Seeking Addiction Care Or Mental Health Care?
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) for Alcohol Addiction at ACE Medical in Sunnyvale, CA
Alcohol addiction—also called alcohol use disorder (AUD)—can affect every part of life, from your health to your relationships to your sense of control. If you live in Sunnyvale, CA or nearby communities such as Mountain View, Cupertino, or Santa Clara, you may already know how hard it can be to stop drinking without help, even when you desperately want to.
At ACE Medical, an addiction medicine practice in Sunnyvale, we offer Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) as a science-backed, compassionate approach to help adults safely reduce or stop alcohol use. MAT is not about “replacing one substance with another.” Instead, it uses FDA-approved medications—combined with counseling and support—to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and make recovery more achievable.
Whether you want to cut back or stop completely, our mission at ACE Medical is to meet you where you are and help you move toward long-term stability and health.
What is Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) for alcohol addiction?
MAT for alcohol addiction uses FDA-approved, evidence-based medications to help reduce the urge to drink and support long-term recovery. These medications work by:
Reducing cravings
Blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol
Making drinking less rewarding over time
Improving withdrawal symptoms
Supporting brain chemistry during early sobriety
At ACE Medical, MAT is always customized. We take into account:
Your drinking patterns
Your medical and psychiatric history
Your goals (reduction vs. abstinence)
Safety factors, including liver health and other medications
MAT is always paired with therapy, behavioral support, and ongoing medical monitoring. It's a whole-person approach—not a stand-alone pill.
Why is MAT an effective treatment for alcohol addiction?
Alcohol addiction is a chronic medical condition, not a moral failing. Research shows that long-term alcohol use changes brain circuits linked to:
Craving
Impulse control
Reward pathways
Stress response
These changes can make it extremely difficult to stop drinking through willpower alone.
MAT helps by targeting the neurobiology of addiction. Studies show that MAT:
Increases abstinence rates[1–3]
Reduces heavy drinking days[2,4]
Lowers relapse risk[1,3,6]
Improves overall functioning and quality of life[3,5]
People who use MAT—combined with therapy—tend to have better long-term outcomes than those who try to quit without medical support.
What medications are used at ACE Medical for alcohol addiction treatment?
At ACE Medical in Sunnyvale, here are examples of some potential FDA-approved medications we may prescribe for alcohol use disorder:
1. Naltrexone (Oral or Injectable/Vivitrol®)
Reduces cravings
Blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol
Available daily as a pill or monthly as an injection
Can be used by people still drinking when starting treatment[1,6]
2. Acamprosate (Campral®)
Helps restore balance to brain chemistry disrupted by alcohol
Best for maintaining abstinence once drinking has stopped
Taken three times per day[2,5]
3. Disulfiram (Antabuse®)
Causes unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed
Helps people avoid drinking by creating a strong deterrent
Works best for highly motivated patients or those with strong supervised support[4]
We also evaluate whether additional treatment options—including off-label medications—might support your recovery safely.
Who is a good candidate for MAT at ACE Medical?
MAT may be a good fit if you:
Want to cut down or stop drinking
Have tried to quit before but relapsed
Experience strong cravings or compulsive drinking
Drink daily or binge drink on weekends
Have co-occurring anxiety, depression, or trauma
Need a safer, medically supported plan for withdrawal
Prefer a structured, evidence-based path to recovery
As an addiction medicine practice, ACE Medical also supports patients with:
Dual diagnosis (AUD + mental health conditions)
Co-occurring substance use disorders
Long histories of relapse or treatment attempts
Every plan is personalized and designed to fit your lifestyle, goals, and unique health profile.
How does MAT for alcohol addiction work at ACE Medical in Sunnyvale, CA?
Your care at ACE Medical usually begins with:
1. Comprehensive Evaluation
We review your medical history, drinking patterns, past treatments, and recovery goals. We also screen for withdrawal risk and other medical conditions.
2. Personalized Medication Plan
Based on your goals, we help you choose the medication that best fits your needs. Some patients start medication before stopping alcohol; others begin after completing detox.
3. Ongoing Monitoring & Support
We schedule regular follow-ups to:
Adjust medication
Track progress
Support cravings management
Coordinate therapy or recovery resources
4. Integrated Behavioral Support
We encourage pairing MAT with:
Individual therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Motivational interviewing
Trauma-focused care
Support groups (AA, SMART Recovery, etc.)
5. Relapse Prevention Planning
We help you build a long-term strategy that includes:
Managing triggers
Improving coping skills
Strengthening routines
Community support
MAT is most effective when combined with lifestyle changes and emotional support—our team helps you put all the pieces together.
Can I drink alcohol while taking MAT?
It depends:
Naltrexone: You can start this medication even if you're still drinking.
Acamprosate: Works best when you’ve already stopped drinking.
Disulfiram: Drinking any alcohol can cause severe reactions—this must be used with caution and supervision.
We guide you through a safe, personalized plan based on your goals and medication type.
Does MAT really help long-term recovery?
For many patients, yes.
Studies show that MAT significantly improves long-term sobriety rates and helps prevent relapse—especially when combined with therapy.[1–5] MAT works by reducing cravings and stabilizing brain chemistry so you can focus on rebuilding your life.
Many ACE Medical patients in Sunnyvale and surrounding Santa Clara County communities tell us:
“MAT finally made sobriety feel possible—not like a constant battle.”
When should I consider MAT at ACE Medical?
You should reach out if:
You’re tired of trying to quit on your own
Drinking is affecting your work, relationships, or health
You want medical support instead of judgment
You’re ready for a private, compassionate program in Sunnyvale
You want a long-term plan that actually works
A consultation doesn’t commit you to any medication—it simply helps you understand your options.
Take the First Step Toward Better Health
Whether you're seeking Ketamine treatment for depression, or other mental health or addiction challenges, let ACE Medical be your trusted partner in care.
Experience care that’s personal, proactive, and centered around you.
References:
1. Jonas DE et al. Pharmacotherapy for adults with alcohol use disorders in outpatient settings.
2. Mason BJ. Acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol dependence.
3. Anton RF et al. Naltrexone for the management of alcohol dependence.
4. Skinner MD, Lahmek P. Disulfiram efficacy in alcohol dependence treatment.
5. Mann K et al. Neurobiology and pharmacotherapy of alcohol dependence.
6. Kranzler HR, Soyka M. Diagnosis and pharmacotherapy of alcohol use disorder.
Access The Convenient Care You Deserve
Get In Touch
Call, click, or visit — we’re here to make getting care simple & stress-free!
1287 Hammerwood Avenue
Sunnyvale, California 94089
Our Promise to You
Saving lives using evidence-based, ethically-delivered Ketamine Treatment and personalized Addiction Medicine. At ACE Medical, you're not just another patient. You’re a person with a story, and we’re here to support your health, your goals, and your life.
Unlock Your Brain with Ketamine and Medication for Addiction Treatment to help you break free from conditioned responses, limiting beliefs, and emotional patterns that do not empower you.
© 2025 ACE Medical | Accessibility | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Powered by DoctoGrow
