ABOUT OUR MAT CLINICS IN KENTUCKY

HOW DOES AN MAT PROGRAM WORK?

When someone becomes addicted to a substance, the brain is given a feeling of pleasure that we often refer to as a “reward.” Our brains release chemicals that provide these rewards throughout a typical day; however, addictive drugs like opioids amplify this effect. This amplification causes a massive release of these neurochemicals. When this happens repeatedly, it changes the brain’s neuropathways and modifies how the brain feels satisfaction. In short, it begins to associate the feeling of reward with the use of a particular substance and nothing else will replace that feeling. This is where addiction begins to take hold.

To battle opioid use disorder at its core, we must reprogram the brain. This is where withdrawal medication comes into play. MAT can help by supplementing the neurochemicals that are lacking, creating a sense of reward or satisfaction that does not involve the deadly, addictive substance.

BENEFITS OF MEDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT 

When MAT is used alongside other treatment modalities – like individual and group counseling, it can be an extremely effective means of combating many types of substance use disorder. Some of the advantages of this approach include:

• MAT is safe and helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
• Patients are less likely to overdose.
• Patients often stay in treatment programs longer.
• In many cases, patients are less likely to experience a relapse.

Addiction is an insidious, isolating, and destructive condition that affects many Kentucky families. While you may have attended some form of addiction treatment in the past, our medication assisted treatment programs are continuously evolving based on the latest research. Our clinical treatment approach to opioid addiction is based on medical research and decades of experience.

MEDICATIONS COMMONLY USED IN MAT PROGRAMS

SUBOXONE TREATMENT

Suboxone is a brand name of a buprenorphine/naloxone medication. Other brand names include Sublocade, Brixadi, and Subutex. This medication is prescribed at many of BrightView’s Kentucky centers. Buprenorphine and naloxone work together to decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce the patient’s reliance on more dangerous substances. It works by blocking the “opioid effect” brought on by drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and carfentanil. Our treatment clinics offer a revolutionary way to treat addiction. Suboxone helps people manage the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, cravings and urges to use opiates.

VIVITROL TREATMENT

Vivitrol is an extended-release injection that reduces cravings for opioids and alcohol for up to 30 days at a time. This medication also helps prevent relapse. Extended-release naltrexone lasts longer than other treatment options. Anyone who receives a Vivitrol injection should be stable in recovery.  Consuming or using alcohol, opioids, and many over-the-counter medicines within 7 to 14 days of receiving a Vivitrol injection may result in sudden withdrawal symptoms. Patients transitioning from Suboxone or Methadone could be vulnerable to some withdrawal symptoms for up to two weeks. Your medical team at one of BrightView’s Vivitrol clinics will be happy to assist in the customization of your treatment plan.

THE REST OF YOUR LIFE STARTS WITH A PHONE CALL

At BrightView, we offer the medical expertise, clinical care, peer support, and guidance to help people enter and maintain long-term recovery. Our approaches to addiction treatment are research-based, community-centered, and personalized to each patient’s needs. If you would like to learn more about any of our Kentucky or Ohio MAT clinics, feel free to reach out to us by calling 888-501-9865.