Medication assisted treatment

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders. A combination of medication and behavioral therapies is effective in the treatment of substance use disorders and can help people to achieve and sustain long term recovery. We provide this service to patients in all 3 phases and also to patients who may be enrolled in a different program but are coming to our clinic specifically for this service. Patients who are interested in MAT can expect the following:

Initial visit, which includes a thorough history and physical exam, opioid use disorder assessment, Suboxone/Buprenorphine prescription, and an induction observation.
Second visit, which includes follow up exam, and counseling session
Monthly visit, which includes a follow up exam and re-fill on prescriptions as necessary.

Opioid Dependency Medications

Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are used to treat opioid dependence and addiction to short-acting opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. People may safely take medications used in MAT for months, years, several years, or even a lifetime. Plans to stop a medication must always be discussed with a doctor.

Buprenorphine

Like methadone, buprenorphine reduces opioid craving and withdrawal, and can blunt the effects of other opioids. The following buprenorphine products are FDA approved for the treatment of OUD:

Learn more about buprenorphine.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone works differently than methadone and buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid dependency. If a person using naltrexone relapses and uses the abused drug, naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of the abused drug and prevents feelings of euphoria. Learn more about naltrexone.

When used as a treatment for alcohol dependency, naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects and feelings of intoxication. This allows people with alcohol addiction to reduce their drinking behaviors enough to remain motivated to stay in treatment, avoid relapses, and take medications. Learn more about how naltrexone is used to treat alcohol dependency.