Medication-assisted treatment has helped many people begin recovery from opioid use disorder. For years, daily films and tablets have been an important part of that care.
As treatment continues, some patients start looking for an option that feels more streamlined, more consistent, and less tied to a daily routine.
Extended-release medications can offer that next step.
These long-acting medications provide the support patients expect from MAT while allowing for a more flexible dosing schedule. Depending on the medication, treatment may be given as a weekly or monthly injection that helps maintain stability over a longer period.
At Middlesex Recovery, our extended-release medication options are designed to ease day-to-day stress while supporting long-term progress.
Note: Medication availability may vary by location. Please review our location list or contact our team to confirm which options are offered near you.
Moving to extended-release medication is about more than convenience. It can make treatment easier to manage within everyday life.
Taking medication every day can feel like one more task to manage. With an extended-release option, that daily step is removed so you can spend less time thinking about medication and more time focusing on life.
Extended-release medications may be especially helpful for patients with:
Treatment should fit into your life as smoothly as possible.
There is no need to carry medication with you or keep it stored at home. That can make treatment feel more private and reduce concern about others finding your MAT medication.
Because the medication is administered by a healthcare professional:
Extended-release medications work differently than daily dosing, where medication levels can rise and fall throughout the day.
By releasing medication gradually over time, they create a steady state that can help:
Extended-release MAT is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each medication offers a different option depending on your goals, preferences, and stage of recovery.
Many patients begin with daily buprenorphine treatment for at least 7 days before transitioning to an extended-release medication. This stabilization period helps confirm that the medication is effective and well tolerated.
Below are the three main extended-release medication options available.
Sublocade is a once-monthly extended-release buprenorphine medication for patients who want long-term stability without daily dosing.
Using a solidifying gel delivery system, Sublocade forms a depot under the skin that releases medication steadily over 30 days.
Brixadi offers flexible extended-release buprenorphine treatment with both weekly and monthly dosing options.
That flexibility can allow patients to start with more frequent support and move to longer intervals as stability improves.
With a smaller injection volume and multiple approved injection sites, Brixadi can be adapted to a wide range of treatment needs.
Vivitrol is a once-monthly, non-opioid extended-release medication that works by blocking receptors rather than activating them.
It is FDA-approved for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder, making it a distinct option for patients who want a non-narcotic treatment path.
Extended-release treatment can be a strong next step for many patients, but it is not the starting point for everyone.
It is also important to understand that these medications are administered by trained medical professionals. Medication is only one part of care, and counseling remains an important part of long-term recovery.
At Middlesex Recovery, our goal is not to rush treatment, but to identify the approach that best supports long-term stability. For many patients, ongoing treatment is safe, recommended, and helpful for relapse prevention.
Recovery already requires energy and focus. Your treatment plan should help reduce stress, not add more of it.
Extended-release MAT can remove daily decision-making, lower treatment burden, and provide steady support in the background so you can keep moving forward.
If you are ready to explore treatment beyond daily dosing, Middlesex Recovery can help you learn whether an extended-release medication is the right fit.
Talk with our medical team to find the extended-release option that aligns with your recovery goals. We can help you build a treatment plan that includes medication, counseling, and ongoing support.