Medication Assisted Treatment Program
Meridian HealthCare offers a Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for individuals addicted to opioids such as heroin, morphine or prescription medications. When used in combination with traditional addiction counseling services, Medication-Assisted Treatment has proven highly effective in helping men and women with this condition.
All clients are required to undergo random urine drug screens and participate in intensive counseling sessions and other recovery activities. Free consultations are offered for individuals and/or families.
Programs and Services
Methadone Therapy
Methadone is a medication prescribed by a physician to treat opioid addiction, in combination with intensive counseling and other recovery services. It is not indicated for the treatment of chronic pain.
Admission Criteria: Adults dependent on opioids for one year or more. Clients must demonstrate previous unsuccessful treatment attempt(s).
Suboxone Therapy
Suboxone is a medication prescribed by a physician to treat opioid addiction, in combination with intensive counseling and other recovery services. It is not indicated for the treatment of chronic pain.
Admission Criteria: Adults dependent on opioids who are struggling to sustain recovery due to physical withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrezone/Vivitrol Therapy
Naltrexone and Vivitrol are opioid blockers prescribed by a physician to treat opioid addiction, in combination with intensive counseling and other recovery services.
Naltrexone (pill form) and Vivitrol (monthly intramuscular injection) are both non-narcotic, non-addictive substances that create a blockade, preventing other opioids of abuse from binding to the opioid receptors in the brain.
Admission Criteria: Adults dependent on opioids who have successfully maintained abstinence for a period of at least 7 to 10 days. Clients who have successfully completed detoxification or residential treatment, as well as clients preparing for release from incarceration, are strongly encouraged to consider this option for sustaining their recovery.
Common Questions and Answers
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) refers to the use of medication, as prescribed and overseen by a physician, to support recovery from addiction. There are currently three medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of opioid addiction: Methadone, Suboxone (Buprenorphine) and Naltrexone.
Methadone has been used for over 40 years in the treatment of opioid addiction and has been proven safe and effective when taken as prescribed. Suboxone (Buprenorphine) was developed as an alternative to methadone treatment and has been used, primarily in physician offices, since 2002.
Both Methadone and Suboxone reduce opioid craving and withdrawal and prevent the individual from experiencing the euphoric effects of other opioids of abuse.
Naltrexone (Vivitrol-injectable version) is not an opioid drug. Instead, it blocks the effects of opioids such as heroin or oxycodone.
Length of treatment in a Medication-Assisted Treatment program varies based on the individual and his or her unique needs. Typically, the individuals who are most successful in a MAT program remain in treatment for more than a year. Prior to beginning a medication taper, the counselor and physician will explore with the individual his or her recovery program, relapse prevention strategies and sober support network.
At Meridian HealthCare, we recognize that medication assists in the recovery from addiction, and that counseling and engagement in other recovery-orientated affiliations increase one’s chances of remaining clean and sober, with or without the use of medication.
Individuals in a MAT program are not “swapping addictions,” but rather exchanging a debilitating addiction for an approved treatment that allows them to lead a more productive life. Active addiction destroys lives and families, leading to chaos and devastating consequences. We see individuals on a daily basis reconnect with their families, get back to work, resume hobbies and interests, and lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
It is possible to safely and comfortably taper off the medication when done slowly, carefully, and under the supervision of your treating physician.
