Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a long-term approach to treating individuals with substance use disorders that involves a combination of safe medications and weekly counseling.

As the individual stabilizes and makes progress towards their recovery goals, the use of medication may decrease based on clinical and medical staff assessments.

Here are three things you should know about Medication Assisted Treatment:

1. MAT medications (at proper dosage) do not cause impairment.

Research has shown that, when provided at the proper dose for each individual, medications used in MAT have no adverse effects on a person’s intelligence, mental capability or physical functioning. The use of medication such as methadone and suboxone coupled with counseling has proven in numerous studies to be one of the most effective treatments for opioid use disorder.

2. MAT programs have rules you must follow.

Federal law requires those who receive treatment to receive medical, vocational, educational and other assessment and treatment services, in addition to the prescribed medication. Under federal law, those in this program must also receive counseling, which could include different forms of behavioral therapy.

As part of our MAT program, JBRC offers the following treatment services: Medication Assisted Treatment; individual, group and family counseling; psychoeducation classes; peer recovery support services; case management services; HIV/HEP C testing; counseling, prevention, treatment, and nurse care coordination, HEP A and B vaccines.

3. All decisions about a MAT program are made with medical professionals.

JBRC’s MAT treatment program is staffed by professionals in the areas of medical, clinical and administrative expertise. There are many medication options and there can be adverse side effects to any medication which is why medical professionals create the best personalized medication assisted treatment option for each client.

Here at John Brooks Recovery Center, we are proud to offer a newly expanded MAT Program that allows us to provide the highest quality, evidence-based treatment services to help individuals overcome substance use disorders regardless of financial circumstance or socio-economic background.

Clients can now visit our Pleasantville location Monday through Saturday from 5-11pm to receive treatment. Learn more about our MAT Program and these expanded hours here: https://bit.ly/3s5aG2Y