t dispense methadone at Drift. If it is the right choice, we can coordinate care with certified OTPs.
Can MAT help with alcohol use disorder?
Yes. Naltrexone, either taken orally or by monthly Vivitrol injection, helps reduce heavy drinking when paired with therapy.
How long will I stay on medication?
Treatment length varies, depending on your stability at home, school, or work. Tapering happens only when you are ready.
Will I feel “high”?
No. At therapeutic doses, buprenorphine and naltrexone reduce cravings and withdrawal without causing a euphoric effect.
Can pregnant women be on MAT?
Yes, we coordinate with obstetric providers and follow evidence-based protocols to protect both parent and baby throughout treatment.
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