Medication Assisted Treatment vs. Abstinence-Only: What Works Best for Long-Term Recovery?

May 2

Written By Jessi

Woman who has overcome addiction with outpatient rehab in Redding, CA

When someone is struggling with addiction, choosing the right path to recovery can feel overwhelming. Should you go the abstinence-only route? Try counseling? Use medications like Suboxone? There are a lot of opinions out there—but what does the science say?

At Renewed Life Medical Group, we believe in using evidence-based treatment that helps people stay sober long-term—not just temporarily. That’s why we offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as part of our comprehensive care plan.

Let’s break down the differences between MAT and abstinence-only treatment, and what the research shows about long-term success.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

MAT is an approach that uses FDA-approved medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) or naltrexone, combined with addiction counseling, to treat substance use disorders—especially opioid and alcohol addiction.

The goal of MAT is not to “replace one drug with another,” but to:

Ease withdrawal symptoms
Reduce cravings
Stabilize brain chemistry
Prevent relapse and overdose

MAT helps people focus on recovery, relationships, work, and personal growth—not just staying sober day by day.

What Is Abstinence-Only Treatment?

Abstinence-only treatment encourages complete avoidance of all substances, including medications used in MAT. While this approach works for some, research shows that it has higher relapse and overdose risks—especially for people with opioid use disorder.

Without medical support, withdrawal and cravings can become overwhelming, leading many people to relapse within the first year.

What the Research Shows: MAT vs. Abstinence

MAT vs Abstinence only treatment comparison graph

Here are some key findings:

A JAMA Psychiatry study found that people using Suboxone had better long-term outcomes than those relying on abstinence alone.
A 2016 study in The American Journal of Psychiatry showed that people discharged from detox without MAT were twice as likely to die compared to those receiving MAT.
NIH and SAMHSA consistently report that MAT increases retention in treatment—one of the biggest predictors of long-term success.

Why Do People Relapse Without MAT?

Addiction is a chronic brain disease, not a lack of willpower. Trying to recover without addressing the brain changes caused by addiction is like trying to walk on a broken leg without a cast.

Cravings, triggers, and stress are all real—and powerful. MAT gives your brain the support it needs to heal, helping you make lasting changes.

Common Misconceptions About MAT

Let’s clear up a few myths:

MYTH: “Suboxone just replaces one addiction with another.”
FACT: Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist. It doesn’t cause a high when taken as prescribed and helps normalize brain chemistry.
MYTH: “Real recovery means zero medication.”
FACT: For many, real recovery means being alive, rebuilding relationships, working again, and finding purpose—and MAT makes that possible.

How Long Should Someone Stay on MAT?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the best outcomes are seen when people stay on MAT for 1–2 years or longer. The decision to taper off should be made with a provider, not out of pressure or stigma.

At Renewed Life Medical Group, we tailor your treatment to you. You’re not on a timeline—we walk with you at your pace.

Your Recovery, Your Way—With Real Support

If you’re looking for a path to recovery that actually works, medication-assisted treatment might be the answer. At Renewed Life Medical Group, we offer MAT in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment, backed by clinical research and compassionate care.

Whether you’re searching for a drug rehab near me, help with substance abuse, or an addiction treatment facility near me, we’re here for you.

Why Choose Renewed Life Medical Group?

Same-day appointments regularly available
Most insurance accepted—with no copay for most patients
Online visits through Zoom available
No judgment—just support, healing, and hope

Ready to Take the First Step?

Your story isn’t over. Whether you’ve tried to quit before or are just starting to explore treatment options, we’re here to help you find freedom—one step at a time.

Call us today or schedule your appointment online. Let’s write your next chapter—together.