Frequently Asked Questions
What will my treatment consist of?
We will begin by outlining a partnership for your recovery in which you are free to ask questions, share your perspective and make choices about your treatment. We will also collect a urine sample and, if appropriate, prescribe medication.
Continue ReadingHow will I know if MATClinics is the right place for me to receive treatment for an alcohol use disorder?
You will meet with a MATClinics provider who has extensive experience treating people with substance use disorders and prescribing medications to treat these disorders. They will ask you questions and listen to what you think to determine if you are a good fit for our treatment protocol.
Continue ReadingStimulant Use Disorder: What will my treatment consist of?
We will begin by outlining a partnership for your recovery in which you are free to ask questions, share your perspective and make choices about your treatment. We will also collect a urine sample and, if appropriate, prescribe medication.
Continue ReadingHow will I know if MATClinics is the right place for me to receive treatment for a stimulant use disorder?
You will meet with a MATClinics provider who has extensive experience treating people with substance use disorders and prescribing medications to treat these disorders. We will ask you questions and listen to what you think to determine if you are a good fit for our treatment protocol.
Continue ReadingHow should I store and transport my medication?
Suboxone® and other buprenorphine products are Type III controlled substances. Therefore, you should secure them in a discreet, preferably locked location in your home. If you need to travel with your medication, you should take as few tablets or films as necessary, along with the box or bottle with your prescription on it if you encounter the police.
Continue ReadingDo I need to be in withdrawal before I take my first dose of Suboxone® or another buprenorphine medication?
Patients should be in mild withdrawal before taking Suboxone® or another buprenorphine medication to avoid the more significant effects of precipitated withdrawal.
Continue ReadingWhat are the side effects of the medications?
Each of the medications can have slightly different side effects, so please visit the websites for whichever medicine you are prescribed. For Suboxone®, the side effects are typically mild, but can be exacerbated by combining your use of Suboxone® with other substances. Your MATClinics' doctor is available to answer any questions that you might have.
Continue ReadingHow often do I need to come in for doctor visits?
We typically see new patients once a week over the first two weeks (three appointments) and then monthly thereafter if you are stable and in-step with your prescribed treatment.
Continue ReadingWhat happens during my first visit?
You will meet with a provider who has extensive experience treating people with substance use disorders and prescribing medications such as Suboxone®. We will collect your vitals and a urine screen and your provider will talk to you about your options for treatment. If you are a good fit for our protocol, you will be given a prescription to address your specific needs.
Continue ReadingWhat happens if I relapse?
Anyone can suffer a relapse or struggle to achieve recovery. While we may adjust your treatment in the event of a setback, we will never judge you for it or discharge you for your use of illicit substances.
Continue ReadingHow does MATClinics approach drug testing?
We will collect a urine sample each time you visit, and if you need a drug screen between appointments, but we do so only to inform your treatment or to fulfill your request. Unlike many addiction treatment organizations, we don’t judge our patients or discharge them for their use of illicit substances.
Continue ReadingHow often will I need to come to MATClinics?
We will work with you to achieve a monthly maintenance schedule that allows you to live your life more freely. For the first several weeks of your treatment, however, you will need to visit us weekly so we can manage your stabilization and ensure that you feel good about your treatment, including your medication. Most of our patients transition to monthly visits after the initial phase of their treatment.
Continue ReadingDoes MATClinics protect the confidentiality of its patients?
Yes. The federal regulations regarding addiction treatment are even more stringent than HIPAA regulations. They prevent us from disclosing any information to any third party, including a person’s participation in treatment. MATClinincs will not disclose information about you under any circumstances unless you specifically direct us to do so in writing. Our privacy policy can be found linked in the footer (at the bottom of this website).
Continue ReadingWhat does MATClinics mean by “harm reduction”?
Harm reduction is an industry term used to describe efforts to minimize the negative consequences of using drugs in order to improve the chances that a person will engage with treatment. For MATClinics it also describes some of our values – belonging, respect and compassion – and our belief that drug use is not a moral failing. That’s what we mean when we tell our patients we will meet them where they are on their path to recovery.
Continue ReadingHow do I know if inpatient addiction treatment is right for me?
Outpatient medication-assisted treatment works best for patients who can manage their day-to-day responsibilities. During the intake process, MATClinics will listen to you about your needs to determine if inpatient addiction treatment is right for you. If it is, we will help you find a provider that offers more intensive treatment options.
Continue ReadingWhat is the difference between Methadone and Suboxone®?
Both Methadone and Suboxone® are effective in treating opioid addiction because they can help ease withdrawal symptoms. However, Methadone is more addictive and causes a more intense high than Suboxone®. Methadone and Suboxone® are also prescribed differently. Methadone clinics generally require patients to report daily to take their medication. Suboxone® can be prescribed so that patients can administer their doses in the privacy of their own homes.
Continue ReadingDo you treat people with an alcohol use disorder?
Yes. We often treat an alcohol use disorder as a secondary issue to an opioid use disorder, but we can also treat it as a primary issue. Our patients struggling with alcohol use disorder have a range of medications that have proven to be effective, including Vivitrol®, naltrexone, topiramate, antabuse and Campral.
Continue ReadingDo you treat people with stimulant use disorders, including those struggling with cocaine and methamphetamine use?
Yes. We often treat a stimulant use disorder as a secondary issue to an opioid use disorder, but we can also treat it as a primary issue. Unlike the use of Suboxone® (or another buprenorphine-based product) in treating an opioid use disorder, no medication currently exists that dramatically aids a patient’s recovery from a stimulant use disorder. However, Topiramate, also known as Topamax, can be helpful in treating a stimulant use disorder.
Continue ReadingHow long will it take me to get an appointment and a prescription?
We see most new patients within 24 hours of their contacting us. Patients can contact MATClinics 24/7 and you can schedule an appointment whenever it is most convenient. And since we have eight locations throughout Maryland – each of which maintains weekday, evening, and Saturday office hours – we will find a time that works for you. If you are a good fit for our protocol for an opioid use disorder, for example, you will be given a prescription for Suboxone® or another similar treatment during your first visit.
Continue ReadingWhat are “patient support services” and why does MATClinics provide them?
One of the other things that makes us different is that we provide patients with 24/7 access to a case manager – someone they can turn to with questions and needs to help them in between their regularly scheduled appointments. Many patients face everyday challenges ranging from a hectic work-life schedule to the lack of transportation. Having a go-to person will reduce the stress in their life and potential barriers to their recovery.
Continue ReadingWhat makes MATClinics different?
Unlike many addiction treatment organizations, we don’t judge our patients or discharge them for the use of illicit substances. Anyone can suffer a relapse or struggle to achieve recovery. Instead, we work in partnership with each patient by encouraging them to ask questions, share their perspective and make choices about their treatment.
Continue Reading