MAT Saves Lives. That's the Whole Story.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling to treat opioid and alcohol use disorder. It's the gold standard recognized by the FDA, SAMHSA, and the World Health Organization — and it's what we do.
FDA-Approved
Evidence-based medications
Fully Outpatient
Keep working, living, parenting
Same-Day Start
Most patients begin within 24 hours
Telehealth Available
Across TN & VA
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of FDA-approved medications, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a whole-patient approach to substance use disorder. It's not "replacing one addiction with another" — that's an outdated misconception that's cost too many lives.
MAT medications work on the same brain receptors that opioids or alcohol affect, but in a controlled, sustained way that eliminates cravings, prevents withdrawal symptoms, and blocks the high if you were to use again. This gives your brain time to heal and gives you the breathing room to focus on actual recovery work — counseling, relationships, employment, life rebuilding.
According to SAMHSA, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, MAT is the most effective evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. It significantly improves survival, treatment retention, and quality of life outcomes.
What MAT Treats
MAT is FDA-approved for opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. We provide treatment for both at all Emmaus locations and via telehealth.
💊 Opioid Use Disorder
FDA-approved MAT medications are the most effective treatment for opioid use disorder — including dependence on heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone, and others. MAT eliminates most withdrawal symptoms and dramatically reduces cravings.
Learn more about opioid treatment →🍺 Alcohol Use Disorder
FDA-approved medications also exist for alcohol use disorder. These medications can reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support sustained recovery. Combined with counseling, MAT for alcohol significantly improves outcomes over counseling alone.
Learn more about alcohol treatment →📋 Note on Stimulant Use Disorder
There are currently no FDA-approved medications for stimulant use disorder (cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription stimulants). Treatment for these conditions is primarily behavioral — using cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management.
We provide this care too. See our cocaine, meth, and prescription stimulant pages for more information.
How MAT Works at Emmaus
Our outpatient MAT program is designed around real life — keeping you in your community, at your job, with your family — while you recover.
Initial Assessment
Comprehensive intake to understand your use history, health, mental health, and goals. We determine which FDA-approved medication is right for you and develop your personalized treatment plan.
Medication Started
You begin taking your prescribed medication under medical supervision. Most patients feel dramatic improvement within hours to days — withdrawal symptoms resolve and cravings decrease significantly.
Counseling Integration
MAT works best combined with counseling. Individual and group sessions help you address triggers, build coping skills, repair relationships, and create a sustainable recovery.
Long-Term Support
Recovery isn't a 30-day fix. We stay with you for as long as you need. Appointment frequency decreases as you stabilize, but we're always here.
Common Myths About MAT
A lot of misinformation surrounds MAT, often driven by outdated thinking. Here are the most common myths we hear from new patients and their families — and what the evidence actually shows.
FACT: FDA-approved MAT medications are taken at stable, prescribed doses that don't produce a high. They normalize brain chemistry that was changed by opioid or alcohol use, allowing patients to function fully. MAT is medical treatment for a medical condition — exactly like insulin for diabetes or blood pressure medication for hypertension. Nobody calls insulin "replacing one disease with another."
FACT: "Sober" is a complicated word. People on MAT aren't impaired, aren't getting high, aren't experiencing the chaos of active addiction. They're working, parenting, building relationships, living full lives. The scientific community — FDA, SAMHSA, NIDA, ASAM — recognizes people on MAT as being in recovery. Don't let outdated stigma keep you from life-saving treatment.
FACT: Research consistently shows that longer MAT duration correlates with better long-term outcomes. Some patients benefit from MAT for months, others for years, and some choose long-term MAT — all medically appropriate. The decision is between you and your provider based on your stability, goals, and circumstances. There's no "right" length — only what works.
FACT: MAT is appropriate as a first-line treatment for opioid use disorder. You don't have to "earn" MAT by failing other approaches first. According to NIDA and SAMHSA, MAT should be offered to anyone with moderate to severe opioid use disorder as part of comprehensive care. Delaying MAT in favor of abstinence-only approaches can be deadly.
FACT: Policies vary by individual group, but many AA and NA meetings welcome people on MAT. If a particular group doesn't, find a different one — there are MAT-friendly recovery communities throughout the region. You don't have to choose between MAT and peer support.
Why MAT Works Better Than Abstinence Alone
Research has consistently shown that MAT outperforms abstinence-only approaches for opioid use disorder by a wide margin. Here's what the evidence shows.
📈 Better Treatment Retention
Patients on MAT are far more likely to stay in treatment long enough to benefit. Treatment retention is one of the strongest predictors of recovery.
💚 Reduced Mortality
MAT cuts the risk of fatal overdose dramatically. According to SAMHSA, this is the single most important treatment effect.
🧠 Brain Healing
MAT lets the brain begin healing from the changes caused by opioid use. This healing happens over months — and is what makes lasting recovery possible.
💼 Functional Recovery
MAT patients work, parent, study, contribute. They're not impaired — they're stabilized. Recovery isn't just about not using; it's about getting your life back.
🩺 Reduced Health Risks
Stopping illicit opioid use reduces risks of HIV, hepatitis, infections, overdose, and complications from drug supply contamination like fentanyl exposure.
👨👩👧 Family Stability
MAT enables people to be present for their families. Relationships heal, custody is restored, parenting becomes possible. The ripple effects are profound.
Why Choose Emmaus for MAT?
We've been providing outpatient MAT in the Tri-Cities region since 2006. Here's what makes us different.
📅 Same-Day Appointments
The window of "I'm ready" can be short. We don't make you wait. Most patients can start within 24 hours of reaching out.
🏠 Fully Outpatient
Keep your job, your home, your family, your privacy. No residential stay required. Rebuild your life while you recover.
🤝 No Judgment, Ever
You won't be lectured. Whatever brought you here — including things you're ashamed of — you're welcome here.
🧠 Co-Occurring Mental Health
Most patients with substance use disorder also have depression, anxiety, or trauma. We treat both at once — because that's how recovery actually sticks.
💳 Affordable Care
Medicare, Medicaid, TennCare, and most major insurance accepted. Free benefits verification available.
💻 Telehealth Available
Don't live near our clinics? Virtual visits across TN and VA — same care, no driving.
🏆 LegitScript Certified
Independently verified addiction treatment provider — meeting strict standards for ethics, transparency, and quality of care.
🙏 Faith-Supported, Not Forced
Faith informs our compassion, not our requirements. We respect every patient's background and beliefs.
📍 Three Tri-Cities Locations
Johnson City, Bulls Gap, and Weber City — convenient access throughout East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
What Our Patients Say
Real stories from real patients in MAT recovery at Emmaus.
By far the best place I've been to in 10 years. Emmaus has been a positive change for me. I'm treated like I matter — everyone here is nice and caring. I love that it's a non-judgmental place.
I absolutely love it here. They are so welcoming and make you feel important. They don't judge you for anything you share with them. They are very kind, caring, and understanding.
This place is a true life saver. Their professional advice has even saved me from myself. The staff will do anything they can for you, and the doctor and entire team sincerely cares about making your quality of life the best.
MAT Available Across the Tri-Cities Region
Medication-assisted treatment is available at all three Emmaus clinic locations and via virtual telehealth — covering communities across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
📍 Johnson City, TN
MAT available at our Johnson City clinic on Old Gray Station Road.
📍 Kingsport, TN
Most Kingsport patients access MAT at our Weber City clinic across the state line.
📍 Bristol, TN/VA
Bristol residents have two convenient options for MAT based on travel preference.
📍 Elizabethton, TN
Carter County residents access MAT through our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Greeneville, TN
Greene County residents use our Bulls Gap clinic for MAT care.
📍 Morristown, TN
Our Bulls Gap location serves many Hamblen County residents seeking MAT.
📍 Erwin, TN
Unicoi County residents access MAT through our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Gray, TN
Gray is one of our closest service areas — just minutes from our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Jonesborough, TN
Tennessee's oldest town is just minutes from our Johnson City MAT services.
📍 Rogersville, TN
Hawkins County residents find our Bulls Gap clinic conveniently located.
📍 Mosheim, TN
Mosheim residents have one of the shortest commutes to MAT in our area.
📍 Bloomingdale, TN
Sullivan County's Bloomingdale community is well-served by our Weber City clinic.
📍 Mt. Carmel, TN
Mt. Carmel patients have convenient access to our Weber City clinic for MAT.
📍 Weber City, VA
The heart of our Southwest Virginia MAT services — centrally located.
📍 Gate City, VA
Scott County residents in Gate City are minutes from our Weber City MAT clinic.
📍 Big Stone Gap, VA
Wise County patients often combine in-person visits with telehealth for ongoing MAT.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT
If you don't see your question here, just contact us — we're happy to talk through anything.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Does MAT just replace one addiction with another?
What conditions does MAT treat?
How long does MAT last?
What does a MAT appointment look like?
Is MAT outpatient?
Can MAT be done via telehealth?
Is MAT safe during pregnancy?
Does MAT require AA or NA meetings?
Will my insurance cover MAT?
How much does MAT cost without insurance?
How do I start MAT at Emmaus?
Authoritative Resources on MAT
For deeper research from federal agencies and professional medical organizations, these are the trusted sources that inform our practice.
Medications for SUD
Federal authority on MAT effectiveness, access, and best practices.
Effective OUD Treatment
National Institute on Drug Abuse research on MAT effectiveness.
About MAT
FDA information on Medication-Assisted Treatment.
Clinical Guidelines
American Society of Addiction Medicine — MAT practice guidelines.
Parity Act Coverage
Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act — insurance coverage rules.
Crisis Support
If you're in crisis, call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Whether you're seeking help for yourself or someone you love, we'll listen. No pressure, no judgment, no obligation.
MAT Saves Lives. Let It Save Yours.
You've done your research. You know MAT works. The hardest step is making the call — the rest is easier than you expect. We're here, same-day, ready to help.
Confidential • Evidence-Based • Outpatient • LegitScript Certified • Since 2006
Our Locations
Bulls Gap, TN
Tel
423-393-4146
Address
273 Hwy. 11E Suite E
Bulls Gap, TN 37711
Fax
423-393-4377
Follow Us
Johnson City, TN
Tel
423-202-3008
Address
1730 Old Gray Station Rd
Johnson City, TN 37615
Fax
Follow Us