What is MAT?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide treatment for substance use disorders (SUD).
First and foremost, it’s important to note that Cedar House treats each client as an individual. At the start of treatment, clients sit down with their case managers and determine a treatment plan that works best for them. In some cases, MAT is used to prevent or reduce overdose. In others, a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat the SUD. In most cases, MAT works to help sustain recovery.
How does it work?
MAT is primarily used for the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin and prescription pain relievers that contain opiates. The prescribed medication:
- normalizes brain chemistry
- relieves physiological cravings
- blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids
- normalizes body functions without the negative and euphoric effects of the substance used.
MAT is clinically effective because it provides a comprehensive, individualized combination of medication and behavioral therapy that addresses clients’ needs. Ultimately, the goal of MAT is full recovery with the ability to live a meaningful life free from addiction. Research shows that this approach:
- reduces overdoses
- increases retention in treatment
- decreases illicit opiate use and other criminal activity among people with substance use disorders
- improves birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders while pregnant
- increases a client’s ability to maintain employment after treatment
What medications are used?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several different medications to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. These medications do not just substitute one drug for another. Rather, they relieve withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. Cedar House’s MAT program offers evidence-based treatment options that are clinically driven and tailored to meet each client’s needs. We also provide assistance in connecting clients with Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTP’s) or Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP’s) in the area they will be transitioning to in order to ensure a smooth transition and prevent any lapses in care.
For Alcohol Use Disorder, acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are the most common medications used. While these do not provide a cure for the disorder when used alone, they can be effective when used with behavioral therapies.
Buprenorphine, methadone and naltrexone are used to treat addiction to short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. These MAT medications can be safe for clients to use for months, years, or even a lifetime if necessary. In addition, naloxone is used to prevent opioid overdose by reversing the toxic effects of the overdose.
Interested in learning more about MAT at Cedar House? Give us a call at 909-421-7120.
A reminder about child safety
It’s important to remember that if medications are allowed to be kept at home, they must be locked in a safe place away from children.
The holiday season can be joyful but also challenging. For many people, the holidays are a time of togetherness and celebration. But for those in recovery from substance use, this season can bring a mix of emotions -- joy and gratitude, but also stress, temptation, and pressure. Family gatherings, social events, and memories of past holidays can test even the strongest commitment to sobriety. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we understand these challenges. Our mission is to help individuals and families build lasting recovery through treatment, education, and ongoing support. Here are a few practical ways to protect your sobriety and stay connected to hope this holiday season. 1. Plan Ahead for Triggers Before attending a party or event, think about what might challenge your recovery. Bring your own non-alcoholic drink, drive yourself so you can leave early if needed, and connect with your sponsor or peer network before you go. Preparation gives you confidence and control. 2. Stay Connected to Your Support System The holidays can feel isolating, especially if you’re making lifestyle changes. Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or recovery peers who understand your journey. Schedule a check-in or attend a support group before and after big events. Staying connected helps you stay grounded. 3. Prioritize Self-Care Take care of yourself, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Maintain regular sleep, eat balanced meals, get outside, and make time for reflection or prayer. A calm and nourished mind is your strongest ally in maintaining sobriety. 4. Set Boundaries and Say “No” Without Guilt You don’t have to attend every event or explain your choices. Declining an invitation or leaving early doesn’t make you antisocial. It makes you strong. Your recovery is your priority, and real friends and loved ones will respect that. 5. Keep Recovery at the Center of the Season Stay consistent with meetings, counseling, or alumni groups. Cedar House offers aftercare support, relapse prevention programs, and peer connections that help clients stay engaged long after treatment. Recovery doesn’t stop after discharge. It’s a lifelong process of growth and renewal. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone If you or someone you love is struggling this holiday season, Cedar House Life Change Center is here to help. Our compassionate team provides evidence-based treatment, medical support, and recovery programs designed to meet each person’s unique needs. Reach out today to learn how we can help you or your loved one find peace, purpose, and sobriety this holiday season and beyond.
November is Homelessness Awareness Month, a time to shed light on one of the most urgent issues facing our communities. Every day, thousands of individuals and families across San Bernardino County struggle with the devastating cycle of homelessness, often intertwined with substance use and mental health challenges. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we believe that recovery and stability begin with compassion, connection, and comprehensive care. For more than five decades, Cedar House has provided a safe haven for those seeking to overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Many of the people we serve come to us after experiencing homelessness or unstable housing—circumstances that make recovery even more challenging. Through our evidence-based treatment programs, sober housing resources, and continuum of care, we help individuals find the structure, support, and self-worth needed to thrive. Our services address more than substance use. We provide mental health counseling, case management, and referrals to permanent housing, recognizing that recovery is not complete until every person has a safe place to call home. For many, Cedar House becomes the bridge from crisis to stability—where individuals rediscover hope, rebuild family connections, and prepare for lasting independence. This month, we invite our community to join us in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and supporting efforts to end homelessness. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, every act of compassion brings us closer to a future where recovery and housing are accessible to all. At Cedar House, we know that healing happens one person—and one home—at a time.
Each October, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us that recovery and healing are possible for everyone. At Cedar House Life Change Center, we understand that mental health and substance use are deeply connected. Many people who struggle with addiction are also coping with conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma—and each affects the other. Treating both together is essential to lasting recovery. For more than 52 years, Cedar House has been helping individuals and families throughout the Inland Empire rebuild their lives through compassionate, evidence-based treatment. Our staff empowers people to overcome addiction and mental health challenges with respect, dignity, and hope. Tips for People Seeking Support If you or someone you love is struggling, here are a few ways to start your journey toward recovery: 1. Reach out for help early. You don’t need to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Early intervention can prevent harm and improve long-term success. 2. Get a professional assessment. At Cedar House, licensed clinicians assess each individual’s physical, mental, and emotional health to create a personalized plan. 3. Find community support. Recovery grows in connection. Peer support, counseling, and family engagement help build resilience and accountability. 4. Create stability. Safe housing, structured routines, and supportive care environments help lay the foundation for recovery. 5. Commit to ongoing care. Recovery doesn’t end after treatment—it continues through outpatient services, counseling, and ongoing connection to support systems. How Cedar House Life Change Center Can Help Cedar House offers a continuum of care designed to meet people wherever they are in their recovery journey: Withdrawal Management and Residential Treatment — Structured programs for men and women addressing both substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Maple House Perinatal Program — Family-centered services for mothers and children to recover and thrive together. Outpatient and Aftercare Programs — Continuing care, therapy, and relapse-prevention strategies for lasting stability. Family Support — Counseling and education to strengthen families and rebuild relationships. Our integrated treatment model ensures that every client receives comprehensive, coordinated care. You Are Not Alone This Mental Health Awareness Month, Cedar House encourages everyone to talk openly about mental health and seek support when needed. Recovery is not a solitary journey—it’s a shared path toward healing, strength, and renewal. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use or co-occurring mental health issues, contact Cedar House Life Change Center today. Together, we can help you find hope, healing, and a fresh start.
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