What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Addiction?

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat opioid use disorder. It’s the most effective treatment for opioid addiction, reducing overdose deaths by 50% or more.

How MAT Works

MAT uses medications to:

• Reduce cravings - Eliminates the constant urge to use opioids
• Prevent withdrawal - Stops the severe physical symptoms that make quitting so difficult
• Block euphoria - Some medications prevent opioids from producing a high
• Normalize brain chemistry - Allows your brain to heal from addiction

Important: MAT is not “replacing one drug with another.” It’s medical treatment for a chronic disease, just like insulin for diabetes or blood pressure medication for hypertension.

MAT Medications Available in Southern WV

Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Sublocade)

How it works:

• Partial opioid agonist - activates opioid receptors enough to prevent withdrawal but not enough to cause euphoria
• Blocks other opioids from working
• Reduces cravings by 80-90%

Forms:

• Suboxone - Daily film placed under tongue (most common)
• Sublocade - Monthly injection (no daily medication needed)

Pros:

• Can be prescribed in outpatient settings (like SHCMHC)
• Lower overdose risk than methadone
• Easier to taper off when ready
• Works quickly (within 30-60 minutes)

Cons:

• Must be in mild withdrawal before first dose (12-24 hours since last opioid use)
• Can cause precipitated withdrawal if taken too soon
• Daily medication requires commitment

Naltrexone (Vivitrol)

How it works:

• Opioid antagonist - completely blocks opioid receptors
• If you use opioids while on Vivitrol, you won’t feel any effect
• Reduces cravings

Forms:

• Vivitrol - Monthly injection

Pros:

• Non-addictive (not an opioid)
• Monthly injection (no daily medication)
• Also treats alcohol use disorder
• Preferred by some employers and court systems

Cons:

• Must be completely opioid-free for 7-10 days before starting (difficult for many people)
• If you relapse, overdose risk is higher due to reduced tolerance
• Less effective for severe cravings than buprenorphine

Methadone

How it works:

• Full opioid agonist - activates opioid receptors fully but in controlled doses
• Prevents withdrawal and reduces cravings

Availability:

• Only available at specialized methadone clinics (not at SHCMHC)
• Requires daily clinic visits initially
• Nearest methadone clinic: Beckley, WV (45-90 minutes from Southern WV)

What to Expect: Your First MAT Appointment at SHCMHC

Before Your Appointment

Timing is Critical for Buprenorphine:

• You must be in mild withdrawal before your first dose
• Wait 12-24 hours since last short-acting opioid (heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl)
• Wait 48-72 hours since last long-acting opioid (methadone)
• Our team will guide you through this process

What to Bring:

• Photo ID
• Insurance card (Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance)
• List of current medications
• Contact for emergency contact

During Your Appointment (90-120 minutes)

1. Comprehensive Assessment

• Substance use history
• Medical history
• Mental health screening
• Current medications and allergies
• Social support and housing stability
• Treatment goals

2. Physical Exam

• Vital signs
• Assessment of withdrawal symptoms (COWS scale)
• General health screening

3. Medication Induction (if starting Suboxone)

• First dose given in clinic under supervision
• Wait 60-90 minutes to assess response
• Adjust dose if needed
• Prescription for take-home doses

4. Counseling Component

• Individual counseling session
• Treatment plan development
• Relapse prevention strategies
• Schedule ongoing counseling appointments

5. Support Services

• Peer recovery specialist introduction
• Connection to support groups
• Case management for housing, employment, legal issues

Ongoing Treatment

Weekly Visits (First Month):

• Medication check-ins
• Urine drug screens
• Individual counseling
• Dose adjustments as needed

Bi-Weekly or Monthly (After Stabilization):

• Medication refills
• Counseling sessions
• Group therapy (optional but recommended)
• Peer support groups

MAT Success Rates in West Virginia

Research shows:

• 50-70% reduction in opioid use after 6 months of MAT
• 50% reduction in overdose deaths
• Improved employment - 40% increase in full-time employment after 1 year
• Reduced criminal activity - 60% reduction in arrests
• Better health outcomes - Lower rates of HIV, hepatitis C, and infectious diseases

Long-term recovery:

• Staying on MAT for 12+ months significantly improves long-term recovery rates
• Many people stay on MAT for years - this is medically appropriate and recommended
• Tapering off medication should only happen when you’re stable and ready

Insurance Coverage in Southern WV

WV Medicaid (Mountain Health Trust)

• ✅ Fully covers MAT medications (Suboxone, Vivitrol)
• ✅ Fully covers counseling and case management
• ✅ No copay for CCBHC services
• ✅ No prior authorization required for buprenorphine

Medicare Part B

• ✅ Covers MAT medications
• ✅ Covers counseling
• Small copay may apply

Private Insurance

• Most plans cover MAT
• Prior authorization may be required
• Copays vary by plan

Uninsured/Underinsured

• Sliding scale fees based on income
• Payment plans available
• As a CCBHC, we will not turn you away due to inability to pay

Common Concerns About MAT

”Isn’t MAT just replacing one addiction with another?”

No. Addiction is defined by compulsive use despite negative consequences. MAT medications:

• Are prescribed and monitored by medical professionals
• Don’t produce euphoria at therapeutic doses
• Allow you to function normally (work, parent, drive)
• Restore normal brain chemistry disrupted by addiction

Using MAT is like a diabetic using insulin - it’s medical treatment for a chronic disease.

”How long will I need to be on MAT?”

As long as it helps you stay in recovery. Some people need MAT for:

• 6-12 months
• Several years
• Indefinitely (and that’s okay)

There’s no “right” timeline. The goal is sustained recovery, not getting off medication as quickly as possible.

”Will MAT show up on drug tests?”

Yes, but it’s legal medication. Buprenorphine shows up on drug tests, but:

• You’ll have a prescription to verify
• Employers cannot discriminate against prescribed medication
• Court systems and probation officers are increasingly accepting of MAT

”What if I relapse while on MAT?”

Relapse is common and doesn’t mean failure. If you relapse:

• Tell your MAT provider immediately
• Don’t stop your medication
• Increase counseling frequency
• Adjust your treatment plan
• Consider residential treatment if needed

Critical safety warning: If you’ve been on MAT and stop, your tolerance drops significantly. Using the same amount of opioids you used before can cause fatal overdose.

MAT for Special Populations

Pregnant Women

• Buprenorphine is safe during pregnancy and far safer than continued opioid use
• Reduces risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and neonatal complications
• Babies may need treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), but outcomes are good
• We coordinate with OB/GYN providers

People with Chronic Pain

• MAT can be combined with non-opioid pain management
• Buprenorphine provides some pain relief
• We work with pain management specialists

People with Mental Health Conditions

• Integrated treatment is critical - 60% of people with opioid use disorder have co-occurring mental health conditions
• As a CCBHC, we provide both MAT and mental health treatment in one location
• Treating depression/anxiety improves MAT outcomes

Getting Started with MAT at SHCMHC

Walk-In Assessment:

• Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• No appointment needed for initial assessment
• Same-day or next-day MAT induction in most cases

Call Ahead:

• 304-425-9541
• Speak with our Substance Use Services team
• Get guidance on timing your last opioid use

Crisis Situations:

• 24/7 Crisis Stabilization Unit can assess for MAT
• We can start MAT during crisis stabilization

Locations:

• Princeton SUD Services Center (main MAT clinic)
• Mullens Clinic (MAT available)
• Residential programs (MAT integrated into treatment)

MAT is Evidence-Based, Life-Saving Treatment

The opioid crisis has devastated Southern West Virginia. MAT is the most effective tool we have to save lives and help people reclaim their futures.

You don’t have to be ready to quit forever. You just have to be ready to try something different today.

You don’t have to hit rock bottom. The best time to start MAT is right now, before things get worse.

You don’t have to do this alone. Our team has helped hundreds of people in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties start their recovery journey with MAT.

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To schedule a MAT assessment, call 304-425-9541 or walk in Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM at our Princeton SUD Services Center.