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Medication-Assisted Treatment in Clifton, NJ

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Overcoming substance use disorder (SUD) or opioid use disorder (OUD) requires dedication, persistence, and collaborative care. Medication-assisted treatment can improve your chances of successful recovery from SUD or OUD by normalizing your brain chemistry, reducing cravings, easing withdrawal symptoms, and providing you with professional counseling and the resources and guidance you need during recovery. At Adult Family Health Services, we provide comprehensive and individualized outpatient treatment programs for people who are interested in recovery from substance use disorders. We have created a safe, supportive environment, and each member of our staff is dedicated to serving our community. Call now to learn more about our options for medication-assisted treatment in Clifton, NJ.

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What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?

 

Medication-assisted treatment is a type of substance abuse treatment program. This program uses a combination of FDA-approved medications, counseling, and behavioral therapy to help participants overcome substance use disorder or opioid use disorder. MAT is not a standalone treatment, but instead is a more holistic approach to addressing the biological and psychological causes and effects of substance use disorder. 

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How Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs Work 

 

Your MAT program will be carefully tailored to your specific needs based on your age, medical history, and history of substance overuse. We will work closely with you and other specialists involved in your care to create an individualized outpatient treatment program that focuses on relieving and managing withdrawal symptoms, identifying and addressing the underlying factors contributing to substance overuse, providing emotional and psychological support, and guiding you through the recovery process. Our substance use disorder outpatient programs and substance use disorder intensive outpatient programs are carefully designed to address the biological, psychological, and environmental aspects of addiction and provide a comprehensive, holistic approach to recovery. Your treatment program will include:

• Medication Management – We will prescribe specific medications based on the substance being abused, your age and overall health, and your medical history. 

• Counseling and Therapy – We will design a counseling or therapy program that will help you identify and face the underlying issues contributing to addiction so that you can develop coping mechanisms and improve your quality of life. 

• Monitoring and Check-ins – We will schedule frequent check-ins to assess your progress and monitor your health and medication dosage. We will also collaborate with other specialized healthcare providers you are working with.

 

Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment

 

It's important to fully understand the pros and cons of medication-assisted treatment before entering a program. While MAT programs can significantly improve your chance of successful recovery, they also require work on your part. The benefits of medication-assisted treatment are:

• Decreased risk of an opioid-related overdose or death

• Minimized physical and psychological cravings

• Holistic, individualized support and guidance throughout the recovery process

• Ability to connect with other individuals who are going through the same thing

• Increased chances of a successful recovery and retention in treatment

• Improved mental and physical health

• Increased chances of the success of your individualized treatment program

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Types of Medications Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment

 

MAT medications work by reducing withdrawal symptoms and making the withdrawal process more manageable, blocking the euphoric effects of certain substances, reducing cravings, and normalizing and stabilizing brain chemistry and function. The medications used in medication-assisted treatment programs include:

• Buprenorphine – Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid that acts as a partial agonist on opioid receptors. However, it does not produce euphoria or sedation. It can help reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and has a low risk of overdose. 

• Methadone – Methadone is a long-acting synthetic opioid that can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It can also block the euphoric effects of certain opioids. 

• Naltrexone – Naltrexone is a synthetic opioid agonist that blocks opioids from binding to receptors. This prevents the euphoric and sedating effects of opioids. 

• Suboxone – Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses, and in this formula, it is used to reduce the potential for medication misuse.

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Who Is Eligible for Medication-Assisted Treatment?

 

Entering a MAT program will only help you if you are ready for recovery. The program requires consistent, dedicated participation, openness, and willingness to engage and abide by the program parameters. Maintaining open communication and being honest and vulnerable with your counselor or therapist is key to a sustained recovery. You may be eligible for our outpatient MAT program if you are:

• 18 years or older

• Have a history of opioid use or substance use disorder

• Meet the DSM criteria for substance or opioid use disorder

• Are eligible for outpatient treatment under our requirements

• Have sufficient family or community support

• Have stable housing 

• Have undergone the necessary physical health screening requirements

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Schedule a Consultation for Medication-Assisted Treatment

 

If you’re interested in learning more about medication-assisted treatment in Clifton, NJ, our team at Adult Family Health Services can help. Our outpatient medication-assisted treatment for SUD and OUD is designed to help you overcome challenges, build a foundation for lasting recovery, and regain control of your life. We’re happy to schedule a consultation to discuss our intake process, determine if you are eligible, answer any questions you have, and discuss financial options and insurance coverage. Call us now or contact us online to speak to a compassionate member of our mental and behavioral health services team.