MAT Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles

MAT is the use of medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help normalize brain function and prevent the effects of drugs and alcohol on the system to achieve sustained recovery. It is used together with therapy and counseling to bring about positive, lasting change in a person suffering from substance use disorder (addiction).

Our medically assisted treatment program in Los Angeles is tailor-made for each client. It is a comprehensive program that helps you to safely and comfortably overcome withdrawal symptoms and cravings and provides you with a combination of behavioral therapy and holistic treatments that together treat you as a whole.

One of the concerns with drugs such as opioids is a relapse that leads to an overdose. The concern is that stopping the use of the drug for a few days or weeks lowers the person’s tolerance to the drug. If they then relapse, there is a real risk that they may end up taking too much because they aren’t used to a lowered tolerance level. This can quickly lead to an overdose. MAT treatment can help to prevent this situation from happening – essentially, MAT treatment can save lives.

Some of the medications used can block the effects of substances such as opioids, so even in the event of relapse, the person won’t get any of the usual effects they expect. MAT medications for alcohol addiction, for example, can cause the person to feel sick when they try to drink alcohol, skipping the usual effects they are after and feeling an instant hangover.

One of the things that make our MAT treatment in Los Angeles so effective is that it helps the person to be more receptive to behavioral therapy, which is a key component to long-term recovery. Therapy and MAT go hand-in-hand, and by law, if you are in a medically-assisted treatment program, you also need to partake in therapy. Along with therapy, a whole-patient approach to recovery is taken by Muse Treatment. This means that we will help you to explore areas of your life that could improve, such as your vocational and mental wellbeing and education, among other areas.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call Muse Treatment Center today. Our expert addiction specialists are standing by ready to speak confidentially with you. Call (800) 426-1818 today.

So, what can you expect during our medically-assisted treatment in Los Angeles? You can expect to participate in a standard treatment program such as the behavioral therapies and whole-patient treatments that help to build a new, sustainable life. The major difference is that you’ll also be using medications that will help to reduce your withdrawal symptoms and cravings so that you can focus on your recovery.

If you’re addicted to opioids such as heroin or opioid-based pain relievers, then your MAT treatment medications might include naltrexone, methadone, buprenorphine, or a combination of these medications. For substances such as alcohol, you may be given disulfiram, naltrexone, or acamprosate.

Since these medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are not a cure for addiction, you will also be involved with behavioral therapies to assist you in building sustainable habits, change your thought patterns and behaviors, and help you heal from mental health disorders such as trauma. Some of the behavioral therapies that you may be involved with include dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

At Muse, we also treat co-occurring mental disorders (dual diagnosis). This is when a person is suffering from an untreated mental disorder such as an anxiety disorder, that can have a significant impact on their addiction. Oftentimes, a person’s reason for substance abuse may start from their need to self-medicate their mental health disorder symptoms. Muse can treat these conditions, helping to achieve long-term sobriety.

Buprenorphine and Naltrexone are both FDA-approved medications used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), but they work differently and carry distinct side effect profiles. Here’s a clear, fact-based breakdown of the most common and clinically significant side effects for each:

Buprenorphine (e.g., Suboxone®, Subutex®). How it works: A partial opioid agonist—it activates opioid receptors but less intensely than full opioids. It reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a full high.

Common Side Effects

• Constipation – Affects ~20–30% of users; due to opioid receptor activity in the gut.
• Headache – Reported in up to 25% of patients.
• Nausea and vomiting – Especially during initiation or dose changes.
• Drowsiness or sedation – Mild in most cases; more likely if combined with other depressants.
• Sweating – Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is relatively common.
• Insomnia – May be tied to changes in neurotransmitter balance.
• Mouth numbness or burning – If using Suboxone film or tablets.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness – Especially when starting treatment.
• Mood changes or anxiety – Less common but may occur during stabilization.

⚠️ Less Common, Serious Side Effects

• Respiratory depression – Rare unless mixed with benzodiazepines or alcohol.
• Liver enzyme elevations – Periodic liver function tests are often recommended.
• Precipitated withdrawal – If taken too soon after full opioid use.

Naltrexone (e.g., Vivitrol®, Revia®). How it works: A full opioid antagonist—it blocks opioid receptors, preventing opioids from producing euphoric effects. It’s also used for alcohol dependence.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea – Occurs in ~15–25% of oral and injectable users.
• Headache – Especially after the first few doses or injection.
• Fatigue or low energy – More pronounced in the early treatment phase.
• Joint and muscle pain – Often reported after Vivitrol injection.
• Sleep disturbances – Including vivid dreams or insomnia.
• Anxiety or restlessness – Sometimes seen in individuals with untreated co-occurring conditions.
• Injection site pain (Vivitrol) – Swelling, redness, or bruising is common.

⚠️ Less Common, Serious Side Effects

• Liver toxicity – Especially at high doses; regular liver monitoring is recommended.
• Severe injection site reactions – Rare but may include tissue damage (necrosis).
• Increased overdose risk if someone attempts to “override” the blocking effects after skipping doses or stopping treatment.

• Buprenorphine tends to be better tolerated early in treatment but requires careful timing and monitoring for precipitated withdrawal.
• Naltrexone requires full detox before starting and carries a higher dropout rate, partly due to side effects or lack of perceived benefit.
• Both require liver monitoring but pose low overdose risk if taken as prescribed.

Muse Treatment offers several FDA-approved medications as part of a comprehensive MAT protocol for individuals struggling with alcohol dependence. These medications are used alongside therapy and are tailored to the individual’s medical history, severity of use, and co-occurring mental health conditions.

🔹 1. Naltrexone (oral or injectable)

• Mechanism: Blocks opioid receptors involved in the brain’s reward system.
• Effect on AUD: Reduces cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol, making it easier to abstain.
• Evidence: Shown to reduce relapse rates and heavy drinking days. The injectable form (Vivitrol) improves adherence for patients in structured rehabilitation.
• Notes at Muse: Often prescribed early in residential treatment after detox is completed and liver function is confirmed.

🔹 2. Disulfiram (Antabuse)

• Mechanism: Inhibits the enzyme acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, causing unpleasant physical reactions when alcohol is consumed.
• Effect on AUD: Acts as a psychological deterrent to drinking.
• Side Effects: Flushing, nausea, rapid heartbeat if alcohol is ingested.
• Notes at Muse: Prescribed in select cases, often with patients who request strong behavioral reinforcement. Requires a full commitment and a thorough understanding of the risks.

🔹 3. Acamprosate (Campral)

• Mechanism: Modulates glutamate and GABA systems to stabilize brain chemistry disrupted by chronic alcohol use.
• Effect on AUD: Reduces post-acute withdrawal symptoms (e.g., insomnia, anxiety, restlessness) and helps support long-term abstinence.
• Evidence: Most effective in individuals who have already detoxed and are working toward abstinence.
• Notes at Muse: Often used in tandem with therapy, particularly with clients experiencing psychological withdrawal symptoms after detox.

Anxiety is a frequent underlying factor in alcohol misuse, with many patients using alcohol to self-medicate symptoms of generalized anxiety, panic, or trauma-related distress. Muse treats anxiety as part of a dual diagnosis model, balancing immediate symptom relief with long-term mental health stabilization.

🔹 1. Short-Term Benzodiazepines During Detox (Acute Phase Only)

• Examples: Lorazepam (Ativan), Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Clonazepam (Klonopin)
• Purpose: Used for 3–7 days during alcohol withdrawal to prevent seizures, reduce agitation, and stabilize vital signs.
• Clinical Oversight: Strictly supervised; dosing protocols based on CIWA-Ar scores (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol).

🔹 2. Non-Habit-Forming Medications for Ongoing Anxiety

Used after the detox phase, these medications support emotional regulation without the dependency risks of benzodiazepines.

✅ SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

• Examples: Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Effect: Long-term anxiety and depression management.
• Evidence: First-line treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and panic disorder.

✅ Buspirone

• Mechanism: Partial serotonin agonist with anti-anxiety effects.
• Benefit: Does not cause sedation or dependency.
• Use at Muse: Often prescribed during the stabilization phase in clients with moderate to severe anxiety.

✅ Gabapentin

• Use in AUD: Shown to reduce alcohol cravings and anxiety during early abstinence.
• Dual role: Useful for treating withdrawal symptoms and underlying anxiety.
• Notes at Muse: Frequently used for clients with sleep disturbances or high arousal.

Neurochemical Stabilization helps with Substance use, PTSD, and depression, which often disrupt the same brain circuits (dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine). It can also restore neurochemical balance, reducing both cravings and mood instability.

Neurobiological and Clinical Facts of Mental Disorders

• Up to 50–60% of individuals entering addiction treatment meet criteria for co-occurring mental health disorders, including PTSD and major depressive disorder (MDD).
  (Source: SAMHSA, NIDA)
• Chronic substance use and PTSD both dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which governs stress response. MAT helps stabilize this system by reducing cortisol spikes that drive relapse.
  (Source: American Journal of Psychiatry)
• Naltrexone, often used for alcohol or opioid use disorder, has been shown to reduce not only cravings but also emotional numbing and impulsivity, symptoms common in PTSD.
  (Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience, 2020)
• Prazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker, is frequently included in MAT for patients with PTSD-related nightmares and sleep disruption, which are major relapse triggers in early sobriety.
• SSRIs such as sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD and depression and often used in MAT programs; they promote neuroplasticity and emotional regulation during early recovery.

Addiction-Specific MAT Mechanisms

• Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, binds to opioid receptors with high affinity but causes less euphoria, reducing opioid use and also improving mood stability in patients with depressive symptoms.
  (Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 2018)
• MAT reduces amygdala hyperactivity, a key factor in both PTSD and substance use cravings. Medications like SSRIs, mood stabilizers, and naltrexone modulate this neural circuit.
  (Biological Psychiatry, 2017)
• Gabapentin, though not FDA-approved for anxiety, is often used off-label to treat generalized anxiety, withdrawal symptoms, and emotional volatility without addiction risk. It enhances GABA activity, a calming neurotransmitter deficient in both SUD and PTSD.

Outcomes and Safety Facts

• Dual diagnosis patients who receive MAT plus therapy are twice as likely to complete treatment compared to those receiving therapy alone.
  (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2022)
• Use of MAT in inpatient dual diagnosis settings has been shown to reduce early dropout risk by 30–40%, especially when trauma-related symptoms are stabilized within the first 10–14 days.(Journal of Addiction Medicine, 2021)
• MAT for depression (e.g., SSRIs/SNRIs) significantly reduces post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) symptoms such as lethargy, anhedonia, and irritability—common triggers for relapse.
• In inpatient programs like those in Los Angeles, benzodiazepines may be used temporarily during detox if trauma or panic is severe, but tapering and replacement with safer meds (e.g., hydroxyzine, buspirone, propranolol) are prioritized to prevent dependency.

Integration With Therapy and Environment

• Medications enhance patients’ ability to tolerate trauma-focused therapy like EMDR or CBT without becoming overwhelmed or dissociative—especially crucial for PTSD recovery in structured inpatient settings.
• MAT reduces emotional flashbacks, insomnia, and suicidal ideation, allowing for more consistent group participation and fewer psychiatric holds or emergency interventions during rehab.
• Depression-related apathy and executive dysfunction (difficulty making decisions, organizing, or initiating tasks) are directly mitigated by medications like bupropion, which increases dopamine and norepinephrine.

Risk Management in Clinical Settings

• MAT plans in dual diagnosis care are individually customized and monitored by psychiatrists to prevent medication interactions, serotonin syndrome, or over-sedation—particularly important when managing PTSD, alcohol withdrawal, and panic disorder together.
• Long-acting injectable medications (e.g., Vivitrol for naltrexone) are sometimes used to ensure adherence and reduce the risk of accidental overdose or missed dosing—especially after discharge.

🔹 1. Treatment Objective and Scope

• Detox-Only
  • Focuses solely on the acute physical process of substance withdrawal.
  • Typically lasts 3–7 days, depending on the substance and severity of dependence.
  • Does not address the psychological, emotional, or behavioral components of addiction.
  • Once detox ends, the patient is discharged or referred elsewhere—many never follow up.
• MAT
  • Goes beyond detox to stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse.
  • Utilizes FDA-approved medications in combination with therapy over months or years.
  • Specifically designed to help people with moderate to severe substance use disorders remain in recovery longer.
  • MAT is often critical for opioid, alcohol, or dual diagnosis patients whose withdrawal symptoms and relapse risk persist beyond detox.

🔹 2. Medication Usage & Purpose

• Detox-Only
  • Medications used include:
    • Benzodiazepines (e.g., Ativan, Librium) – for alcohol and benzo withdrawal to prevent seizures.
    • Clonidine – for opioid detox to manage agitation, sweating, and anxiety.
    • Antiemetics, antidiarrheals, NSAIDs – for physical comfort.
  • Medications are short-term, focused on tapering, and discontinued after detox completion.
• MAT
  • Medications used long-term, including:
    • Buprenorphine (Suboxone) – partial opioid agonist; reduces cravings without full euphoria.
    • Naltrexone (Vivitrol) – opioid/alcohol antagonist; blocks euphoric effects, reduces cravings.
    • Methadone is a full opioid agonist for those with long histories of opioid dependence.
    • Acamprosate – stabilizes glutamate function after alcohol cessation to reduce post-acute withdrawal.
    • Disulfiram (Antabuse) – creates aversion by inducing sickness if alcohol is consumed.
  • MAT medications are chosen based on substance type, patient history, co-occurring disorders, and relapse risk.

🔹 3. Impact on Brain Function and Recovery

• Detox-Only
  • Removes substances but does not heal the dysregulation in the brain’s reward system caused by long-term use.
  • Brain function often remains impaired for weeks or months, leading to:
    • Intense cravings
    • Mood instability
    • Poor impulse control
    • Cognitive fog
  • Patients are vulnerable to relapse during this window of neurological healing.
• MAT
  • Supports neurochemical stability over time.
  • Medications like buprenorphine or acamprosate normalize dopamine and glutamate function, aiding:
    • Cognitive clarity
    • Emotional regulation
    • Decision-making ability
  • Helps patients engage more productively in therapy and life changes during the early stages of recovery.

🔹 4. Long-Term Recovery Outcomes

• Detox-Only
  • According to SAMHSA and NIDA, 60–90% of people relapse within 1–3 months if no additional care follows detox.
  • Especially risky for opioid and alcohol patients—post-detox overdose risk increases due to reduced tolerance.
  • Minimal impact on long-term sobriety without behavioral health follow-up.
• MAT
  • Studies show MAT:
    • Improves treatment retention by 2–3x compared to abstinence-only programs.
    • Reduces opioid use by 40–60% (NIDA, 2020).
    • Decreases risk of fatal overdose by over 50% in the first year post-treatment.
    • Improves employment outcomes and reduces involvement in the criminal justice system.
  • Most effective when combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and relapse prevention planning.

🔹 5. Integration with Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders

• Detox-Only
  • Rarely addresses mental health conditions (e.g., PTSD, anxiety, bipolar disorder).
  • The psychiatric evaluation may be deferred or not conducted at all unless a crisis arises.
  • High chance of unmanaged mental illness triggering relapse.
• MAT
  • Often administered as part of a dual diagnosis treatment model.
  • MAT medications are carefully selected to complement psychiatric medications:
    • For example, avoiding stimulant meds in those prone to anxiety.
    • SSRIs may be used alongside naltrexone for patients with both depression and alcohol use disorder.
  • Stronger outcomes in patients with PTSD, depression, or trauma histories when MAT is part of care.

🔹 6. Access and Use in Los Angeles

• Detox-Only Programs in LA:
  • Available widely in both public (LA County DHS-funded) and private centers.
  • Public detox beds are limited and often require long waitlists.
• MAT in LA:
  • Muse Treatment, Tarzana Treatment Centers, and LA County DHS offer MAT for opioids and alcohol.
  • California’s Medi-Cal (Medicaid) and private insurers (e.g., Anthem, Blue Shield) cover MAT under most plans.
  • LA’s MAT access has expanded since 2021 due to fentanyl overdose spikes.

1. Minimum Recommended Duration

• According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
  • At least 12 months of continuous MAT is recommended for sustained outcomes.
  • Stopping MAT prematurely is linked with significantly higher relapse and overdose risk—especially with opioids.

2. General Duration by Substance

3. Phases of MAT (Muse & LA Clinics)

✅ Acute Phase (0–30 days)

• Detox + medication initiation
• Monitoring for side effects and dosage adjustment
• Therapy begins alongside meds.

✅ Stabilization Phase (1–6 months)

• The medication dose becomes steady
• Cravings, sleep, and mood stabilizing.
• Intensive outpatient or inpatient therapy continues.
• Co-occurring conditions (like anxiety or depression) are treated simultaneously.

✅ Maintenance Phase (6–24+ months)

• Medication continued at an effective dose
• Weekly or biweekly therapy
• Peer support, virtual check-ins, and relapse-prevention planning
• Possible dose tapering starts only when clinically appropriate.

Retention Rates & Studies

• In clinical research, MAT retention ranged widely:
  • 70–80% retention at 3 months
  • 60–70% at 6 months
  • 37–57% at 12 months, depending on medication type (methadone higher than buprenorphine)
• The average global retention rate at 12 months is approximately 50–55%, reflecting variability but indicating a reasonable level of success in structured programs.
• In a U.S. family medicine setting, over 75% remained in treatment at 3 months, 69% at 6 months, and 48% at 12 months. Having consistent physician care and insurance strongly predicted longer retention.

4. MAT Phases in Structured Programs

Acute Initiation Phase (0–1 month)

• Detox plus initial medication dosing (e.g., buprenorphine, naltrexone).
• Intensive psychiatric evaluation and therapy are started concurrently.
• Dose adjustments occur to optimize cravings control and minimize side effects.

Stabilization Phase (1–6 months)

• Medication dosage becomes stable.
• Patients engage in weekly or biweekly outpatient therapy (individual/group, case management).
• Peer support, virtual check-ins, or telehealth complement care.
• The focus is on reducing the risk of relapse and building relapse prevention skills.

Maintenance Phase (6–24+ months)

• Continued medication at an effective dose.
• Less frequent clinical contact, but ongoing psychiatric check-ins.
• Support transitions to relapse prevention, housing, employment, and community engagement.
• Tapering begins only when stable criteria are met and under the supervision of a clinician.

5. Predictors of Long-Term MAT Engagement

• Medication type: Methadone retention averages ~56% at 12 months; buprenorphine ~48%
• Continuity of care: Patients with consistent physicians and insurance coverage show higher retention—69% at 6 months and 48% at 12 months
• Support services, including access to psychotherapy, social support, contingency management, and telehealth, have been shown to improve adherence and duration significantly.

6. Clinical Outcome Benefits

• Retained in MAT for ≥6 months: Associated with notably lower relapse rates and overdose risk.
• Increased survival and reduced healthcare utilization: MAT adherence improves overall health outcomes and reduces hospital admissions.
• Programs blending psychology and medication: Retention rates of ~59% at 6 months have been reported in studies pairing CBT with buprenorphine treatment.

Why does the MAT Length Matter?

• Prolonged MAT supports neurobiological recovery, allowing the brain to readjust reward pathways and neurotransmitter balance.
• It reduces tolerance risks: stopping early can leave someone vulnerable to overdose if they relapse.
• Longer engagement means more opportunity to learn coping skills, manage mental health conditions, and integrate supports for long-term recovery.

1. Customized Aftercare Plans

• Muse develops a dynamic post-discharge plan informed by each client’s treatment history, MAT progress, and clinical goals. This plan gets updated based on real-time client input and progress during transition phases.
• Aftercare plans often include a combination of therapy retention, continued medication monitoring, sober living, and alumni involvement.

2. Outpatient Levels of Care

• After MAT ends or stabilizes, patients often transition into intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or partial hospitalization (PHP), where therapy continues while lifestyle reintegration begins.
• These programs allow individuals to work, study, or manage responsibilities while receiving structured therapy and group support.

3. Sober Living or Transitional Housing

• Muse is affiliated with sober living residences—substance-free homes that offer a structured environment, peer accountability, household responsibilities, and regular meetings.
• These environments ease the transition from inpatient care by providing emotional support and routine until clients are ready for full independence.

4. Alumni & Community Support

• Muse maintains an ongoing alumni network, allowing former clients to stay connected through group meetings, workshops, and peer support gatherings.
• Dedicated staff provide access to recovery coaching, relapse advocates, and social support channels even after formal treatment ends.

5. Virtual Check-ins and Telehealth Support

• While not listed explicitly, Muse’s aftercare model provides regular virtual contacts—aligning with telehealth continuity-of-care norms—to monitor mental health, medication adherence, and relapse risk.

6. Integrated Mental Health & Medication Follow-Up

• During aftercare, the psychiatric team reviews ongoing medication needs, including any residual MAT or psychiatric medications, adjusting or tapering as necessary.
• Patients continue to receive dual diagnosis treatment for conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD well beyond the MAT phase.

7. Skills Reinforcement and Relapse Prevention

• After MAT, Muse emphasizes the importance of relapse prevention tools, including stress reduction, emotional regulation, and behavioral coping mechanisms.
• These are embedded in aftercare sessions, alumni programming, and therapy groups to reinforce long-term recovery habits.

8. Supportive Transition for Life Goals

• The final stage of Muse’s clinical model involves helping clients identify personal goals—vocational, educational, and relational—and supporting those goals alongside sober living integration.
• The plan may include referrals to job training, education support, or community resources.

🔹 1. Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) – Naltrexone & Acamprosate

• A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that naltrexone reduced the relapse rate to heavy drinking by ~14% compared to placebo
• At 12 weeks, complete abstinence rates were ~10% higher with naltrexone versus placebo (95% CI: 3.5–16.3%)
• Naltrexone-treated patients had 3 to 4 fewer drinking days per month and consumed one fewer drink per drinking day than the placebo groups.
• Combined naltrexone and acamprosate yielded a 28% heavy-drinking relapse rate at 12 weeks, compared to 35% with naltrexone alone and 75% with placebo. At 24 weeks, this group maintained a superior relapse prevention rate (34% relapse).

🔹 2. Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) – Extended-Release Naltrexone & Buprenorphine

• In criminal justice–involved patients, extended-release naltrexone delayed relapse significantly longer: median time to relapse was 10.5 weeks vs. 5 weeks under usual treatment. Relapse occurred in 43% of XR‑NTX patients vs. 64% of controls at 24 weeks (HR = 0.49)
• Meta-analyses comparing oral naltrexone to placebo show a significant reduction in relapse risk (RR ≈ 0.72) in opioid-dependent populations.
• In real-world settings, buprenorphine-based MAT retention rates average 40–65% abstinence, and long-term users show lower overdose risk and stable recovery outcomes

🔹 3. Comparative Relapse Risks

• Detox-only (without MAT) relapse rates are extremely high: 60–90% within a year, especially in opioid addiction.
• In contrast, MAT adherence—particularly with buprenorphine or long‑acting naltrexone—can reduce relapse rates by 40–60%, and overdose risk drops by over 50% when maintained for a year or more.

• The effect size is moderate but clinically meaningful; even a 14% reduction translates to real-world relapse prevention for many.
• Combo medication regimens work better than single agents, especially in AUD treatment.
• Long-acting injectable formulations (e.g., Vivitrol) significantly aid in adherence and reduce relapse.
• Retaining patients in MAT for at least 6 months yields better outcomes; a decline in benefit over time is observed if treatment is discontinued early.
• Integration with psychosocial therapy (e.g., CBT, relapse prevention) significantly enhances effectiveness.

1. Medi‑Cal (California Medicaid)

• Medi‑Cal covers MAT medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders, including buprenorphine, methadone (in licensed opioid treatment programs), naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram via fee-for-service (FFS) and Drug Medi‑Cal Organized Delivery System (DMC‑ODS) programs.
• Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) and acamprosate require a Treatment Authorization Request (TAR) when prescribed through Medi‑Cal FFS.
• Medi-Cal also reimburses related services, such as therapy, counseling, and telehealth follow-ups.

2. Medi‑Cal Managed Care Plans in LA County

• Most Medi‑Cal beneficiaries in Los Angeles receive MAT through managed care plans (L.A. Care, Health Net, Anthem, Kaiser).
• These plans are required to offer parity between mental health, SUD, and physical health services, including MAT medications, counseling, and case management.
• Facilities accepting Medi-Cal (e.g., FQHCs, certified rehabilitation programs) can bill for MAT medications and associated services, and must honor MAT without requiring tapering.

3. Private and Employer-Based Insurance

• Most ACA-compliant private insurance plans in California cover MAT, including medications like buprenorphine, methadone (via NTP), and naltrexone, along with related outpatient counseling.
• Major carriers in LA (Aetna, Blue Shield, Anthem, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare) routinely cover MAT under SUD benefits.
• Patients may require prior authorization, be subject to formulary restrictions, and pay deductibles or copays depending on the medication form and the therapist’s billing.

4. Cost Without Coverage

• Without insurance, typical monthly costs in LA:
  • Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone): $30–$540 depending on generic vs brand and dosage.
  • Injectable Vivitrol: ~$1,176/month including administration; manufacturer assistance may reduce out-of-pocket costs.
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse): approximately $45/month cash price; insurance typically significantly reduces this cost.

5. Considerations & Constraints

• Pre-existing condition ramifications: While ACA-compliant plans cannot deny coverage, some users have reported insurance denials or complications with life insurance linked to naltrexone prescriptions recorded in their medical records.
• Medi‑Cal drug coverage: As a secondary payer, Medi‑Cal may only cover prescriptions not already covered by a primary insurer.

• • Nearly all public and private insurance plans in LA must cover MAT, meeting both federal parity and state SUD treatment requirements.
  • Medi‑Cal provides extensive coverage for MAT and related services—including in residential or outpatient programs—though some medications may require prior approval.
  • Private coverage is generally reliable; however, patients should verify specific details, such as prior authorization requirements and formularies, to ensure accurate information.
  • Uninsured patients can still access MAT but should expect higher out-of-pocket costs unless using manufacturer programs or paying in cash.

All distances measured as the crow flies from 1251 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 

UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a premier public research university founded in 1919. It’s renowned for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and strong athletic programs. The 419-acre campus contains state-of-the-art labs, theaters, libraries, and over 150 buildings.
UCLA makes significant contributions to medical, engineering, and social science breakthroughs. Its campus life includes over 1,000 student organizations, NCAA Division I sports, and frequent community outreach events—making it a vibrant landmark in Westwood.

Westwood Village

Westwood Village is the walkable commercial district directly south of UCLA, established in the late 1920s. Lined with boutiques, theaters, and restaurants, it attracts students and locals alike. Historic Fox Bruin and Regency Village theatres anchor the neighborhood’s entertainment scene.
Besides shopping and dining, Westwood Village hosts a variety of cultural events—such as outdoor film screenings and street fairs—year-round. Its pedestrian plazas and public art installations foster a lively, community-oriented atmosphere.

Muse is one of the best rehab centers in Los Angeles. We treat each person who seeks help for addiction through us as a part of our family. We are here to help you with every step that you’ll need to take to achieve lasting sobriety. Our rehab services are fully accredited by The Joint Commission, a testament to the quality rehab programs that we offer in Los Angeles.

Let today be the day that you start your recovery journey. Call Muse today at (800) 426-1818 so that we can assist you with our medically-assisted treatment programs at our rehab in Los Angeles.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call Muse Treatment Center today. Our expert addiction specialists are standing by ready to speak confidentially with you. Call (800) 426-1818 today.