MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT)
The use of methadone to treat opioid (painkillers and heroin) dependency has been rigorously researched and documented to be the most effective treatment for narcotic adiction.
Methadone is a legal medication produced by licensed and approved pharmaceutical companies. Methadone treatment prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms, reduces the craving for opioids, stablizes the patient, reduces the abuse of other drugs like cocaine and benzodiazepines, reduces infections with Hepatitis B & C virus and HIV, improves medical status and restores the patient to a productive, independent and responsible life.
Buprenorphine when appropriately prescribed is an effective and safe medication to treat opioid use disorders. Buprenorphine is prescribed to block the effects of heroin and pain killers in similar ways as methadone. Buprenorphine will be prescribed in pill form It reduces your risk of relapse Can be prescribed for maintenance of detoxification, both short term and long term
Signs of addiction:
Opiate addicted patients often demonstrate “flu-like” symptoms – sleepiness, body aches, diarrhea, runny nose, teary eyes, anxiety, stress, insomnia and other minor somatic complaints.
MAT at the Adelson Clinic includes:
- A comprehensive medical and psychosocial assessment
- A treatment plan appropriate to the unique needs of each patient
- Counseling management and referral to services and agencies as appropriate and necessary
- Ongoing assessment and monitoring of progress
- Individual counseling sessions
- Group meeting
- Adjusting the dose of methadone maintenance & buprenorphine
- Rehabilitation and recovery services
- Discharge and aftercare planning
