Medication Assisted Treatment
There are many different treatment options for substance use treatment available in Vermont. Detoxification, in-patient rehabilitation programs, Intensive-outpatient programs, individual or group counseling, peer recovery support, and Medication Assisted treatment are some of the most common options available. Substance use treatment is not one size fits all and part of sobriety and recovery is about finding the combination of treatment and support that is right for you.
What is a MAT Program
“Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, which is effective in the treatment of opioid use disorders (OUD) and can help some people to sustain recovery.” (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2019) MAT has been shown to increase the likelihood that someone will stay in treatment, and reduces the risk of opioid overdoses and acquiring infectious diseases such as hepatitis C or HIV.
Information about Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) | FDA
“Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) uses medication such as methadone and buprenorphine, as part of a comprehensive opioid use disorder treatment program that includes counseling. Medication Assisted Treatment is not the only treatment for opioid use disorder, but it is the most effective treatment for most people. It is supported by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and the American Society of Addiction Medicine.” Blueprint for health developed the Hub and Spoke Program in Vermont to provide Medication Assisted Treatment to support people in recovery from opioid use disorder.
Hub and Spoke | Blueprint for Health (vermont.gov)
MAT Programs in the Lamoille Valley Area consists primarily of Spokes. People receiving treatment in these programs meet regularly with a medical provider who monitors their medication and a MAT Team Care Coordinator who provides case management and connection to other resources they may need. Depending on the program, counseling services may be offered on site or someone may be referred to a clinician in the community. The frequency of visits with the provider or counseling is determined by the care team and based on someone’s recovery stability and needs. If and when someone is ready to stop their medication, their treatment team works together to slowly decrease the medication safely.
For more information about what medications might be right for you, contact that MAT Team at 802-888-6009.
Are you experiencing withdrawal?
When someone uses opioids regularly, they can become physically and psychologically dependent. If someone who is dependent reduces or stops taking these substances, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from opioids can last a few days to a week and can include:
Increased anxiety
Yawning
Watery eyes
Runny nose
Sweating
Goosebumps
Hot flushes
Cold Flushed
Shaking
Bone and muscle aches
Restlessness
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Muscle twitches
Cravings to use
If you recently stopped using and are currently experiencing any of these symptoms our RAM Program may be right for you.
The Rapid Access to Medication Assisted Treatment (RAM) Program fast tracks people into treatment by allowing them to start a medication within 72-hours or less from when they reach out for help. Research has shown that the sooners someone is able to start an opioid replacement medication, the more likely they are to remain in treatment. Research also shows that people are less likely to continue use when they are able to start medication sooner. Call today to talk to a Team member about scheduling a RAM appointment