Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) represents the gold standard in addressing addiction to substances like heroin and prescription painkillers. This evidence-based approach has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in reducing overdose fatalities, relapse occurrences, the transmission of infectious diseases, and criminal behaviors associated with addiction.
At Connections, we proudly offer MAT services on an outpatient basis, extending support to over 1,500 individuals across our clinics in Newark, Smyrna, Dover, Harrington, and Millsboro. Our comprehensive treatment regimen encompasses a blend of individual counseling, group therapy sessions, family therapy, and intensive outpatient treatment for those requiring additional support.
Our MAT program features ambulatory withdrawal and maintenance therapy utilizing methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone). These medications, administered once daily, provide sustained relief without inducing the euphoric highs associated with heroin or prescription opioids.
Studies on methadone have highlighted its effectiveness in facilitating gradual withdrawal, leading to higher rates of abstinence among clients undergoing treatment. Moreover, methadone effectively curbs cravings, a primary trigger for relapse, particularly in individuals battling heroin and opioid addiction.
When paired with counseling, methadone maintenance emerges as the pinnacle of treatment for heroin and opioid dependence, offering a pathway to sustained recovery.
For pregnant women grappling with addiction, MAT emerges as a critical lifeline, offering a safer alternative to heroin dependency. Methadone or buprenorphine therapy not only safeguards the health of both mother and child but also supports a smoother transition into motherhood free from the perils of addiction.
In addition to methadone and buprenorphine, we leverage Naltrexone, an opioid blocker available in injectable form as Vivitrol. Administered over a four-week period, Vivitrol effectively blocks the effects of heroin, prescription opioids, and alcohol, making it an invaluable asset for individuals who have completed opioid withdrawal and prefer to avoid maintenance therapy while seeking assistance to combat cravings and avoid relapse triggers.