Medication-Assisted Treatment for Substance Use Disorders

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several different medications to treat alcohol, opioid, and nicotine use disorders. MAT medications relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that cause chemical imbalances in the body. River of Hope is now able to both prescribe the medication component of MAT and offer in house therapy for substance use treatment. River of Hope can also coordinate with outside therapists or medication prescribers for MAT to help meet patients needs.

Alcohol Use Disorder

River of Hope offers medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder. Medication option for alcohol use disorder include naltrexone which can be delivered as a daily oral dose or as a long-acting injection (Vivitrol). The long-acting injection only needs to be administered once per month, which has shown an increase in adherence and retention rates. Vivitrol is administered at the office once monthly. Please note that medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use disorder is not for acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms or to assist with alcohol detox. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Prior to suddenly stopping alcohol use be sure to speak with your prescriber, go to a behavioral health crisis center, or call your local mobile crisis and let them know you would like to stop drinking alcohol and need evaluated if inpatient medical detoxification is necessary.

Nicotine (Tobacco) Use Disorder

River of Hope offers 3 medication classes for stopping nicotine use including in addition to connecting with psychosocial support to assist with smoking cessation. Medication assisted treatment for smoking cessation including over the counter nicotine replacement (nicotine patches, nicotine gum, nicotine lozenges, nicotrol inhaler) or prescribed buproprion or Chantix.

Opioid Use Disorder

For those with an opioid use disorder, medication addresses the physical difficulties that one experiences when they stop taking opioids. MAT can help to reestablish normal brain function, reduce substance cravings, and prevent relapse. River of Hope offers medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder utilizing both buprenorphine (also known as Suboxone or Subutex) and naltrexone.

Buprenorphine is a synthetic opioid medication that acts as a partial agonist at opioid receptors but does not produce the euphoria and sedation caused by heroin or other opioids. Buprenorphine is able to reduce or eliminate withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence and carries a low risk of overdose. If buprenorphine is prescribed, River of Hope's policy is that the patient will come into the office for weekly check ins to make sure that the dosage is appropriate and that you are not experiencing any side effects. After this, monthly visits are required.

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means it works by blocking opioid receptors and preventing their euphoric effects. While it can help reduce cravings, Naltrexone should only be used seven to ten days after medically managed withdrawal (detoxification) from opioids has been completed.