The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.
Medication Assisted Maintenance Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
Buprenorphine Based MAT Programs
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) programs that use buprenorphin to help people with an opioid use disorder abstain from or reduce their use of opioids (usually heroin or painkillers such as oxycondin or morphine). Buprenorphine produces a weaker version of effects (including euphoria and respiratory depression) that are associated with full drugs such as heroin and methadone. The effects increase with each dose until at moderate doses they level off, lowering the risk of misuse, dependency and side effects. Treatment occurs in three phases: a medically monitored start-up phase when the patient is in early stages of withdrawal; a stabilization phase after a patient has discontinued or greatly reduced their misuse of the problem drug, no longer has cravings, and experiences few, if any, side effects; and a maintenance phase when a patient is doing well on a steady dose of buprenorphine. The length of time of the maintenance phase is tailored to each patient and could be indefinite. Once an individual is stabilized, an alternative approach would be to go into a medically supervised withdrawal, which makes the transition from a physically dependent state smoother. People then can engage in further rehabilitation—with or without MAT—to prevent a possible relapse. Ideal candidates for opioid dependency treatment with buprenorphine have an opioid use disorder diagnosis, are willing to follow safety precautions for the treatment, have been cleared of any health conflicts with using the drug and have reviewed other treatment options before agreeing to buprenorphine treatment.
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) programs that use methadone to help people with an opioid use disorder abstain from or reduce their use of opioids. Methadone works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It lessens the painful symptoms of opiate withdrawal and blocks the euphoric effects of opiate drugs such as heroin, morphine, and codeine, as well as semi-synthetic opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. Methadone is offered in pill, liquid, and wafer forms and is taken once a day. Pain relief from a dose of methadone lasts about four to eight hours. Patients taking methadone to treat opioid addiction must receive the medication under the supervision of a physician. After a period of stability (based on progress and proven, consistent compliance with the medication dosage), patients may be allowed to take methadone at home between program visits. The length of time in methadone treatment varies from person to person but should be at least 12 months; and treatment must be stopped gradually to prevent withdrawal. The decision to stop treatment needs to be supervised by a physician.
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) programs that use Naltrexone (Vivitrol) to help people with an opioid or alcohol use disorder abstain from or reduce their use of opioids or alcohol. The medication comes in a pill form or as an injectable. The pill form of naltrexone (ReVia, Depade) can be taken daily. The injectable extended-release form of the drug (Vivitrol) is administered intramuscular once a month. Naltrexone can be prescribed by any health care provider who is licensed to prescribe medications. To reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal, patients are warned to abstain from illegal opioids and opioid medication for a minimum of 7-10 days before starting Naltrexone. If switching from methadone to naltrexone, the patient has to be completely withdrawn from the opioids. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of drugs such as heroin, morphine, and codeine. It works differently in the body than buprenophine and methadone, which activate opioid receptors in the body that suppress cravings. Naltrexone binds and blocks opioid receptors, and is reported to reduce opioid cravings. There is no abuse or diversion potential with naltrexone. Naltrexone can also be used to treat alcohol use disorders. Oral Naltrexone and extended-release injectable Naltrexone can be used for the treatment of alcohol dependence in patients who can abstain from alcohol in an outpatient setting before the initiation of treatment. Naltrexone has not been shown to be effective in patients who are drinking at treatment initiation. Both formulations may have the greatest benefit in patients who can discontinue drinking on their own for several days before treatment initiation.