Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) at Shine
Clinically reviewed by Joe Papa, LICSW · Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
MAT is not a shortcut. It is one of the most proven tools in addiction care. At Shine, it comes as part of a full treatment program, overseen by our medical director and psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Confidential. No pressure. We'll explain your options clearly.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Evidence-based medicine combined with therapy and support, not medication alone.
MAT pairs FDA-approved medication with counseling and therapy. It treats opioid and alcohol use disorders. It is one of the most studied and effective tools in addiction medicine.
MAT lowers cravings and withdrawal. That makes it easier to focus on therapy. Research shows it cuts overdose deaths, keeps people in treatment, and supports long-term recovery.
At Shine, MAT is part of our PHP, IOP, and Outpatient programs. We do not offer it on its own. Our psychiatric nurse practitioner evaluates you first. If MAT fits, they prescribe and manage it inside your treatment plan, with oversight from our medical director.
Evidence-based
MAT is supported by decades of clinical research and endorsed by SAMHSA, NIDA, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Medically supervised
All MAT at Shine is prescribed and managed by our psychiatric nurse practitioner under the supervision of our medical director.
Part of a complete plan
MAT at Shine is always paired with therapy, case management, and holistic programming, never offered in isolation.
MAT Medications Available at Shine
Our psychiatric nurse practitioner can prescribe and manage the following medications as clinically appropriate.
Buprenorphine / Suboxone
Buprenorphine eases cravings and withdrawal. It does not cause the same high as full opioids. Suboxone adds naloxone to deter misuse. You take it daily as a film or tablet under the tongue.
For providers: Buprenorphine/naloxone is first-line pharmacotherapy for OUD. Shine's psychiatric NP can initiate and manage buprenorphine as part of an outpatient treatment program.
Sublocade
Sublocade is a once-a-month buprenorphine shot. There are no daily doses to remember. Medication levels stay steady all month.
For providers: Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release injection) is appropriate for patients stable on transmucosal buprenorphine. Shine administers monthly injections onsite.
Vivitrol (Naltrexone Injection)
Vivitrol is a monthly naltrexone shot. It blocks the high from opioids and alcohol. It is not addictive and needs no daily dose. It is for people who have finished detox and are fully opioid-free.
For providers: Vivitrol requires full opioid detoxification prior to initiation (minimum 7-10 days opioid-free). Shine can coordinate and confirm readiness before administration.
Oral Naltrexone
Oral naltrexone is a daily tablet. It blocks opioid and alcohol receptors, so cravings and rewards drop. It is not addictive, and it suits people who prefer pills to shots.
For providers: Oral naltrexone requires confirmed opioid abstinence prior to initiation. Adherence monitoring is incorporated into Shine's clinical programming.
What MAT Is, And What It Isn't
Addressing the most common misconceptions.
MAT is often misunderstood. Some people still call it "trading one drug for another." That myth keeps people from a treatment that saves lives. Here is what the evidence actually shows.
MAT is not "just trading one drug for another"
FDA-approved MAT medications work differently than drugs of misuse. They steady brain chemistry and lower cravings. Taken as prescribed, they do not get you high.
MAT is not a shortcut
Medication is one part of your plan. The rest includes therapy, groups, case management, and holistic programming. Medication alone is never the plan.
MAT is not permanent for everyone
How long you stay on MAT is a clinical decision. Some people do best long term. Others taper off over time. Both are good outcomes.
MAT is not offered as a standalone service at Shine
MAT at Shine is available exclusively as part of our PHP, IOP, or Outpatient programs. If you are seeking medication management only, we will provide a referral to an appropriate provider.
"The evidence is clear, MAT saves lives. We offer it because it works, and we surround it with everything else recovery requires."
Methadone, Not Offered Onsite, But We Can Help
If methadone is the right option for you, we will connect you with a trusted provider.
Methadone works well for opioid use disorder. By law, only federally certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) can dispense it. Shine is not an OTP, so we do not offer methadone onsite.
If methadone is right for you, we refer you to a trusted local provider. We help coordinate your care. Once you are stable, you can add therapy and programming at Shine alongside your methadone treatment.
If your patient is currently receiving methadone maintenance at a certified OTP, Shine can provide concurrent outpatient therapy, group programming, and case management services. We are experienced in co-managing care with OTP providers and welcome referrals for patients who would benefit from additional clinical support alongside their methadone treatment.
Information for Referring Providers
Streamlined referrals, coordinated care, and direct clinical communication.
We welcome referrals from primary care, emergency departments, hospitals, detox programs, sober homes, and other behavioral health providers. Provider referrals get priority. We can usually schedule an assessment within 24 to 48 hours.
Direct clinical communication
Referring providers receive updates on client progress with appropriate consent in place. Our clinical team is available for provider-to-provider consultation.
MAT continuity
If your patient is already stable on buprenorphine or naltrexone prescribed elsewhere, our psychiatric NP can assume medication management as part of their enrollment in our program.
Detox coordination
We work with trusted detox partners across the North Shore and greater Boston. If your patient needs medical detox prior to PHP or IOP, we can coordinate the referral and hold a placement.
Warm handoffs welcome
For patients being discharged from inpatient, residential, or detox settings, we support warm handoff transitions and can have an intake scheduled before discharge.
Most Insurance Covers MAT, We Verify Before You Start.
We'll reach out to your insurance company, explain exactly what's covered, and walk you through any costs before you ever start treatment. No guessing, no hidden bills , just clear answers up front.
We accept most major insurance plans.
Frequently Asked Questions, MAT at Shine
Joe Papa is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and member of the Shine Wellness & Recovery clinical team. All clinical content on this site is reviewed by Joe to ensure accuracy and alignment with current evidence-based practice standards in addiction treatment and behavioral health.
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