Medication Assisted Treatment in Los Angeles

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the evidence-based clinical standard for opioid and alcohol use disorder — FDA-approved medications combined with therapy and medical oversight to reduce cravings, stabilize brain chemistry, and prevent relapse. At Annandale Behavioral Health, MAT is delivered in our private 6-bed Pasadena estate, integrated with medical detox, residential treatment, and dual diagnosis care so the medication is never the whole answer — it’s one part of a complete recovery plan.

If you or a loved one needs MAT in Los Angeles, call (855) 778-8668 for a confidential clinical assessment. PPO accepted. Same-day admission often available.

Conditions we treat with MAT

  • Opioid use disorder — heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers (oxycodone, hydrocodone). Buprenorphine/Suboxone induction (including fentanyl micro-induction) and extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol).
  • Alcohol use disorder — naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram protocols selected based on drinking pattern, medical history, and patient preference.
  • Polysubstance use — most common in our practice. MAT is sequenced with other medications and behavioral therapy in an individualized plan.
  • Co-occurring dual diagnosis — depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, ADHD. Treating both conditions concurrently is one of the strongest predictors of MAT retention.

FDA-approved medications we use

Annandale provides the full set of FDA-approved MAT medications. The right choice depends on the substance, the patient’s medical history, and their recovery goals.

For opioid use disorder

  • Buprenorphine / Suboxone — partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and prevents withdrawal. The most common starting point for opioid-dependent patients. We perform standard induction and fentanyl micro-induction when needed.
  • Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) — monthly injection that blocks the effects of opioids. Best for patients fully detoxed who want a non-opioid maintenance option.
  • Methadone — for patients who require methadone, we coordinate with licensed opioid treatment programs in the LA area.

For alcohol use disorder

  • Naltrexone (oral or extended-release injection) — reduces alcohol cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking.
  • Acamprosate — helps with the post-acute withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, insomnia) that drive early relapse.
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse) — produces an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed. Best for highly motivated patients with structured support.

Why MAT matters in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County has the highest opioid overdose death count in California, with fentanyl driving the majority of recent fatalities. Despite this, SAMHSA data shows that fewer than 25% of adults with opioid use disorder receive medication treatment in any given year — a staggering gap in care.

Most LA clients arrive at Annandale for MAT for one of three reasons: their previous prescriber doesn’t manage MAT alongside psychiatric care, they need MAT initiation in a safe inpatient setting (especially fentanyl-to-buprenorphine micro-induction), or they prefer the privacy of a 6-bed luxury facility over a high-volume clinic. We are located 12 miles from downtown LA in Pasadena, and most LA-area clients reach us in under 45 minutes.

What MAT at Annandale looks like

Comprehensive assessment

Every MAT plan begins with a detailed clinical evaluation: substance use history, medical background, psychiatric history, and personal recovery goals. The medication selection is driven by this evaluation, not by a one-size-fits-all template.

Medical detox and stabilization

For most patients, MAT begins during medical detox. For opioid-dependent patients on fentanyl, buprenorphine micro-induction is performed under 24/7 medical supervision to avoid precipitated withdrawal.

Integrated therapy

Medication alone is not enough. MAT at Annandale includes daily individual therapy, group therapy, CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care. These therapies address the underlying drivers of substance use and build the skills that maintain recovery once the medication starts working.

Residential treatment

MAT is integrated into our residential treatment program. Patients live in the same 6-bed estate where detox happens, with the same clinical team, eliminating the disruptive handoffs that cause many MAT patients to disengage.

Dual diagnosis care

For patients with co-occurring mental health conditions, MAT is paired with our dual diagnosis program. Untreated depression, anxiety, ADHD, or trauma is one of the strongest predictors of MAT discontinuation and relapse.

Aftercare and continuity

Before discharge, we coordinate a community prescriber to continue the medication and an outpatient therapist for ongoing behavioral support. Continuity is the single biggest factor in long-term MAT outcomes.

Who is a good candidate for MAT?

MAT may be the right path if you:

  • Have relapsed after previous treatment that did not include medication
  • Experience intense cravings or severe withdrawal symptoms
  • Are physically dependent on opioids or alcohol
  • Have co-occurring mental health conditions
  • Want a medically supported, evidence-based path to recovery

MAT is not “replacing one drug with another.” It’s stabilizing the brain so the underlying work of recovery becomes possible.

Frequently asked questions

Is MAT just substituting one drug for another?

No. MAT medications are FDA-approved, clinically dosed, and prescribed under medical supervision. They reduce cravings and stabilize brain chemistry without producing the highs or behavioral consequences of substance use. Decades of research show MAT significantly improves recovery outcomes compared to abstinence-only approaches.

How long will I be on MAT?

Length depends on the medication, the substance, and your clinical picture. Some patients use MAT for months; others for years. The decision to taper is collaborative, based on clinical stability and your goals — not a fixed timeline.

Will MAT interact with my other medications?

Our medical team reviews every medication you take during the initial assessment, including psychiatric medications, pain medications, and any other prescriptions. Any interactions are identified and managed before starting MAT.

Is MAT covered by insurance?

MAT is covered by all major PPO plans we accept (Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Cigna, Blue Shield of California, United Healthcare) under either the medical or pharmacy benefit. We verify your benefits before admission at no cost.

Will my employer or family know I am on MAT?

No. We follow HIPAA strictly and do not share patient information without written consent. MAT prescriptions appear on standard prescription records but do not reveal clinical context. We work with executives, professionals, and family members of public figures regularly.

Related Los Angeles resources

For evidence-based information on medication-assisted treatment, see SAMHSA on Medications for Substance Use Disorders and the NIDA Effective Treatments for Opioid Addiction resource.

Begin MAT today

Call (855) 778-8668 for same-day clinical assessment, or verify your insurance online. Confidential. PPO accepted.