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Written by Cenikor’s Clinical & Compliance Team
Cenikor has provided accredited, evidence-based behavioral health care for nearly 60 years. Our licensed experts ensure every program meets rigorous state and national standards.
Key Takeaways
Here are the most important points discussed in this article:- Definition of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT combines FDA-approved medications with therapy to treat substance use disorders and reduce the risk of relapse.
- Overdose Crisis in San Antonio: Bexar County has one of Texas’s highest overdose death rates, prompting a public health emergency and increased demand for evidence-based treatment.
- Who MAT Helps: MAT is especially effective for individuals with opioid or alcohol use disorders and those managing co-occurring mental health conditions.
- How Cenikor Provides MAT: Cenikor’s women-only campus in San Antonio offers same-day intake, free state-funded care, personalized medications, and long-term support.
- Therapies That Support Recovery: Individualized sessions using CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing help clients build coping skills and emotional stability throughout treatment.
A Safer Path to Recovery Starts Here at Cenikor in San Antonio
At Cenikor, we understand that recovery is a deeply personal experience. Our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio is designed to support both body and mind during the early stages of healing.
Whether you’re facing withdrawal, managing cravings, or rebuilding your life after addiction, our dedicated, Texas team is here to guide you with care and clarity. For over six decades, we’ve helped thousands of individuals break free from substance use disorder (SUD)—and we’re here to help you do the same.
Every journey begins with trust, and we’re ready to walk this one with you as your trusted ally and biggest supporter. Contact our team to explore your treatment options today.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
MAT is a clinical approach that integrates proven medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders.
The goal of MAT is not to replace one substance with another, but to create a safer, medically supervised foundation for long-term recovery. When paired with therapy and support services, MAT empowers individuals to rebuild their lives with greater clarity and control.
Growing Need for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in San Antonio
Bexar County is experiencing an overdose crisis that continues to worsen each year. In 2023, the county recorded 509 drug-overdose deaths, one of the highest numbers in its history.1
Bexar County now has higher mortality rates than the Texas state average in both stimulant and opioid-related deaths. This means residents face greater risks than people living in other parts of Texas.
The severity of the situation led the City of San Antonio to declare overdoses a public health crisis in November 2024. This official declaration recognizes that traditional approaches alone are insufficient to address the scale of the problem.2
How Substance Use Is Impacting Lives Across San Antonio
Recent figures reveal that 6.3% of adults in Bexar County are living with a substance use disorder.3
This means thousands of individuals are struggling silently, often without access to the care they need. As overdose deaths continue to rise, the crisis has grown beyond a public health concern and now affects nearly every part of the community.
This is why proven, evidence-based approaches like medication-assisted treatment are urgently needed to support recovery and reduce preventable loss in San Antonio and surrounding areas.
At Cenikor, we recognize that these statistics are not just numbers—they represent a real person with a life, a family, goals, and dreams. We’re committed to contributing toward healthier communities—one individual at a time.
Who Can Benefit from Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in San Antonio?
Here are the groups of individuals most likely to benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio:Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder
Adults struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD) often meet the core eligibility criteria for MAT. This includes individuals who experience intense cravings or physical dependence despite prior attempts at sobriety.
MAT offers these individuals a pathway to:
- Reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Stabilize brain chemistry
- Increase their ability to engage in structured therapy
Individuals with Co-Occurring Mental Health Challenges
Many people eligible for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio are also managing co-occurring mental health challenges, such as symptoms of depression, anxiety, or unresolved trauma.
When these psychological concerns remain untreated, they often increase the risk of substance relapse.
MAT can be especially beneficial when integrated with therapy tailored to address both addiction and mental wellness simultaneously. This dual focus enables individuals to stabilize emotionally, process underlying pain, and develop tools to manage stress without returning to substance use.
How MAT Works at Cenikor: The Process Step-by-Step
Cenikor’s women’s rehab campus in San Antonio provides a specialized environment where MAT is delivered with structure, clinical precision, and deep respect for each individual’s journey.
Below is a closer look at how the process unfolds from start to finish:
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
The first step in starting medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio is a thorough clinical assessment. This initial phase helps the care team understand the full scope of a patient’s needs and determine whether MAT is the most effective approach.
Key components include:
- A complete physical and medical evaluation
- Review of past and current substance use
- Assessment of emotional and psychological well-being
- Social and lifestyle assessment
Medication Selection and Dosing
Once the evaluation is complete, the treatment plan proceeds with tailored medication to support physical stabilization. The severity of symptoms informs dosage decisions as well as overall wellness.
During this phase, the focus is to:
- Diminish urges to use
- Restore internal balance
- Alleviate discomfort from withdrawal
Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment
Recovery is not static, and neither is treatment. Throughout medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio, each patient’s progress is monitored closely to ensure that the care plan remains aligned with their evolving needs.
Medical staff conduct regular check-ins to:
- Assess the effectiveness of the current dose
- Identify any side effects
- Evaluate how the individual is responding to treatment strategies
Relapse Prevention Planning
At Cenikor, relapse prevention within medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio begins with thoughtful, individualized planning.
Each patient works closely with their care team to uncover the personal and environmental factors that could challenge recovery, including:
- Specific emotional and psychological triggers
- Situations or places tied to past substance use
- Underlying stressors or unresolved trauma
- Behavioral patterns that could lead to setbacks
Ongoing Support Through Recovery Support Services (RSS)
As part of Cenikor’s commitment to sustained healing, every individual completing our treatment program is offered access to RSS. This is a complimentary two-year program designed to bridge the gap between clinical care and independent living.
RSS provides structured, long-term support that includes:
- Regular check-ins with recovery specialists
- Relapse risk assessments
- Regular sober events
- Access to a growing alumni community
Personalized Therapy and MAT: Whole-Person Recovery
At Cenikor, individual counseling is a vital part of the recovery journey for those receiving medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio.
Below are some of the most common therapies we use in our programs:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals recognize how their thoughts influence behaviors, especially in response to:- Stress
- Cravings
- Emotional discomfort
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
MI helps individuals explore their reasons for change. This method is particularly valuable during the early stages of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio, when ambivalence about sobriety may still be present.
In MI sessions, therapists use open-ended questions, affirmations, and reflective listening to help patients clarify their values and identify internal motivations. The goal is not to convince but to support readiness for change.5
As patients reflect on their choices and goals, they develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction in their recovery journey.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines acceptance-based strategies with behavioral techniques to help patients tolerate distress and improve relationships. These skills are critical for people who use substances to manage overwhelming internal states or interpersonal chaos.
As part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio, DBT offers a structure for individuals to learn and practice:
- Mindfulness
- Emotional control
- Effective communication
Why Choose Cenikor for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in San Antonio?
Cenikor’s approach to recovery extends beyond medication by establishing a foundation for long-term stability. Every element of care is grounded in clinical expertise and compassionate support.
Below are the key reasons people trust Cenikor for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio:
A Safe, Women-Only Treatment Environment
Cenikor’s San Antonio campus is dedicated exclusively to women, creating a focused and supportive space where clients can begin recovery without the added stress of navigating mixed-gender dynamics.
This intentional environment enables more open emotional processing and fosters a sense of community grounded in shared experiences and safety.
The women-only setting also allows the treatment team to design programming around gender-specific needs, including:
- Trauma history
- Parenting concerns
- Emotional regulation
Fully State-Funded, Free-of-Cost Treatment
At Cenikor’s San Antonio campus, recovery services are available at no cost through dedicated state funding. This eliminates the financial burden that often prevents individuals from starting or continuing recovery.
Clients are not asked to provide insurance, pay out of pocket, or meet financial eligibility standards that delay care. Instead, treatment is readily accessible from the moment it’s needed, ensuring no one is denied help due to cost.
Same-Day Intake to Remove Barriers to Entry
When someone is ready to begin treatment, delays can derail progress. Cenikor addresses this with a same-day intake option that allows individuals to start medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio without waiting for weeks or navigating excessive paperwork.
This immediate access is especially valuable for women who have just left detox, emergency care, or a high-risk environment where relapse is imminent.
Take the First Step with Strength
There is nothing weak about choosing a medically sound path toward healing. At Cenikor, our medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio is built around evidence-based care, not quick fixes.
We understand that recovery isn’t just about willpower; it’s about being supported and regaining a sense of trust in your own body. We’re here to help you reconnect with yourself and build the foundation needed for sustainable well-being.
The Power to Start Again Is Closer Than You Think
If you’re ready to experience care that honors both your struggle and your strength, our team is ready to welcome you. Connect with us today to get started.Resources
- https://publichealthwatch.org/2024/07/26/drug-overdoses-meth-san-antonio/
- https://www.sa.gov/Directory/News-Releases/City-of-San-Antonio-Declares-Overdoses-a-Public-Health-Crisis
- https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/bexar-county-drug-overdose-public-health-crisis-20239606.php
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9948631/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8939890/
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT in San Antonio
Here are questions people regularly ask about our MAT program:Can I take other medications while on medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio?
Yes, you can take other medications while on MAT, but it’s important to do so under medical supervision. Some medications may interact with the medications used in MAT, affecting how they work or increasing the risk of side effects.
Always share a full list of prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements with your healthcare team. This helps them create a safe and effective plan that supports both your recovery and overall health.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking MAT medications?
No, it is not safe to drink alcohol while taking MAT medications. Combining alcohol with MAT medications can cause serious side effects, including drowsiness, slowed breathing, or even overdose.
Alcohol can also interfere with the progress you’re making in recovery. If you’re struggling with cravings, it’s important to talk openly with your healthcare provider so they can support you safely.
At Cenikor, we work closely with each individual to help manage risks and build a recovery plan that supports long-term wellness.
Is it normal to feel nervous about starting medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in San Antonio?
Yes, it’s completely normal to feel nervous about starting MAT. Taking a new step in recovery often brings a mix of hope and uncertainty, especially when medications are involved. You might have questions about how it will feel, how effective it will be, or whether it’s the right choice.
These feelings are valid. What matters most is that you’re seeking help, and taking this step means you’re already moving toward healing.
How soon will I feel better after starting MAT?
Many people start to feel better within the first few days of beginning MAT, especially as withdrawal symptoms ease and cravings begin to lessen.
That said, everyone’s experience is different, and it may take time for your body to adjust fully. MAT is just one part of recovery, and as your treatment continues, you’ll likely notice steady improvements in both your physical and mental well-being.
How soon can I start MAT at Cenikor?
You can start MAT at Cenikor on the same day, depending on availability and your clinical assessment. Our team works quickly to complete the intake process and ensure that you receive the right level of care without unnecessary delays.
We’re here to help you begin this journey whenever you’re ready. Call us today to begin your same-day assessment.
Written by Cenikor’s Clinical & Compliance Team