Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling, behavioral therapies, and other supportive services when appropriate. The term “medications for opioid use disorder” (MOUD) is now often preferred when specifically discussing opioid addiction, because medication is a core treatment—not merely an “assistance” to counseling.
MAT/MOUD is inteded to:
Reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms and cravings
Reduce illicit opioid use
Reduce the risk of overdose and, particularly with methadone and buprenorphine, reduce the risk of overdose death
Help people remain engaged in treatment
Give people greater stability so they can address housing, employment, mental health, relationships, and other recovery goals
Detox (detoxification)
Outpatient detox means going through withdrawal while living at home, with regular medical monitoring.
Assessment: A clinician evaluates your substance use, health, withdrawal history, medications, and home support.
Treatment plan: They may prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce risks.
Monitoring: You have frequent appointments or check-ins to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment.
Support: Counseling, education, and recovery resources may be provided.
Ongoing treatment: After detox, you transition to longer-term addiction treatment, such as counseling or medication.
Important: Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous and should not be stopped abruptly without medical guidance.
Psychiatric Med Management
Psychiatric medication management in an addiction clinic involves evaluating, prescribing, and monitoring medications for psychiatric conditions while also addressing substance-use disorders. This includes assessing symptoms, medication effectiveness, side effects, interactions, adherence, and potential misuse. Treatment is individualized and may include medications for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or other conditions, along with medications for addiction when appropriate. It also involves ongoing safety monitoring and coordination with counseling and other healthcare providers.
Psychotherapy and Counseling
Psychotherapy is a structured, supportive process that helps individuals understand and address the emotional, behavioral, and psychological factors related to substance use. During sessions, your therapist can help you identify triggers and cravings, develop healthy coping skills, explore thoughts and behaviors that contribute to addiction, and strengthen motivation for recovery. Therapy may also address related concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationships, and life challenges. The therapist provides a nonjudgmental and confidential environment where clients can discuss their experiences and work toward meaningful, sustainable changes.
Peer Recovery Support (PRS)
A Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) in an addiction clinic provides support and encouragement to people who are struggling with substance use and working toward recovery. A PRS often uses their own lived experience with addiction and recovery to build trust and show patients that recovery is possible. They may help patients set recovery goals, connect them with treatment and community resources, attend appointments, find support groups, and navigate challenges such as housing, transportation, or employment. PRSs also provide emotional support and encouragement during difficult times, including cravings or relapse. While they work closely with counselors, therapists, nurses, and doctors, their main role is to provide peer-based support and help patients stay engaged in their recovery.
Case Management
Care Coordination
Case management in an addiction clinic means helping patients get the support and services they need for recovery. A case manager talks with patients to understand their needs, such as treatment, housing, transportation, healthcare, or financial assistance. They connect patients with helpful resources, coordinate care with doctors and counselors, and follow up to make sure patients receive the help they need. Overall, case management helps patients overcome barriers and stay on track with their recovery.
Hep C Treatment
Hepatitis C treatment is available in our addiction medicine office. Treatment usually involves taking a daily oral medication for about 8–12 weeks. These medicines are highly effective and can cure hepatitis C in most people. We will check your blood work, review your other medications, and help you through treatment. You do not have to be completely free from substance use to receive hepatitis C treatment.
We will also screen for other needle exposure infectious diseases such as HIV and Hep B