Working with your doctor…

Talking openly with your health care provider is an important step in getting treatment. People frequently feel guilty, embarrassed or ashamed about their addiction. Addiction is a disease and like any disease getting help sooner can make recovery possible. It is never too late to get help.

Every individual has a unique path that has led to his or her substance use disorder and every individual also has his or her own recovery story. There is no one size fits all treatment. However, there are evidence- based treatments such as MAT –medication assisted treatment that can dramatically increase an individual’s chances of recovery while reducing the risk of overdose. All treatment programs should have available medication assisted treatment. In addition to MAT, behavioral and psychological treatment is considered an essential part of any treatment plan.

Evidenced Based Treatment - Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorders

MAT is the use of medications in conjunction with counseling to treat substance use disorders, primarily addiction to opioids. Treatment with MAT improves survival, retention in treatment and reduces the risk of overdose. These medications usually include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Methadone treatment requires that patients be referred to a methadone clinic because it cannot be prescribed and dispensed by a doctor for addiction treatment.

Indicators of Effective Addiction Treatment

Where to Find Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder:

Places to access treatment in Massachusetts…

Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center

Recovery Services

MASS Methadone Programs and Buprenorphine/Suboxone Providers

The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Treatment locator

Project RESPECT at Boston Medical Center
Provides a unique service of comprehensive obstetric and substance use disorder treatment for pregnant women and their newborns in Massachusetts.