Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction
The clinical team at MedMark provides evidence-based medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage opioid addiction safely.
By controlling cravings and withdrawal symptoms, MAT reduces the risk of relapse and supports long-term recovery. This allows you to focus on your mental health and other key areas of your life as you progress in treatment.
Phases of Medication-Assisted Treatment
Induction Phase
We start your program with your first dose of methadone or buprenorphine at the facility. Depending on the medication, we may start you on a higher dose right away or increase it gradually over time, adjusting as needed in collaboration with our medical providers.
Stabilization Phase
As you continue to receive medication daily from your treatment center, cravings and withdrawal symptoms will lessen. Relief from physical side effects will help you feel more stable, allowing you to engage fully in counseling and support services.
Maintenance Phase
In the maintenance phase, you and your treatment team work to sustain a therapeutic medication dose and continue counseling. As your stability improves, you can focus more on long-term goals in your health, relationships, and daily functioning.
Methadone
For more than 50 years, methadone has been used to help people overcome opioid use disorder. Evidence has shown that medication-assisted treatment with methadone has high success rates when combined with counseling and support.
Advantages of Using Methadone for MAT
Methadone is a full opioid agonist. It satisfies your brain and body’s need for opioids without the risks of misuse.
Taking methadone can prevent you from feeling the physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings that may lead to relapse.
A dose of methadone lasts 24 to 36 hours. Daily visits to your treatment center for medication give you structure in recovery.
Methadone doesn’t lose its effectiveness at a certain dose, so it can treat fentanyl, heroin, and high doses of prescription opioids.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can safely take methadone without harmful side effects to themselves or their babies.
We offer methadone at all of our MedMark locations. Our team is here to help you decide if it is the best option for your medication-assisted treatment program.
Possible Methadone Side Effects
Most people taking methadone experience only mild side effects, but you should always tell our team about any symptoms. It can take time to find the right dose, so watch for side effects such as:
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Sweating
- Weight gain
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Sleep issues
When you start methadone, your medical provider will review possible drug interactions and precautions to help keep your treatment safe and effective.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine and buprenorphine with naloxone (Suboxone) have been used for more than 20 years to help individuals find relief from opioid use. Like methadone, buprenorphine works best alongside counseling and support.
Benefits of Buprenorphine Treatment
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It activates the opioid receptors in your brain to a lesser degree than methadone.
Using buprenorphine can block the effects of other opioids. It prevents cravings and reduces withdrawal symptoms to prevent relapse.
As a long-acting medication, you may be able to start taking buprenorphine every other day after initially taking it daily.
Buprenorphine can cause immediate side effects when it is misused, which can prevent you from overdosing or using it to feel high.
Taking buprenorphine while pregnant or breastfeeding is much safer than continuing to use opioids or trying to stop on your own.
Buprenorphine is available at select MedMark locations. You can discuss it as an option for your MAT program during your first medical provider appointment.
Possible Buprenorphine Side Effects
Our participants usually report mild side effects with buprenorphine, but it’s important to tell your medical provider about any symptoms so your dose can be adjusted if needed. Possible side effects include:
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Sleep issues
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Constipation
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Sweating
Before you start buprenorphine, our team will review potential medication interactions and precautions to help you get the most benefit from treatment.
Insurance and Payment Options
Our treatment centers accept most private insurance as well as cash, credit cards, debit cards, and money orders if you plan to pay for treatment yourself. Veterans are eligible through the VA Community Care Network (Optum and TriWest) with prior authorization.
Start Recovery From Addiction Now
Medication-assisted treatment can help you begin recovery from opioid misuse. Our medical providers will work with you to select the appropriate medication and dose, adjusting your treatment plan as your needs change.
Contact your treatment center today to ask any questions about MAT and start your treatment program with us.
Our Accreditation
All MedMark Treatment Centers locations are federally certified, state licensed, and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) to provide medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions About MAT
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT)?
Medication-assisted treatment uses FDA-approved medications, such as methadone or buprenorphine, along with counseling and support. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal so you can focus on recovery.
Will methadone or buprenorphine make me feel “high”?
When taken as prescribed and monitored, these medications are meant to help you feel steady and able to function, not high. If you feel overly drowsy or unwell, your provider can adjust your dose.
How long does MAT last?
The length of MAT varies from person to person. You and your provider will review your progress regularly and decide together when it may be appropriate to change or taper your medication.
Can I work or drive while in treatment?
Many people can work and drive once they are on a stable dose. Your provider will advise you based on your response to the medication and any safety concerns.