Get clear, reliable information about opioid addiction and treatment options. Watch our short opioid explainer video and explore the Medicated-Assisted Treatment (MAT) FAQs to learn how effective, accessible opioid treatment can support your recovery.
When paired with counseling, harm reduction, and community support, Medication-Assisted Treatment–MAT–is one of the most effective strategies for overcoming Opioid Use Disorder. Targeted medicines reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and assist in turning a person’s focus to recovery. It can help people stay in treatment longer, prevent overdose, and support long-term healing.
Ben Powell, Sr. Clinical Director provides a provides a helpful overview of Medication-Assisted Treatment and SouthLight’s Opioid Treatment Program.
At SouthLight, there are options with several location and treatment approaches for opioid use disorder.
Opioids change the brain over time, making it extremely difficult to stop using without medical support. MAT medications stabilize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, prevent withdrawal, and help people return to normal functioning so they can focus on recovery.
SouthLight’s MAT programs use FDA-approved medications including: Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone). These medications help stabilize brain chemistry without creating euphoric effects.
No. When taken as prescribed, MAT medications do not cause a high. They allow people to function normally—go to work, care for family, and rebuild their lives.
Yes. People receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment are in recovery. Opioid Use Disorder is a chronic, treatable medical condition—not a moral failing. MAT helps people regain control of their lives and maintain long-term recovery.
Yes. MAT is one of the most researched treatments for opioid addiction and is endorsed by the CDC, SAMHSA, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It significantly reduces the risk of fatal overdose and improves health, stability, and quality of life.
Yes, dramatically. People receiving MAT are far less likely to die from an opioid overdose compared to those not in treatment. It is one of the most effective harm prevention strategies available.
It varies. Recovery is individualized, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” timeline. Many people remain on MAT for a year or longer. Longer engagement is associated with better outcomes and sustained recovery.
MAT treats those addicted to opioids, including heroin, Fentanyl, and prescription pain medications (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine).
An Opioid Treatment Program is an outpatient program which provides comprehensive treatment services including pharmacological treatment for opioid use disorder. Office-Based Opioid Treatment or OBOT refers to the practice of prescribing medications for opioid use disorder by a practitioner in a setting other than an OTP clinic. (source: AATOD)
SouthLight's Opioid Treatment Program is available to those who need it, regardless of insurance or ability to pay. We use Medicated-Assisted Treatment along with counseling, peer support, integrated healthcare, and community wraparound services—all to promote your long-term recovery.
2101 Garner Road
Raleigh, NC 27610
3117 Poplarwood Court, Suite 115
Raleigh, NC 27604
1201 N. Roxboro Street
Durham, NC 27701
439 Ramsey Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Coming early 2026.
Locations and hours to be announced.
We understand how hard it is to reach out for help. Our team is here to support you on your recovery journey. We will listen, empower, and advocate for everyone who walks through our doors.
“One of the beautiful things about SouthLight is that we don't turn anyone away, regardless of their ability to pay. Anyone who thinks they have a need, and wants a little help, that's what we do. We are able to offer that because of the many amazing people who work at SouthLight. We offer early morning and evening hours and many options to help reach everyone we can.”
