Alcohol addiction is overwhelming in every way—not just for the person drinking, but also for their family, friends, and support system. And recovery can feel unattainable when cravings are intense. But it doesn't have to be. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol is a medically proven approach that helps people just like you regain control and start healing with dignity. 

At Sheridan Grove Recovery, we offer MAT in a compassionate, structured environment. For those searching for MAT available near Denver, our Aurora-based treatment center provides 24/7 medical support and trauma-informed care to help clients feel in control of their lives again. 

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic medical condition that changes brain chemistry and behavior. With AUD, giving up alcohol is not a matter of willpower. AUD is a complex disease that requires expert care. MAT uses FDA-approved medications to lessen cravings, block the pleasurable effects of alcohol that you’ve learned to expect, and support your brain’s recovery. 

These medications restore chemical balance while therapy equips you with the tools you need for long-term sobriety. At Sheridan Grove Recovery, MAT is integrated into a trauma-informed treatment plan, including detox, residential treatment, and holistic support from day one. 

MAT can support a wide range of individuals who want to take hold of an alcohol-free life. It's especially helpful for people whose bodies and brains have become physically dependent on alcohol and have found it difficult to quit when they've tried before.

You're likely a good candidate for MAT if:

• You've tried to quit drinking before, but struggled with cravings or have relapsed
• You drink heavily on a daily basis and experience withdrawal symptoms
• You've been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• You live with a co-occurring mental health condition, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression
• You use other substances in addition to alcohol
• You're motivated to get better, but feel stuck or overwhelmed by physical dependency

At Sheridan Grove Recovery, we approach each person's treatment with structured, trauma-informed care, clinical insight, and respect. Before MAT is prescribed, our team completes a thorough assessment to determine whether you're a strong candidate and what the safest and most effective plan will be for you.

You don't have to hit rock bottom to qualify for treatment, and you don't have to figure everything out on your own. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol use, our team is here to guide you through your options and help you move forward with confidence and strength.

Medication is just one piece of a comprehensive plan for your healing. In order for MAT to be effective, it should be paired with evidence-based therapies that address the emotional and psychological roots of addiction. When these things go unaddressed, people are left without knowledge of what factors led to their addiction, and therefore more susceptible to relapse.

At Sheridan Grove, our treatment team uses a range of therapeutic approaches alongside MAT, including:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach to identify and reframe harmful thought patterns
• Individual and group therapy formats to help foster peer support and personal growth
• Life skills training to rebuild independence and confidence
• Trauma-informed care that acknowledges the deep impact of past experiences

Utilizing medication to aid your recovery doesn't mean you're masking emotions or delaying healing. It simply reduces the physical barriers, so that you're clear-minded for therapy and the introspection that it takes to confront hard truths and finally heal. MAT gives clients clarity and support for the recovery journey.

At Sheridan Grove Recovery, we use several medications to support you during recovery from alcohol use disorder. Each is carefully chosen based on a client’s medical history, co-occurring diagnoses, and substance use background. 

Vivitrol is a non-addictive, once-monthly injection that helps reduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol in the brain. By blocking opioid receptors, it diminishes cravings and lowers the risk of relapse. Vivitrol is often chosen for individuals who have already detoxed and are committed to staying alcohol-free. It’s especially effective for people with a history of relapse or co-occurring mental health concerns, as it carries no risk of physical dependence.

Though primarily used to treat opioid use disorder, Subutex may be considered for clients facing addiction to more than one substance, such as alcohol and opioids. As a partial opioid agonist, Subutex helps stabilize individuals with complex substance use. It can be an effective option when alcohol addiction is tied to opioid misuse, offering a pathway to address both conditions concurrently.

As with any medication, MAT has potential risks and side effects, which is why it's always administered under careful supervision.

Some possible side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Mild injection site reactions (for Vivitrol)

These risks are typically manageable, and the benefits of MAT outweigh the drawbacks. At Sheridan Grove, clients are closely monitored and supported through every step of their treatment to ensure safety and comfort. We provide MAT in a judgment-free setting, focused solely on helping clients reclaim their lives.

Recovery isn’t linear and the timeline varies for everyone. Many clients begin to feel relief from cravings within the first week of MAT, while others may continue MAT for several months as they work through the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction. 

At Sheridan Grove, MAT is typically introduced during medical detox (also known as withdrawal management) and carried through residential treatment, which lasts 21–30 days. Our clinical team works closely with each client to make adjustments to their treatment plan as needed.

When to begin MAT depends on an individual’s drinking status. For safety reasons, medications like Vivitrol, for example, can only be administered after alcohol has cleared the system, which is why MAT often begins during or immediately after detox. 

Sheridan Grove offers 24/7 medical detox services, allowing clients to begin their recovery safely and under supervision. Once stabilized, MAT can be introduced quickly to help reduce cravings and prevent early relapse. With around-the-clock admissions and transportation available, we ensure that help is accessible when it’s needed most.

Sheridan Grove Recovery is located in Aurora, Colorado, and is a leading provider of compassionate addiction care for the greater Denver area. Every day, our team will honor the bravery you've shown in choosing recovery by offering you the respect you deserve. Whether you're seeking help for yourself or someone you love, we're here with the resources and clinical support you need.

Here's more of what we offer:

• 24/7 admissions and detox support
• MAT delivered by licensed medical professionals
• Trauma-informed residential care (21-30 days)
• Transportation support to and from treatment
• Compassionate, nonjudgmental staff trained in addiction medicine
• Most major insurance plans and Medicaid accepted

We believe that everyone deserves access to effective, dignified care—no matter where they're starting from. Our MAT program meets clients where they are and helps them move forward with confidence.

Medication-assisted treatment is not a shortcut—it’s a lifeline. By combining science, structure, and compassion, MAT helps individuals recover from alcohol addiction. Whether you’ve tried treatment before or are seeking help for the first time, we're here for you.  

Sheridan Grove proudly accepts Medicaid, ensuring that life-saving addiction treatment is available to those who need it. We serve you and your family with the compassion needed for transformation and none of the judgment. Find clinically grounded care regardless of your financial status. Our team works closely with clients and families to help navigate insurance coverage and make treatment as accessible and stress-free as possible. 

Ready to take the next step? Contact our admissions team today online to learn more about MAT and find out if it’s the right option for you or call 303.268.2987. 

Healing in the heart of Aurora. Recovery for Greater Denver.