You finally stopped using. Maybe you’ve got a few days or weeks sober—and your team recommends Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). And suddenly, you’re the one in the meeting who doesn’t count their days the same way. The one explaining what Vivitrol is. The one wondering: Am I doing this wrong?
You’re not.
Medication-Assisted Treatment can be a game-changing support for young people in early recovery. But real talk? It’s not always easy emotionally. Especially when you’re already feeling like the odd one out.
This blog isn’t about the clinical side of MAT. It’s about the emotional side no one prepares you for.
1. It Might Feel Like You’re “Cheating” at Sobriety
Even when you intellectually know MAT is evidence-based, your brain might still whisper: “You’re not really sober.” That’s internalized shame, not truth.
Taking Suboxone, Vivitrol, or another MAT medication doesn’t cancel out your sobriety. It supports it. Think of it like using crutches while your leg heals. No one accuses you of “cheating” for using a cast—you’re just giving your body the tools it needs to stabilize.
But here’s the emotional part: you might still feel weird about it. That’s normal. Especially if you grew up with “clean or nothing” messaging. Be patient with yourself as you unlearn that mindset. Real recovery isn’t about suffering. It’s about staying.
2. Some People Won’t Get It—And That’s Okay
Not everyone in recovery spaces is pro-MAT. You might hear people say things like:
- “You’re still using something.”
- “That’s not real sobriety.”
- “You should just do it cold turkey.”
Especially if you’re young, that judgment can hit hard. You might feel like you have to justify your choices every time you open your mouth.
You don’t.
Your treatment plan is between you, your provider, and your future—not the peanut gallery. Let other people have their opinions. Then find your people—the ones who see your commitment, not your prescriptions.
If you’re looking for Medication-Assisted Treatment in Prices Corner, Delaware, know that you’re not alone. More young adults are choosing MAT—and thriving—than you think.
3. Your Emotions Might Hit Louder Than Expected
Here’s a weird one: when the physical cravings stop, your feelings start showing up. Loudly.
That sadness you ignored? That random rage? The anxiety that used to disappear with a drink or a pill? It all comes rushing back.
MAT quiets cravings—it doesn’t numb emotion. That means your real emotional stuff finally has room to surface. And it can be… intense.
You’re not broken. You’re just finally feeling again.
You might want to talk to a therapist. Or journal. Or scream into a pillow. (No judgment.) But know this: emotions getting louder is actually a sign that MAT is working. It’s not blocking your recovery—it’s clearing the way for it.
4. Dating and Friendships Might Get Weird
Being young and sober is already its own category of awkward. You might feel like the only one skipping the beer pong or leaving early from the party. Now add MAT, and you’re dealing with even more layers:
- Should I tell my new partner I’m on medication?
- What if my roommates see my pill bottle?
- Will people think I’m still using?
These are real questions—and they don’t have one-size-fits-all answers. You don’t have to tell everyone everything. But it helps to be around people who make you feel safe, not suspicious.
Start small. Set boundaries. Choose one person you trust and talk it out. The more you practice, the easier it gets.
5. You Might Miss the Chaos
This part feels counterintuitive, but stay with me.
Recovery brings peace—but also a weird kind of silence. No more scrambling for the next fix. No more hiding or explaining. Just… stillness.
And honestly? That stillness can feel boring.
If you’ve spent years in survival mode, stability can feel unnatural. MAT gives your brain a break—but your nervous system might still be looking for the next emergency.
Give it time. Let yourself adjust to calm the way your body adjusted to chaos. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re not ungrateful or failing. You’re just healing.
6. You’re Not the Only One (Even If It Feels Like It)
MAT can feel lonely—especially in groups where you’re the youngest, or the only one on meds.
But here’s the truth: you’re not the only one. Not even close.
Thousands of young adults across the country are choosing MAT to support their recovery. You just might not see them because they’re living their lives, not broadcasting it.
Don’t mistake silence for absence. You’re part of a movement—quiet, smart, and resilient.
FAQ: Starting MAT in Early Sobriety
Is MAT just for opioid addiction?
Nope. While MAT is most commonly associated with opioid use disorder (OUD), some medications like naltrexone (Vivitrol) are also used in alcohol recovery. Your provider will help determine if it’s a good fit based on your history and goals.
Will MAT make me feel high?
If taken as prescribed, no—MAT is designed to reduce cravings and withdrawal, not create a high. These medications balance brain chemistry and support recovery, not replace one substance with another.
Can I still go to 12-step meetings on MAT?
Yes—but experiences vary. Some meetings are fully accepting of MAT. Others may not be. It helps to seek out inclusive, harm-reduction-friendly spaces or explore alternative recovery communities that align with your values.
Is MAT forever?
Not necessarily. Some people stay on it for years, others taper off under medical supervision. Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all—and that includes your MAT timeline.
Will people judge me for using MAT?
Some might. Many won’t. More importantly: judgment is never a reason to abandon a treatment that’s helping you stay sober, alive, and mentally well. The people who matter will understand—or learn.
Peer Quote:
“MAT helped me stay sober long enough to rebuild a life I actually want to stay for. That’s not cheating. That’s healing.”
– Young Recovery Client, 2023
Final Thought: MAT Isn’t a Shortcut. It’s a Lifeline.
If you’re early in your recovery, using MAT, and feeling like the weird one—you’re not failing. You’re just doing it differently. And sometimes, different is the reason you stay alive.
📞 Need nonjudgmental support?
Call (833) 922-1615 or visit Lotus Recovery Centers to learn more about our Medication-Assisted Treatment services in Wilmington, DE. Your recovery deserves care that respects your path—even if it’s not the one everyone else is walking.
