Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

in Beachwood, NJ

Evidence-based support for opioid and alcohol use disorders, combining medication, compassionate care, and long-term recovery planning.

How MAT Helps You Regain Control and Build a Foundation for Recovery

For individuals struggling with opioid or alcohol use, the idea of stopping can feel overwhelming—even frightening. Withdrawal symptoms, cravings, emotional pain, untreated mental health conditions, and the stress of everyday life can make recovery feel impossible to manage alone. But there is hope. With the right support, stability is absolutely possible.


Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective, evidence-based approaches for treating opioid and alcohol use disorders. MAT uses FDA-approved medications to reduce cravings, stabilize the brain and body, and make the recovery process safer and more manageable. When combined with therapy, compassionate guidance, and a nonjudgmental environment, MAT helps individuals regain control of their lives—step by step, day by day.


At Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we offer a warm, trauma-informed, and judgment-free approach to MAT. We understand that substance use often begins as a way to cope with emotional pain, stress, trauma, or untreated mental health symptoms. MAT helps clients stabilize physically while we work together to address the emotional and psychological roots of their struggles.


With extended hours until 10 p.m. and availability seven days a week, we make it possible for working adults, parents, teens, and anyone balancing life responsibilities to access safe, effective treatment.


Recovery doesn’t have to feel impossible. Support begins here.

ADD/ADHD Treatment

in Toms River, NJ

Compassionate, evidence-based care that supports focus, stability, and long-term success.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with therapy and behavioral support to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. MAT helps stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and lower the risk of relapse—allowing clients to focus on healing.

MAT is an effective option for individuals who:


  • want help managing patterns of alcohol use that feel difficult to change
  • experience physical or emotional challenges when trying to reduce alcohol
  • notice cravings or strong urges that impact their daily life
  • find themselves using alcohol to cope with stress, sadness, or overwhelm
  • are seeking a structured, medically-supervised approach to make safe, sustainable changes

Medication-Assisted Treatment involves the use of FDA-approved medications, such as Spravato, Suboxone, Vivitrol, and Sublocade, that help individuals stabilize physically and emotionally while making changes to their substance use patterns. These medications do not produce a “high” and are used therapeutically under medical supervision.


Depending on your needs, MAT may include medications that:


  • help regulate the brain and body during early recovery
  • reduce physical discomfort and improve overall functioning
  • lessen urges or compulsive use patterns
  • support mood, sleep, and emotional stability
  • provide additional safety during periods of adjustment

Your provider will discuss options with you, explain how each medication works, and ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout treatment.

Medication can be an important part of stabilizing the body, but recovery is most successful when care also supports the mind and emotions. At Triangle, we take a whole-person approach that integrates:


  • medical support to help the body stabilize
  • therapy that helps clients explore triggers and build insight
  • emotional regulation strategies to manage stress and overwhelm
  • long-term stability planning
  • lifestyle and wellness support that strengthens daily functioning

By combining these elements, clients receive the balanced, compassionate care needed to build confidence, resilience, and long-term recovery.

Conditions MAT Treats

Medication-Assisted Treatment is an evidence-based approach that assists clients experiencing:


Opioid-Related Dependence or Withdrawal

This includes individuals who have difficulty reducing use on their own, who developed dependence after pain treatment, or who experience significant withdrawal symptoms during attempts to stop.


Alcohol-Related Dependence

For individuals who want structured support to decrease their use, manage cravings, or reduce withdrawal-related discomfort.


Physical Symptoms That Interfere With Recovery

Such as cravings, restlessness, disrupted sleep, or difficulty functioning during early recovery.


Mental Health Factors Contributing to Use

Including anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or mood instability that may influence patterns of alcohol or medication use.


Clients Seeking a Safe Path to Change

MAT provides stability so clients can focus on therapy, emotional healing, and long-term recovery.

MAT is NOT just replacing one addiction with another.

This is one of the most common misconceptions. MAT medications do not create the same high or addictive cycle as opioids or alcohol when taken responsibly under medical supervision. Instead, they:


  • stabilize the brain
  • reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms
  • decrease cravings
  • improve mood and clarity
  • support daily functioning
  • reduce the risk of overdose
  • create space for therapy and healing

MAT is highly effective for individuals who want to reduce or stop their opioid or alcohol use but are struggling with dependence, withdrawal, or uncontrolled cravings. We support:

Who MAT Helps

teen - medication assisted treatment - triangle mental health

Teens & Young Adult

Teens may turn to substances due to:



▲  peer pressure

▲  anxiety or depression

▲  stress or trauma

▲  emotional overwhelm

▲  impulsivity

▲ difficulty coping with life transitions


MAT can help stabilize symptoms while building emotional and behavioral skills.

adult- medication-assisted treatment - triangle mental health

Adults

Adults may struggle due to:

▲  chronic pain

▲  work or family stress

▲  trauma history

▲  untreated mental health symptoms

▲  burnout

▲  long-term substance use

▲  withdrawal fears


MAT provides a safer, supported path out of dependency.

co-occuring conditions - medication-assisted treatment - triangle mental health

People With Co-Occurring Conditions

Many clients experience both mental health conditions and substance use, including:

▲  anxiety

▲  depression

▲  bipolar disorder

▲  PTSD

▲  ADHD


MAT helps regulate the body so clients can engage fully in therapy and healing.

Parents, caregivers & professionals: our extended hours (evenings and weekends) allow clients to receive treatment while maintaining work, childcare, and personal responsibilities.

What to Expect During MAT Treatment

MAT at Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is personalized, respectful, and grounded in evidence-based care. We work at your pace, ensuring you feel safe and empowered during every stage of recovery.

  • 1. Comprehensive Evaluation

    We begin with a thorough assessment including:


    • substance use history
    • mental health symptoms
    • medical history
    • withdrawal concerns
    • emotional triggers
    • stressors and daily routines
    • trauma history
    • support systems
    • personal goals

    This helps us create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

  • 2. Safe, Supervised Medication Management

    Once your evaluation is complete, we determine whether MAT is appropriate and discuss medication options in detail. We ensure you understand:


    • how each medication works
    • benefits and risks
    • dosing instructions
    • what to expect during the first few days
    • how cravings and withdrawal will change
    • how we will monitor symptoms

    Richard provides close follow-up and ongoing support to ensure safety and comfort.

  • 3. Withdrawal Stabilization & Symptom Management

    For individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms, MAT can:


    • reduce discomfort
    • regulate sleep
    • decrease anxiety
    • stabilize mood
    • improve appetite
    • reduce physical cravings

    Supportive medications may also be used to help manage acute symptoms.

  • 4. Therapy and Emotional Support

    Evidence-based therapies such as CBT and Motivational Interviewing help clients:


    • understand emotional triggers
    • reduce shame and guilt
    • build coping skills
    • strengthen motivation
    • navigate stress without substances
    • rebuild relationships
    • process trauma

  • 5. Relapse Prevention Planning

    We help clients develop:


    • strategies for managing cravings
    • early warning sign recognition
    • grounding tools
    • structure and routines
    • stress-reduction systems
    • self-awareness and emotional regulation
    • practical plans for high-risk situations

  • 6. Flexible Scheduling for Real Life

    We offer treatment up to 10 p.m. and on weekends to ensure consistent care is possible for all clients—especially those balancing work, school, or parenting.

Why Choose Triangle for MAT?

Medication-Assisted Treatment requires careful guidance, compassion, and long-term support. Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services provides all three.

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Compassionate, Judgment-Free Care

We recognize substance use as a coping response to pain—not a weakness—and meet every client with empathy and respect.

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Expertise in Co-Occurring Disorders

Richard Holligan, PMHNP-BC, provides skilled treatment for both substance use and mental health conditions.

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Integrated, Evidence-Based Treatment

FDA-approved medications, therapy, relapse prevention, and emotional regulation to promote long-term recovery.

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Support That Fits Real Life

Evening and weekend hours make care accessible at every stage of recovery, with guidance the whole way.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is MAT used for?

    MAT treats opioid and alcohol use disorders by reducing cravings, easing withdrawal, stabilizing the brain, and improving emotional well-being.

  • Does MAT replace one addiction with another?

    No. MAT medications do not produce a high and are not used compulsively when taken as prescribed. They stabilize the body and support long-term recovery.

  • How long do people stay on MAT?

    Treatment is individualized. Some clients stay on MAT for months, others for years. The goal is stability—not rushing the process.

  • Do I have to be completely sober before starting MAT?

    Not always. We meet clients at their current stage of readiness and help them stabilize safely.

  • Is therapy required along with MAT?

    To get the best results, yes. Medication treats physical symptoms while therapy addresses emotional triggers, trauma, stress, and coping skills.

  • Is MAT safe?

    Yes. When supervised by a trained provider, MAT is evidence-based, safe, and highly effective.

  • Do you offer evening or weekend MAT appointments?

    Yes. We offer appointments up to 10 p.m. and seven days a week to support consistent, accessible care.

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Take the First Step Toward Stability and Recovery

You don’t have to face substance use alone—or choose between recovery and your responsibilities. Medication-Assisted Treatment offers a safe, supported path toward healing and long-term stability. At Triangle Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, we combine medication, compassionate care, and evidence-based therapy to help you reclaim your life.


Hope begins today. Reach out now to start your path toward recovery.