Beginning Treatment for Substance Abuse
Getting started on the road to recovery.
MAT AT AMARA, P.C.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is for adults, ages 18 years or older, who have a primary addiction to opioids (painkillers or heroin) for a year or more. In order to begin treatment, it is recommended that the individual call for a new patient appointment.
Amara, P.C. utilizes buprenorphine/naloxone as the MAT option for clients under the guidance of our physician.
New patients should bring a valid form of ID and a method of payment. Options for payment include prompt cash pay, debit or credit card.
Intake and Initial Assessment Process
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In order to get the proper medication level to help subside symptoms of cravings and withdrawal, the patient needs to be in withdrawal at the time of the first appointment. For this reason, it is recommended that the patient take a day off from work in order to go through the process of stabilization (recommended but not required).
Induction Phase
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The first few weeks of treatment require regular patient monitoring to determine the effectiveness of initial medication and to achieve a safe and adequate medication level that stabilizes the patient moving forward.
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New patients will meet with the physician to receive the initial medication. During this meeting, the person learns about treatment choices, expectations from treatment and agrees to a plan for counseling.
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During the initial assessment process, the patient answers questions that will help the physician-led treatment team determine the best custom plan for the individual. All patient records are strictly confidential; therefore, it is highly recommended that the patient be completely honest so that the treatment plan is developed for long term success.
Maintenance Phase
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A steady-state of medication is achieved and maintained with continuous feedback from the patient on withdrawal symptoms. With a safe optimal level of medication, the person is able to remain physically comfortable without experiencing the euphoria or sedation associated with painkillers or heroin, thereby remaining engaged in the full recovery program.
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Patients are required to meet with the counselor once monthly and attend support groups weekly at a minimum, to address current situations, heal past issues and establish goals for further improvement in all areas of their lives.
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The maintenance phase helps patients continue to make strong progress with work, relationships, and social obligations while maintaining a steady state of well-being.