Medication Assisted Treatment
Adult Treatment
For nearly 50 years, Root Center for Advanced Recovery has provided Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use disorders.
What is medication assisted treatment?
MAT uses medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole-patient” approach. The goal of MAT is sustained recovery and an ability to live a more self-directed life.
MAT has been shown to:
- Improve patient survival
- Increase retention in treatment
- Decrease illicit opiate and other drug use
- Decrease rates of infections (HIV, Hep. C, etc.) and other morbidity related to substance use
- Decrease crime rate in communities
- Increase patients’ ability to gain and maintain employment
- Improve birth outcomes among women who have substance use disorders and are pregnant
- Increase ability to maintain positive, productive, and sustained family relationships
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Zubsolv, or generic)
- Naltrexone (Daily generic dose or long-acting monthly injection of Vivitrol)
- Methadone
- Antabuse(Disulfiram)
- Campral(Acamprosate)
- Naltrexone(daily generic dose or long-acting monthly injection of Vivitrol)
These approved medications assist with urges, cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and some act as a blocking mechanism for the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids.
In alignment with best practice standards, Root Center uses MAT in combination with comprehensive, evidence-based psychotherapeutic programming to help individuals progress in their recovery journey. Buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone are the three primary FDA-approved medications that are used in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUDs). All three have been clinically proven to be safe and effective in treating OUDs and are critical tools in helping individuals achieve a long-term recovery.
Taking medication for an OUD is the same as taking medication for any other chronic disease. You should never allow embarrassment or stigma stop you from getting help and support.
What to Expect When Starting a MAT Program
Individuals enrolling in the MAT Program at Root Center will meet with their primary counselor and participate in at least one individual therapy session each month. Your counselor will work closely with you to identify strengths and goals, and will collaborate with you to create an individualized recovery plan. This plan will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that you get the best care possible. Root Center offers a variety of clinical and support groups that address different areas of recovery and wellness. Our responsive, holistic approach gives you the tools that you need to heal and achieve a lasting and meaningful recovery.All new patients attend two orientation groups within the first 60 days of treatment.
New patients who meet criteria for the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) may enroll in the program upon admission. Patients may also enroll during the course of treatment for additional support when needed.
New methadone maintenance patients will be required to come into the center daily, except for Sundays when centers are closed.
During treatment, patients on methadone MAT may receive take-home bottles as they progress in treatment and will no longer need to attend daily.
Non-methadone MAT patients will meet with a prescriber once a week at the start of the program. As the client achieves stability and progresses in treatment, the frequency of appointments will progressively decline.
