Guides
Questions About Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication and counseling can be parts of addiction care, with decisions made for the individual.
What MAT Means
MAT is a general description of a treatment approach, not a single medication or a fixed program. Medication may help address particular aspects of a substance use condition while counseling addresses behavior, relationships and the pressures around use. The appropriate options depend on the substance involved, health history and clinical needs. This guide does not name medications or suggest that someone start, stop or change one without discussing it with a prescribing clinician.
How Counseling Fits
Counseling makes room for the parts of recovery that a medication visit may not cover: patterns of use, conflict, grief, stress and plans for difficult situations. Mental health and substance use concerns can overlap, so treating them as unrelated problems may miss important context. At Empower, addiction care can connect with individual, family or group therapy when appropriate. The services chosen depend on the client rather than a requirement that everyone follow the same sequence.
Decisions Are Made Case by Case
An evaluation considers symptoms, relevant medical history, other medications and the person's goals. Samantha Abbott, APRN, provides medication care and MAT when clinically appropriate. You can ask about the reasons for a recommendation, potential risks, follow-up and alternatives. A consultation or evaluation does not guarantee a prescription. Telehealth also has limits; some situations call for in-person medical care or another level of treatment rather than an outpatient video appointment.
What Follow-Up Can Involve
Ongoing visits provide a place to discuss how care is affecting daily life, concerns about side effects and changes in substance use or mental health. Counseling and prescribing appointments have separate purposes but can inform the same plan with appropriate consent. Krista Marquick, LMHC, CAP, and Joni Winstead, MCAP, bring substance use counseling experience to Empower. Recovery support is reviewed over time, not treated as a promise that setbacks will never happen.
Privacy of Addiction Treatment Records
Certain substance use treatment records receive additional protection under federal rules known as 42 CFR Part 2, alongside other applicable privacy requirements. These protections affect when covered records may be shared and how consent works; confidentiality is not absolute in every circumstance. Ask the practice to explain its privacy notices, your choices and any legal exceptions in plain language. Do not send treatment or medication details by email when arranging an initial conversation.
When to Reach Out
Consider asking about care when alcohol or other substance use is affecting relationships, responsibilities or your sense of control, or when you have questions about treatment already underway. You do not need to decide whether medication is right before talking with the office. A guide cannot assess withdrawal risk or provide urgent medical instructions. For immediate danger, use emergency services rather than waiting for a consultation, email reply or routine telehealth visit.
Planning Care in Your State
You need to be physically in Florida during each session. The office can clarify availability. Bring questions about privacy and coordination without needing to choose a provider or method from an article alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MAT the same for everyone?
No. Options and follow-up depend on a clinical evaluation, the condition being treated and the person's circumstances.Does medication replace counseling?
It does not address every part of recovery. Counseling and other supports may be included alongside medication when appropriate.Can I ask about privacy before starting?
Yes. Ask how federal addiction-record rules, consent and legal exceptions apply to records held by the practice.
These guides offer general education, not a diagnosis or treatment advice. A clinician can discuss what fits your circumstances.
Talk About Your Situation
A free 15-minute consultation call is the way to talk about your situation and ask about a next step. You do not need to choose a treatment before calling.
Existing clients: Client Portal
Please do not send health, treatment or medication details by email. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.