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PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Substance Use Disorder & Medically Assisted Treatment
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) & Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)
SBNC’s Bridge Clinic provides substance use treatment for alcohol, fentanyl, amphetamines, and other recreational substance use.
We provide outpatient detox options and our Enhanced Care Management (ECM) team can help connect patients with other resources in our community.
Healthcare providers use MAT with various evidence-based therapies and pharmacological treatments. The goal is to address different aspects of addiction, including:
- Physical
- Psychological
- Social
- Behavioral
A multidimensional approach allows people to manage the multiple aspects of their substance use disorder simultaneously. By targeting the underlying brain chemistry of addiction, medication-assisted treatment helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It also allows for a gradual tapering off of the medications and helps people stay focused on their long-term recovery goals, reducing the risk of relapse.
Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Addiction
The medications used in MAT do not cure opiate dependence but help people abstain from the substance. Some block withdrawal symptoms, while others block euphoria.
The following medications may treat opioid use disorder:
Methadone
Methadone is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat opioid dependence. It’s a full opioid agonist, meaning it activates the opioid receptors in the brain. This alleviates cravings and withdrawal symptoms and blunts the effects of opioids.
Methadone should only be used under a doctor’s direct supervision.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It produces effects similar to other opioids. However, they are much weaker.
People are unlikely to abuse it because of its “ceiling effect.” This means more doses don’t trigger additional side effects. Like methadone, it reduces cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the effects of other opioids.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone works differently than Methadone and Buprenorphine because it’s an opioid antagonist. This means it blocks the consequences of drugs.
If someone relapses while taking it, they won’t experience the euphoria they did in the past. Naltrexone can also treat alcohol use disorder.
Naloxone (Narcan)
Naloxone is used to treat someone who overdosed on heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and other types of opioids. It works by blocking their effects.
Naloxone can be administered as a nasal spray or an injection. When given, it counters the effects of an opioid overdose. Administering naloxone may cause a person to experience withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, shaking, and sweating.
MAT for Alcohol Use Disorder
These medications do not cure alcohol use disorder but can effectively control cravings and block their euphoric effects.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram alters the body’s alcohol metabolism, leading to vomiting when alcohol is consumed.
Other possible side effects of drinking alcohol while taking it include headaches and nausea. Disulfiram is most effective in people who have already undergone detoxification or are in an early stage of abstinence.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is for people who have already stopped drinking and want to continue sobriety.
It doesn’t prevent withdrawal symptoms immediately after you stop drinking. It’s prescribed five days after abstinence begins and is fully effective in another five to eight days.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol. It helps people reduce their drinking and increases their motivation to stay in treatment and avoid relapses.
Sliding Fee Scale Program
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, we're proud to offer a Sliding Fee Scale Program and payment plans to our patients, reinforcing our commitment to affordable healthcare.
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This entity receives HRSA Health Center Program grant funding under 42 U.S.C. § 254b and has been deemed a Public Health Service employee for purposes of certain liability protections, including Federal Tort Claims Act coverage, under 42 U.S.C. § 233(g)-(n).