FAQ

1. Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with Suboxone (buprenorphine) trading one addiction for another?

NO.  Suboxone/Buprenorphine are FDA approved, highly studied and regulated medications used to help individuals recover from opioid addiction.  Suboxone acts as a stabilizer in the body rather than a narcotic that is used for its euphoric effects.  When taken as prescribed, the medication help patients function physically, emotionally, and intellectually without impairment.  The medications do not produce mood-swings, drowsiness or narcotic effects.  Patients on medication assisted maintenance can drive, go to work, return to their families and lead normal lives.  Medication Assisted Treatment is not an addiction, it is a physical dependence that is required to maintain physical stability.  By contrast, painkillers, pain pills, heroin, destabilize the individual and often leads them to many high risk behaviors that can have severe consequences.  

2.  Is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) right for me?

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is one of the most researched treatment approaches to ensure its safety and efficacy for all types of individuals.  The most common medications used in MAT include Suboxone and Buprenorphine.   

MAT may be the right choice for you if:

• You are an adult 18 years or older who has been dependent on pain pills or heroin for more that a year.  

• Your opioid use has resulted in social consequences, affecting your work, family, and social obligations.

• Previous attempts at quitting have been unsuccessful

• You are combining one or more substances, putting your health at further risk

• You have engaged in criminal activity to continue using

• You use opiates intravenously which puts you at high risk for AIDS, HIV, STDs and Hepatitis

3.  What are the positive outcomes of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

• Improving physical and mental health

• Impoving social functioning including the ability to gain employment, return to school, and contribute at home

• Improving overall quality of life

• Improving pregnancy outcomes

• Achieving a more stable lifestyle

• Reducing use of illegal opioids and other drugs

• Reducing risk behaviors such as IV drug use thereby preventing the transmission of HIV and other infectious diseases

• Reducing incarceration rates.  Reducing criminal activity

• Reducing the chance of overdose and death.