Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Atlanta, GA

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Substance use disorders can be difficult to overcome, especially when withdrawal symptoms and cravings make it hard to stay sober. This is where Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) comes in. MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. We provides comprehensive, compassionate care for those seeking MAT in Atlanta. Our team tailors treatment plans to each individual’s needs, offering the support and resources necessary for long-term recovery and a healthier future.

Understanding Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, is a treatment approach that combines FDA-approved medications with behavioral therapy to treat substance use disorders. This treatment helps individuals manage the physical and psychological symptoms of addiction, especially during withdrawal and early recovery. While commonly used for opioid and alcohol addiction, MAT also benefits those with other substance use disorders.

At Atlas Behavioral Health, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the addiction. That’s why MAT is an integral part of our approach. By blending medication with counseling and support, we provide individuals with the tools they need to regain control over their lives and stay on the path to recovery.

A woman discusses MAT treatment with her doctor during MAT in Atlanta

Types of Medications Used in MAT

We tailor medications in MAT to the specific substance being treated. Our evidence-based treatments consistently improve outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.

  • Medications for opioid use disorder: FDA-approved medications like Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone are commonly used to treat opioid addiction. These medications work by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery.
  • Medications for alcohol use disorder: For those struggling with alcohol addiction, medications such as Disulfiram and Acamprosate can help. Disulfiram triggers unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, while Acamprosate reduces cravings and supports abstinence.

A Holistic Approach in MAT

We know that recovery from addiction requires more than just managing physical symptoms—it also involves healing the mind and spirit. That’s why we take a holistic approach to MAT in Atlanta, combining medications with a variety of behavioral therapies.

Behavioral therapy plays a key role in addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. Through individual counseling, group therapy, and peer support, we help individuals uncover the root causes of their substance use, whether it’s trauma, mental health conditions, or environmental factors. Therapy allows for emotional healing, teaches relapse prevention techniques, and strengthens personal resilience.

Benefits of MAT

The benefits of MAT include:

  • Reduce cravings: The medications used in MAT help manage cravings, which are one of the biggest obstacles to recovery.
  • Prevent relapse: By reducing the physical urge to use drugs or alcohol, MAT lowers the risk of relapse, especially in the early stages of recovery.
  • Improve patient outcomes: Individuals receiving MAT often experience better long-term outcomes compared to those who undergo detox or therapy alone.

With MAT, we aim to give individuals the best possible chance at lasting recovery by offering a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both physical and mental health.

woman discusses options for MAT

Who Can Benefit from MAT?

MAT is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can be incredibly beneficial for many individuals struggling with addiction. People who can benefit from MAT include:

  • Those with moderate to severe opioid or alcohol use disorders.
  • Individuals who have tried to quit using substances but have experienced repeated relapses.
  • People who struggle with intense cravings or withdrawal symptoms that prevent them from maintaining sobriety.

We conduct thorough assessments to determine if MAT is the right fit for each person. We take into account medical history, substance use patterns, and personal preferences to create a customized treatment plan.

Safety and Misconceptions About MAT

One of the most common misconceptions about MAT is that it simply replaces one addiction with another. This is not true. MAT medications are carefully monitored to prevent creating a new dependency. Instead, they help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to focus on therapy and long-term recovery.

MAT has been extensively studied and is considered safe when used under medical supervision. With our MAT in Atlanta, we monitor all clients closely to ensure they are responding well to treatment, and adjusting medications as needed.

MAT For Long-Term Recovery

Medication-assisted treatment is designed to be part of a long-term recovery plan for those struggling with substance use disorders. While medications play a key role in the early stages by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, they are just one element of a broader approach. MAT stabilizes individuals, allowing them to focus on recovery without being overwhelmed by physical challenges.

For lasting success, our MAT combines medication with ongoing therapy, counseling, and support. Our comprehensive care addresses the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of addiction, helping individuals develop the skills needed to maintain sobriety in the long run. Through our continuous support and personalized treatment, MAT empowers our clients to sustain their recovery and rebuild their lives.

Our Client-Centered Approach To MAT

We offer a comprehensive, client-centered approach to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). Our experienced healthcare professionals begin by conducting a thorough assessment, including a medical evaluation and a review of your substance use history, to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. This plan integrates medication, therapy, and support services to address the whole person, ensuring that both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery are covered.

We closely monitor your progress throughout your treatment, providing regular check-ins to adjust your plan as necessary for the best possible outcomes. Our compassionate team stands by your side every step of the way, offering encouragement, guidance, and support as you work toward a healthier, addiction-free life. Whether through medication, therapy, or additional support services, our goal is to help you achieve lasting recovery with MAT.

A man heals & finds relief through MAT in Atlanta

Feel Supported Every Step with MAT in Atlanta

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Medication-Assisted Treatment could be the solution that brings lasting change. MAT in Atlanta offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to recovery that combines medications, therapy, and support to address every aspect of addiction. 

Reach out to us today to learn more about our MAT program and how we can help you take the first step toward a brighter future.

Helping Georgians Recover

We support those who want to be sober, healthy, and fulfilled. Using highly effective methods, as well as a non-directive approach, we’ve helped hundreds of Georgians and their families. We’d love to help you and yours, too.

Josh Camadeca, CARES, CPS-AD, CPS-MH, RCP (he/him)

Program Manager

Josh Camadeca serves as the Program Manager at Atlas Behavioral Health. He is a Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialist (CARES), a Certified Peer Specialist in Addictive Diseases (CPS-AD), a Certified Peer Specialist in Mental Health (CPS-MH), and a nationally Certified Recovery Coach Professional (RCP). With over a decade in sustained recovery from substance use and more than 25 years of personal engagement with mental health therapy, Josh integrates his lived experience with evidence-based recovery support to provide comprehensive peer-driven care. In his role, Josh specializes in recovery coaching and mentoring, supporting clients in developing individualized pathways to health, wellness, and sustainable recovery. He is skilled in linking clients and families with appropriate resources, recovery communities, and supportive services to enhance continuity of care and long-term outcomes. His clinical focus emphasizes the importance of recovery-oriented systems of care, social connection, and community integration. Josh’s strengths lie in his ability to foster trust, empathy, and empowerment within the therapeutic alliance. He is passionate about promoting resilience and guiding clients toward a life of meaning, fulfillment, and self-determined recovery. In addition to his professional work, Josh values the role of healthy leisure and community engagement; his personal interests in hiking, biking, fitness, sports, and collecting sneakers and streetwear allow him to build rapport and relate to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Julie River, M.S., LPC, NCC, CPS-MH, RCP, EMDR Trained (she/her)

Clinical Director

Clinical Director Julie River is the Clinical Director at Atlas Behavioral Health, where she provides leadership in clinical programming, staff development, and evidence-based service delivery. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Peer Specialist in Mental Health (CPS-MH), Recovery Coach Professional (RCP), and an EMDR-trained psychotherapist. Julie earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from Kennesaw State University and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She specializes in the treatment of trauma, addictions, adoption-related issues, and identity development. Her clinical approach is postmodern, inclusive, and affirming, with a strong emphasis on the intersectionality of identity and culture. She integrates holistic and systems-based frameworks into her therapeutic modalities, supporting clients in developing deep self-understanding rooted in their formative experiences. With over a decade of experience across the continuum of care, Julie has worked in psychiatric hospitals, wilderness therapy programs, art therapy initiatives, outpatient treatment for addictions and eating disorders, trauma-focused therapy, private practice, and peer support. This diverse background informs her vision for Atlas: to provide evidence-based, client-centered, culturally competent, and identity-affirming care. She is equally committed to the wellbeing of the clinical team, recognizing that staff wellness directly impacts the quality of client care. Julie is passionate about psychology, neurobiology, and sociology, and actively pursues ongoing professional development in these fields. Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys training for marathons and ultramarathons, international travel, and exploring new cultures through hiking and meaningful connection with others.