You didn’t land here by accident.
Maybe you’ve known for a while that something had to change. Maybe you’ve tried to quit on your own—more than once. And maybe, just maybe, you’re finally ready to stop surviving and start stabilizing.
If you’re exploring medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for the first time, this post is for you. We’ll walk through what those first 30 days can really look like—physically, emotionally, practically—so you’re not going in blind.
This isn’t about scaring you or selling you. It’s about naming what’s real, so you can move forward with eyes open and heart steady.
You’ll Be Met with Respect, Not Judgment
Let’s start here—because too many people carry fear about what the first appointment will feel like.
At On Call Treatment in Waltham, your first MAT visit won’t involve shaming, lectures, or one-size-fits-all plans. You’ll meet with licensed medical and clinical staff who take time to understand your story.
We’ll ask about:
- What substances you’ve used (and when you last used them)
- How your body and mind are feeling right now
- What kind of support you’ve had (or haven’t had)
- What matters to you outside of recovery
You are not a problem to solve. You’re a person with needs—and we’re here to help you meet them without losing your dignity.
Medication Begins When It’s Safe—for Your Body, Not the Calendar
No MAT program should rush medication for the sake of speed.
Your provider will walk you through what medication might be appropriate—based on your substance use history, physical health, mental health, and goals.
If you’ve used opioids recently, for example, starting buprenorphine (Suboxone) too soon can trigger withdrawal. We’ll explain the timeline and symptoms to watch for and ensure you’re supported at every step.
For alcohol use disorder, naltrexone (Vivitrol) may be introduced once your system is alcohol-free and stable. This medication blocks the feel-good effects of alcohol and can reduce cravings significantly.
We may also recommend short-term symptom support—sleep help, anti-anxiety medication, or anti-nausea prescriptions—so your transition into MAT feels manageable.
Every decision is made with you. You’ll never be handed a pill and sent on your way.
You’ll Start to Feel Physical and Emotional Shifts
Many people say they feel their first deep breath of relief in the first week of MAT—not because all their problems disappear, but because their system finally stops screaming.
In the first 7–10 days, you might notice:
- Fewer obsessive thoughts about using
- More stable sleep or appetite
- Less panic, especially in quiet moments
- A sense of being “less scattered” or “more in control”
And sometimes, you might feel uncomfortable stillness.
That’s okay too. If your body has been in a constant state of crisis, calm can feel foreign at first. You’re not doing it wrong. You’re just adjusting.
You’ll Begin Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
At On Call Treatment, medication-assisted treatment is never medication-only.
Therapy is an integral part of your care. But we don’t expect you to pour your whole story out on day one.
In your first sessions, we focus on:
- Reducing overwhelm
- Naming the situations that increase risk
- Identifying strengths you already use (yes, you have them)
- Setting short-term goals for sleep, stress, and support
Whether it’s individual counseling or group therapy, your clinician will create a space where you can be honest without feeling exposed.
You’re not there to be fixed. You’re there to feel safe enough to show up.
You’ll Build Practical Structure Without Losing Your Freedom
Outpatient MAT gives you something many treatment models don’t: stability and flexibility.
You don’t have to uproot your life. You don’t need to leave your job or move into a facility. You’ll have a schedule—med check-ins, therapy sessions, and supportive services—but it’s built around your life.
In your first month, we help you:
- Set up a weekly structure that works for you
- Identify who you can call when cravings hit
- Practice saying no (without shame or excuses)
- Create a crisis safety plan—just in case
This isn’t about control. It’s about protection. And that’s different.
You’ll Question Everything—and That’s Part of the Process
The second or third week of treatment often brings a wave of doubt. You’re starting to feel better, so the voice in your head says:
“Maybe I don’t need this anymore.”
It’s tempting to believe. Especially if MAT is the first thing that’s worked.
But here’s the thing: Relief isn’t the end of the road. It’s the start of healing. And recovery isn’t linear—it’s layered.
We expect the questions. We plan for them. And we’ll be there to help you sort out fear from fact.
You’re allowed to wonder. You’re just not alone when you do.
You’ll Notice the Little Wins—Even If They Feel Small
In the first 30 days of medication-assisted treatment, you might not have a huge breakthrough. You might not feel “sober” in the way TV shows portray it.
But you’ll start to notice:
- You made it through the weekend without using
- You slept through the night—twice
- You texted someone back instead of ghosting them
- You felt something and didn’t run from it
Those things matter.
They are evidence that you’re moving toward something steadier, even if you’re not sure what to call it yet.
FAQs About Medication-Assisted Treatment in Waltham, MA
What medications are used in MAT?
Common medications include:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone): Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal without producing a high.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Blocks the effects of alcohol or opioids to support abstinence.
- Methadone: In some settings (not used at On Call), used under strict supervision for opioid use disorder.
Do I have to be on medication forever?
No. MAT duration is personalized. Some stay on it short-term, others longer. Your provider will review this with you regularly. The goal is long-term stability, not dependency.
Can I work or go to school while in MAT?
Yes. MAT is designed to support functioning—not interfere with it. Most clients maintain their routines while building recovery structure around them.
Is medication-assisted treatment just “trading one drug for another”?
This is a common myth. MAT medications do not produce a high and are used under medical supervision. They support neurochemical stability—something addiction disrupts.
What happens if I relapse during MAT?
You’re not kicked out. You’re not punished. We reassess, adjust, and support you. Relapse is not a moral failure—it’s a signal. And it’s something we can work with, together.
One Step Is Enough to Start
Call (833)287-7223 to learn more about our medication-assisted treatment services in Waltham, MA. We’ll walk with you—no matter how many times you’ve tried before.