Medication-Assisted Treatment

Move into a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle—a way of life called recovery.

For some individuals, use of medication is recommended as a recovery tool.  

Together with behavioral therapy, this type of treatment has been found to increase a person’s ability to maintain sobriety for longer periods of time.

Treatment can help people: 

  • Improve relationships
  • Decrease criminal activity
  • Gain new friends
  • Accomplish life goals  
  • Address feelings of low self-worth, bad situations at home, and spending time with people who use drugs
Person at sunset

What is Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder?

Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder are chronic, complex, treatable brain diseases that affect brain function and behavior.  

Symptoms include:

  • Compulsively seeking and using alcohol or drugs
  • Disregard for harmful consequences 
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using alcohol or drugs

This chronic disease cannot be cured, but it can be managed. A person with Alcohol Use Disorder or Opioid Use Disorder can regain a healthy, productive life.

Medications for Treatment of Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder

Treatment that includes medication is often the best choice for those who suffer from Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder. 

Methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone), and naltrexone (Vivitrol) are three prescription medications shown to reduce opioid and/or alcohol use. These medications relieve withdrawal symptoms and assist with recovery. 

Methadone is dispensed at authorized treatment centers. It is a liquid taken once a day at a clinic. As treatment progresses, the patient may be able to take the medication home and visit the clinic less often.

Suboxone (buprenorphine & naloxone) is an individually-packaged film dispensed at treatment centers or prescribed by licensed doctors and picked up at a pharmacy. 

Extended Release Injectable Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is given as an injection once a month.  Pregnant women and those with liver problems or chronic pain should not take this medication. 

People can take treatment for as long as needed—for months, years, or even for life.

Program Requirements

Medication Assisted Treatment is for people who cannot stop using alcohol or opioids. In order to receive services, clients must:

  • Be aged 18 years or older
  • Receive one-on-one therapy with a licensed therapist
  • Attend group therapy sessions
  • Attend medication management appointments with the doctor
  • Give random urine samples
  • Keep up-to-date paperwork

For more information or to enroll, call (847) 377-8120.