Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program

Our substance use disorder services staff and counselors work closely with the medical providers in our clinics to support patients in developing and completing personalized plans to reduce the negative physical and psychological impacts of drugs and alcohol. For those in need of additional support, we offer a structured outpatient substance use disorder program. Our services are flexible to meet each client’s unique needs and type of care after discharge.

For more information about substance use disorder services, click here.

Our warm and caring mental health services staff provides support to the health of the whole body, including physical, emotional and mental well-being. Whether you need someone to talk to or are seeking care for emotional and psychological disorders, our trained clinicians employ behavioral therapies and evidence-based practices to get you the help you need.

For more information about mental health services, click here.

If you are eligible for the program and enroll in services, your first few weeks will be very busy. You will be required to attend addiction counseling and medical appointments. Once MAT reduces your cravings and urges for opioids, helping you to feel healthier and more productive, you will continue with counseling services and follow-up medical appointments to manage your long-term health and to improve your quality of life. Mental health therapy is available if it is clinically indicated.

Opioids are a type of drug used to relieve physical pain. Opioids also slow down the actions of the body, such as breathing and heartbeat. Opioids affect the brain by increasing pleasant feelings. Opioids get their name from opium, a drug made from the poppy plant. Opioids are also made artificially from chemicals.

Learn more about opioids here.

Opioids are a prescribed medication to treat moderate or severe pain and sometimes for other health problems. Commonly prescribed opioid medications include: Codeine, Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, Hydromorphone, Morphine, Darvon®, Vicodin®, Percocet® and Fentanyl. Sometimes people take opioids for the intense good feeling (“getting high”). Heroin is an example of a recreational opioid.

• Taking medications not as prescribed (taking early or doubling dose)
• Taking someone else’s medication
• Buying on the street without a prescription
• Crushing, snorting, injecting

Misuse of opioids can lead to addiction.

A person who takes opioids can become tolerant and dependent on them. This means that more of the drug is needed to obtain the desired effect. If a person is dependent and no opioids are in the body, it is possible to feel sick. This sickness is called withdrawal.

People who have become dependent on opioid medication or heroin and are ready to stop taking it may avoid withdrawal symptoms with medication assisted treatment (MAT).

At FHCSD, MAT includes the use of buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®) and naltrexone (Vivitrol®).

Both are used to treat opioid use disorder while you receive addiction counseling, group therapy and other support.