If you’re struggling with addiction, willpower alone is rarely enough. Substance use disorders change the brain’s chemistry, making cravings, withdrawal, and relapse difficult to manage without medical support. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) offers a proven, compassionate path forward; one that treats addiction as the medical condition it is.
At Spring Grove Recovery in Colorado Springs, MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling, behavioral therapy, and recovery support to help individuals regain stability and build lasting recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based approach to treating substance use disorders especially opioid and alcohol use disorders by combining medications with therapy and behavioral support. MAT works by reducing withdrawal symptoms, decreasing cravings, blocking the effects of substances, and stabilizing brain chemistry.
MAT is one of the most researched and effective treatments for addiction. When appropriately prescribed and monitored, MAT can help reduce overdose risk, increase engagement in treatment, and improve long-term recovery outcomes:
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same euphoric effects as full opioids. Treatment typically includes induction (starting safely), stabilization (finding an effective dose), and maintenance (supporting sustained recovery). Potential side effects may include headache, nausea, constipation, or sleep changes. Your care team will monitor and adjust your dosage as needed.
Methadone is a long-acting full opioid agonist that helps prevent withdrawal and reduce cravings. It is carefully dosed and monitored to ensure safety and is often used for individuals with more severe opioid use disorder. Because it can interact with other substances and medications, clinical monitoring and safety planning are essential.
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids and can also support treatment for alcohol use disorder. It may be available as an oral medication or an extended-release injection. Naltrexone requires that opioids are fully out of the system before starting, so candidacy and timing are evaluated carefully.
MAT may be appropriate for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), or other substance use disorders especially when cravings, withdrawal, or relapse risk are high. Many people also benefit from integrated care for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health concerns.
When appropriate, family involvement can support healing and stability. Education and family counseling can improve communication, strengthen boundaries, and help loved ones understand MAT and recovery.
Withdrawal management begins with assessment and safe stabilization. MAT medications can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings so individuals can focus on therapy and recovery skills.
Some individuals begin treatment with medical detox, then transition into ongoing MAT and therapy. Spring Grove Recovery coordinates care to support continuity, safety, and long-term progress.
Outpatient MAT allows individuals to receive medication management and counseling while maintaining work, school, and family responsibilities. Ongoing follow-up supports safety and progress.
For individuals who need more structure or 24/7 support, MAT may be integrated into inpatient addiction treatment for stabilization, therapy, and comprehensive care.
Telehealth options may help improve access to follow-up care when clinically appropriate. Safety protocols, regular check-ins, and coordination with local resources help maintain quality and accountability.
Spring Grove Recovery is committed to evidence-based, patient-centered care. Our clinical team uses established protocols, ongoing monitoring, and integrated therapy services to support safe and effective MAT.
No. Medication-Assisted Treatment does not replace one addiction with another. Addiction involves compulsive use despite harm, while MAT medications are taken exactly as prescribed under medical supervision to stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and support recovery. MAT helps people function, engage fully in therapy, and significantly reduces overdose risk.
No. Recovery is about health, stability, and improved quality of life not avoiding all medications. MAT is a medically recognized treatment that supports sobriety by helping individuals avoid illicit substance use and maintain long-term recovery.
Not necessarily. The length of MAT varies by individual. Some people benefit from MAT for a shorter period, while others need longer-term support. Research consistently shows that remaining on MAT longer often leads to better outcomes and a lower risk of relapse.
Not always. Tapering too quickly can increase the risk of relapse and overdose. Any decision to taper should be made collaboratively with a medical provider and based on stability, progress, and overall health; not pressure, timelines, or stigma.
Absolutely not. Choosing MAT is a proactive, evidence-based decision not a failure. MAT is endorsed by leading medical organizations and has been shown to save lives, improve treatment retention, and support long-term recovery.
Yes. Some individuals choose to taper off MAT over time, while others continue treatment long-term. Tapering is always individualized and medically supervised to reduce withdrawal symptoms and relapse risk.
There is no standard timeline. MAT may last months or years depending on personal recovery goals, medical needs, and risk factors. Ongoing assessment helps determine what is safest and most effective for each individual.
MAT is most effective when combined with counseling, behavioral therapy, and recovery support. Medication addresses the physical aspects of addiction, while therapy supports emotional, behavioral, and psychological healing.
Yes. Long-term MAT has been shown to be safe and effective when properly monitored. Ongoing medical oversight ensures dosing, side effects, and overall health are managed responsibly.
Medication-Assisted Treatment offers a proven, compassionate path toward stability and healing especially when combined with therapy, support, and individualized care.
If you or someone you love is considering MAT in Colorado Springs, Spring Grove Recovery is here to help. Call 719.415.3460 today to speak confidentially with our admissions team and learn whether Medication-Assisted Treatment is right for you.
Lindsay Dean currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Spring Grove Recovery. With more than 10 years of experience in behavioral health, Lindsay is deeply committed to expanding access to ethical, high-quality treatment and building systems of care that support long-term, sustainable recovery through compassionate, trauma-informed practices.
Lindsay began her career in direct patient care, where early experience as a mental health technician, crisis intervention specialist, and group/ individual counselor shaped her understanding of how trauma impacts engagement, trust, and openness to treatment. This clinical foundation continues to inform her leadership philosophy, reinforcing the belief that effective treatment systems must be grounded in safety, dignity, and respect.
As Lindsay progressed into senior leadership, her focus shifted toward building and strengthening treatment programs that balance clinical excellence with operational and regulatory integrity. She served as Program Director at one of the largest Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) in Colorado Springs, where she led multidisciplinary teams, expanded access to evidence-based services for priority populations via increased grant funding, and ensured adherence to state and federal regulations.
Most recently, Lindsay served as Assistant Executive Director of Spring Grove Recovery, where she aligned clinical, operational, and administrative teams to strengthen continuity between inpatient and outpatient levels of care. Her leadership emphasized collaboration, sustainability, and the reduction of barriers to treatment access.
Lindsay’s leadership is grounded in operational excellence, regulatory integrity, and trauma-informed systems of care that prioritize patient safety and engagement. She has successfully guided organizations through extensive state and federal oversight, managed and expanded state grant funding, and strengthened services for underserved and vulnerable populations.
Lindsay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Personal Health and is a Certified Addiction Specialist. As CEO, she leads Spring Grove Recovery with a clear mission: to cultivate a trauma-informed, collaborative, and compassionate treatment environment where individuals are empowered to heal, engage meaningfully in their own care, and sustain recovery long after residential treatment ends.
