What Is Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT)?

Medication Assisted Therapy (MAT) provides a safe treatment option for patients who have an opioid dependence or addiction. Methadone or Suboxone is prescribed and used in conjunction with components like counselling. This support helps to stabilize the patient’s life and increase daily functioning by reducing withdrawal symptoms. Promoting a healthier, stable lifestyle, is critical to recovery from opioid use.

Methadone or Suboxone?

Methadone:
Methadone has been a long standing medical treatment (nearly 50 years) for opioid dependence and recovery. It’s an long-acting synthetic opioid agonist that helps to eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal commonly experienced by opioid users. When used under the supervision of an Addictions Physician, Methadone is an effective way to slowly eliminate opioid use by controlling these symptoms and allowing the patient to focus on their recovery.

Suboxone:
Suboxone is a newer treatment option that is a combination of opioid agonist and opioid antagonist that provides two levels of therapy at the same time. The agonist helps eliminate withdrawal symptoms while the antagonist agent causes repulsive reactions should the patient use any opioids. Suboxone is a good alternative option for those who have not reacted well to Methadone or for patients who need a different approach to their treatment.

Is MAT For Me?

A consultation and examination of the patient by an Addictions Physician will determine if there is a diagnosis of opioid dependence or addiction. Once a diagnosis is established, the patient and Addictions Physician will discuss and review options for successful treatment, which may include the introduction of MAT.

Medication Assisted Therapy is for those who have been using opioid drugs such as:

• Benzodiazepines
• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Hydrocodone
• Hydromorphone
• Meperidine
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Oxycodone and Acetaminophen
• Plus other opiates not listed above

Transferring to Our Clinic and Pharmacy Service is Quick and Easy

Call the Wellington Walk In Clinic at 705-739-0127 or the Georgian Bay Clinic at 705-527-4641 to make an appointment and meet with one of our dedicated physicians. Please remember to bring your health card with you to your appointment, and let reception know you would like to transfer into this clinic.

Is MAT Just Trading One Opioid For Another?

Society has an outdated stigma regarding Medicine Assisted Therapy and continues to believe that abstinence is the only way to successfully stop opioid use, but that simply isn’t true. Multiple studies have shown that Medication Assisted Therapy offers a higher success rate when it comes to living and remaining opioid free. Part of the cycle of dependence/abuse of opioids happens because symptoms of withdrawal can become so overwhelming to the user that they will re-administer the opioid, not to produce a euphoric high, but simply to stop withdrawal symptoms.

MAT provides a safe alternative to continued opioid abuse when taken as prescribed as part of an addictions treatment plan. With MAT and clinical support, the risk of relapse is greatly reduced for patients since they no longer experience withdrawal symptoms. Studies have also shown that MAT can cut the mortality rate for patients by at least half. Methadone has long been referred to as “The Gold Standard” of opioid addiction treatment and the benefits of Medication Assisted Treatment are widely recognized in the medical field for it’s rate of success.

How Long Will I Be On MAT?

MAT duration varies from patient to patient, with many factors being examined in order to establish a realistic recovery length. Opioid dependence/addiction is complex and often does not benefit from a detox-style approach. Long-term success in living an opioid-free lifestyle post-treatment is dependent on understanding the importance of comprehensive treatment as well as accepting that such treatment can take time.
When patients are looking to successfully ween and continue to live a healthy and opioid-free lifestyle, there are a few factors to be considered:

• Stabilization of their lives that can be shown. This includes a stable home environment, support from the non-drug-using community (partner, friends, family), fewer financial/legal difficulties, and steady employment.
• Complete opioid abstinence for no less than one year.
• The decision is made jointly between the patient and their Addictions Physician, with dosage reduction gradually introduced while counselling and support is continued.

How Do I Access Treatment?

You can contact our Addictions Clinic by calling 705-739-0127 (Wellington Walk In Clinic) or 704-527-4641 (Georgian Bay Clinic), or visit us in person at 200 Wellington Street W, Unit 3 to make an appointment (please remember to bring your Health Card with you).
Your own health professional (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Addiction Counselor, etc.) may contact our clinic on your behalf for more information.

How Is The Program Paid For?

Addictions Clinic services are covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Program (OHIP).
Additional fees are applicable for non-OHIP covered services – these services may be covered in part/full by extended benefit or private insurance plans.
Methadone is covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Program for those who are currently covered by the plan (Family Benefits, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support, etc.)