Medication‑Assisted Treatment (MAT)
in Houston, TX

Medication‑assisted treatment (also called MOUD when treating opioid use disorder) combines FDA‑approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat the “whole person.” It helps normalize brain chemistry, reduce cravings and withdrawal, and improve retention in care.

For opioid use disorder, methadone and buprenorphine activate opioid receptors in a controlled, therapeutic way; naltrexone blocks them. These medications reduce withdrawal and cravings and lower the risk of relapse and overdose when taken as prescribed.

Three: buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone. All are proven safe and effective when paired with appropriate care.

Three: naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. They’re often used alongside counseling and mutual‑support to improve outcomes.

No. High‑quality studies show methadone and buprenorphine cut overdose deaths and reduce acute care use compared with non‑medication approaches. MAT stabilizes physiology; it doesn’t substitute one addiction for another.

There’s no fixed time limit; people should continue medication as long as it’s beneficial. Arbitrary stop dates increase relapse and overdose risk. Decisions to taper should be individualized and closely monitored.

Yes—buprenorphine or methadone are recommended in pregnancy; breastfeeding is generally encouraged if there’s no ongoing illicit use. Care is individualized with your OB‑GYN.

Yes. Evidence supports methadone and buprenorphine in the fentanyl era; some patients may need higher buprenorphine doses or careful inductions to avoid precipitated withdrawal.

Yes. Buprenorphine can be prescribed in office‑based settings; methadone for OUD is dispensed through certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). Texas HHS also supports MAT access statewide.

IOP is a structured level of care typically providing about 9–19 hours/week of counseling and skills work, designed to fit around work or school while maintaining clinical intensity.

Yes—medication works best alongside counseling, recovery skills, and supportive services. This combination is the standard of care.

Most plans do. Medicaid and Medicare must cover MOUD, and Texas programs/initiatives can help connect residents to care; private plans generally cover SUD treatment under parity rules. Always verify your benefits.

Texas HHS and partner programs (e.g., Texas Targeted Opioid Response/Be Well Texas) expand access and can help connect you with affordable services.

Nova provides MAT evaluations and, when clinically appropriate, office‑based medications such as buprenorphine or naltrexone, integrated with counseling and step‑down care. For methadone, we coordinate with local OTPs as required by federal rules. (Program details belong to your page copy; methadone must be dispensed by an OTP.)

Yes. Starting buprenorphine in the ED increases engagement in addiction treatment, and patients can transition to outpatient care.

There are no FDA‑approved medications for stimulant (cocaine/methamphetamine) use disorders; care focuses on behavioral therapies and contingency management. For benzodiazepines, doctor‑supervised tapering, not MAT, is recommended.

Naloxone rapidly reverses an opioid overdose; it’s emergency, short‑acting, and now available OTC. Naltrexone is a longer‑acting blocker used for relapse prevention in OUD and AUD, after detox. Keep naloxone on hand if you or a loved one uses opioids.

Most clients step down to IOP, continue medication management, add family/individual therapy, and—if helpful—enter sober living/recovery housing for structure and accountability.

Yes. Methadone and buprenorphine significantly reduce overdose and all‑cause mortality and improve retention compared with non‑medication treatment.

Use the Verify Insurance form on the site or call. If you’re uninsured, we can still help you review Medicaid/Medicare options and Texas resources (e.g., TTOR/Be Well Texas).