Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Your Path To Recovery!
888-710-8220
At Healthy Connections, our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services offer a holistic and evidence-based approach to overcoming substance use disorders, combining FDA-approved medications, counseling, and unwavering support for a path to sustained recovery.
What is MAT?
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders, particularly opioid addiction. This evidence-based treatment method combines the use of FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to provide holistic care for individuals struggling with addiction.
Why MAT Matters
MAT plays a crucial role in helping individuals overcome opioid addiction by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. It helps reduce the risk of relapse, improves the quality of life, and ultimately enhances the chances of sustained recovery. MAT is a whole-person approach that offers hope and support to those on their journey to a healthier, addiction-free life.
Patient-Centered Approach
At Healthy Connections, our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program revolves around a patient-centered approach. We understand that overcoming addiction is a deeply personal journey, and our commitment to your recovery is unwavering.
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Individual and Family Support: We offer not only individualized care but also the invaluable support of your loved ones. We recognize that family plays a crucial role in the recovery process, and we encourage their involvement in your healing journey.
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Support Groups and Team Expertise: Our MAT program extends beyond medication; it’s about creating a supportive community. We provide access to weekly support groups, where you can connect with others facing similar challenges. These sessions often include a warm meal, fostering a sense of togetherness.
Our experienced and dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. Our healthcare providers, addiction counselors, case managers, registered nurses, medical assistants, and behavioral health specialists are all working in harmony to provide you with the highest quality care.
Our Mission
At Healthy Connections, our mission is clear: we are committed to reducing opioid-related harm in our communities and increasing access to essential services.
Opioid addiction is a pressing concern in our region, and we believe that everyone deserves immediate access to prevention, treatment, and sustained recovery services. Our mission is to make these critical services available to those in need.
We are dedicated to not only treating addiction but also to addressing the underlying causes and providing support for long-term recovery. By reducing harm and expanding access to care, we strive to create healthier and happier communities where individuals can thrive.
Benefits of MAT
Reducing Risks
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) offers a range of vital benefits, with a primary focus on reducing the risks associated with opioid addiction. At Healthy Connections, our MAT program is designed to provide effective solutions that make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.
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Reducing Death: Opioid addiction can lead to life-threatening consequences. MAT significantly reduces the risk of fatal overdoses by suppressing cravings and providing a safe alternative to illicit drug use.
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Relapse Prevention: MAT helps individuals avoid the devastating cycle of addiction by reducing the risk of relapse. With the right medications and support, our program empowers patients to regain control of their lives.
Stabilizing Patients
One of the key objectives of our MAT program is to stabilize patients, enabling them to take important steps toward recovery and improved well-being.
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Improved Ability to Engage in Therapy: By addressing the physical aspects of addiction, MAT allows individuals to actively participate in therapy and counseling. This therapeutic engagement is essential for lasting recovery.
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Enhanced Quality of Life: Opioid addiction can have a profound negative impact on the quality of life. MAT helps individuals regain their physical and mental well-being, enabling them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. At Healthy Connections, we are committed to providing you with the necessary support and care to achieve stability and a brighter future.
Overview of Services
At Healthy Connections, our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program encompasses a comprehensive range of services designed to address the unique needs of individuals seeking recovery from substance use disorders. Our holistic approach combines counseling, evidence-based medications, and unwavering support to provide a roadmap to healing and long-term sobriety.
Counseling and Behavioral Therapies: Our MAT program includes individual and group counseling sessions. These therapies are vital components of the treatment, offering a safe and supportive space for you to explore the psychological aspects of addiction. Our experienced counselors employ evidence-based techniques to help you develop coping skills, manage cravings, and foster a healthier mindset.
FDA-Approved Medications: We utilize FDA-approved medications as a core component of MAT. These medications, such as Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and Naltrexone, work to normalize brain chemistry, reduce cravings, and block the euphoric effects of opioids. Our medical professionals carefully monitor and adjust medication regimens to ensure their effectiveness in your recovery.
Family Support: We recognize the importance of involving your loved ones in the recovery process. Healthy Connections offers family support services to help your family understand addiction, learn how to support you effectively, and mend any familial challenges that may have arisen during your addiction.
Support Groups: Our MAT program includes access to weekly support groups. These gatherings provide a sense of community and camaraderie, often over a warm meal. Connecting with peers who share similar challenges can be incredibly motivating and reassuring.
Holistic Medical Management: We take a comprehensive approach to your health, addressing not only addiction but also any underlying medical concerns that may be affecting your well-being.
Telemedicine: We understand that accessibility to treatment is essential. Our MAT program may include telemedicine options, allowing you to connect with healthcare providers and counselors remotely, ensuring you can receive the care you need, regardless of your location.
Healthy Connections is committed to providing a multifaceted approach to MAT that recognizes the complexities of addiction. Our services are tailored to meet your unique needs, fostering a supportive environment for your journey to recovery.
How MAT Works
Understanding the inner workings of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is essential to appreciate its effectiveness. At Healthy Connections, our MAT program is founded on a well-rounded treatment approach that combines evidence-based medications with therapeutic interventions.
The Role of Medications: Central to our MAT approach are FDA-approved medications such as Buprenorphine (Suboxone) and Naltrexone. These medications are carefully selected to address the physiological aspects of addiction. Buprenorphine and Naltrexone work in different ways to suppress cravings and block the euphoric effects of opioids. This normalization of brain chemistry is a critical step in the journey to recovery.
Combination with Behavioral Therapies: While medications address the physical side of addiction, we understand that the psychological and emotional aspects are equally important. Our MAT program includes counseling and behavioral therapies. These sessions provide a safe space to explore the root causes of addiction, develop coping mechanisms, and build a foundation for long-term recovery.
Normalization of Body Functions: MAT not only tackles cravings and the euphoric effects of drugs but also stabilizes various physiological functions affected by addiction. This normalization allows individuals to regain physical health without the negative impacts of substance abuse.
Safety and Clinical Effectiveness
Safety and clinical effectiveness are paramount in the Healthy Connections MAT program. We prioritize your well-being and ensure that MAT is a secure and clinically proven treatment method.
Safe Medication Levels: MAT programs provide a controlled and safe level of medication. We carefully monitor your medication regimen to ensure that it is administered at the proper dose, minimizing any adverse effects on your intelligence, mental capability, physical functioning, or employability.
Clinical Efficacy: Research has shown that MAT is clinically effective in treating substance use disorders. It significantly reduces the need for inpatient detoxification services, making it a safer and more comprehensive alternative. MAT is associated with improved patient survival, increased retention in treatment, and a decrease in illicit opiate use and other criminal activities among individuals with substance use disorders.
At Healthy Connections, we are committed to providing MAT services that not only offer safety and clinical effectiveness but also a path to full recovery. We believe that MAT is a powerful tool in the journey toward a self-directed, addiction-free life, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
MAT Clinics
Russellville
Hot Springs Village
Bryant
Our Providers
Patrick J. Fox, MD
Primary Care, MAT, HIV
TERRY JEFFERSON, MD
Assistant Medical Director, Primary Care, MAT, PrEP, HIV, LGBTQ+
Leslie Ward, MD
Primary Care
SHARON MEADOR, MD
MAT, PrEP, HIV, LGBTQ+
Kristin Brown, APRN
Primary Care
Leslie Collie, APRN
Primary Care
Matthew Huskey, APRN
Primary Care
Lindy Jumper, APRN
Primary Care, BioTE
Jennifer Kesterson, APRN
Primary Care, Cardiology, Vascular
Angela Martin, APRN
Primary Care
Clay McDowell, APRN
Primary Care
Autumn Morales, APRN
Primary Care
Clark Roberts, APRN
Primary Care
Tamara Tate APRN
Primary Care
Kaylee Wolfe APRN
Primary Care
Matt York, APRN
Pediatrics & Primary Care