Substance Abuse Recovery | Suboxone | Medication Assisted Treatment | Providence RI

EDUCATION

Knowledge is power.

MeDICATION ASSISTED TREATMENT (MAT)

Taking medication is one way to support your recovery. Unfortunately, medications for opioid use disorder have historically been stigmatized, and Opioid Treatment Programs have not been included in many communities’ continuum of medical services. As a result, many people avoid or postpone seeking life-saving medication and treatment.

When we allow our family members, friends, and neighbors to suffer in silence due to this kind of misconception of what Medication Assisted Treatment is, we are risking their lives. Factual information is the key to challenging the fear, bias, and discrimination that surrounds substance use and substance use disorder.

Myth: Medication Assisted Treatment just substitutes one addiction for another.
Fact: MAT bridges the biological and behavioral components of substance use disorder. People with opioid use disorder often have a deficiency in natural brain opioids known as endorphins. MAT helps return the brain to normal functioning.

Myth: MAT isn’t ‘really’ recovery.
Fact: MAT is evidence-based and is the ‘gold standard’ for treating opioid use disorder. It helps reduce mortality in early recovery, as well as supporting improvements in quality of life and level of functioning. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) defines recovery as: “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” Everyone’s recovery is unique.

Why Mat

Methadone is a medication used to treat opioid use disorder as part of an approved treatment program. It helps prevent withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping other opioids. Methadone was originally developed in Germany in response to a shortage of morphine during World War II. Dr. Marie Nyswander and her husband, Vincent Dole of Rockefeller University developed the first methadone maintenance protocols for the management of heroin addiction in the 1960s.

Methadone has now been used for decades to treat people who are addicted to heroin and other opioids. When taken as prescribed, it is safe and effective. It allows people to recover from their addiction and to reclaim active and meaningful lives. For optimal results, patients should also participate in a comprehensive medication-assisted treatment (MAT) program that includes counseling and social support.

Buprenorphine was developed in 1966 for pain management, but despite early recognition of the potential for treating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), it was not FDA approved for this use until 2002. From 2002 until 2023, prescribers had to obtain a separate ‘waiver’ to provide this medication in an office setting. This restriction was removed to increase access as our overdose epidemic continues to surge.

WHAT IS ADDICTION?

According to American Psychiatric Association, addiction is a complex condition that is defined by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), to the point that it takes over their life. They keep using alcohol or other drugs even when they know it will cause problems.

People with a substance use disorder (SUD) may experience distorted thinking, changes in behavior, and disruptions in physical functions. Brain imaging studies of people with SUD show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision making, learning, memory, and behavior control.

Fortunately, a number of effective treatments are available to help people recover from addiction and lead healthy, productive lives. Over 23 million individuals in the US are in recovery today.

WHAT IS RECOVERY?

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) established a working definition of recovery that defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.” A person’s recovery is built on his or her strengths, talents, coping abilities, resources, and inherent values, combined with access to evidence-based treatments and recovery supports. Recovery is holistic, taking into consideration the whole person, their community, and their personal goals. It may be supported by professionals, community resources, peers, friends, and family members.

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental illnesses involve changes in thinking, mood, and/or behavior. These disorders can affect how we feel emotionally, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental illness can take many different forms, with some manifesting in deep levels of anxiety, extreme changes in mood, or reduced ability to focus or perform daily functions. Many people who have substance use disorder also experience mental health issues. The coexistence of both a mental health and a substance use disorder is referred to as co-occurring disorders. It is critical to address both conditions in order to achieve a successful recovery program.

AMBULATORY MEDICAL CARE

Substance use can have a wide range of short- and long-term, direct and indirect effects. These effects often depend on the specific drug or drugs used, how they are taken, how much is taken, the person’s health, and other factors. Short-term effects can range from changes in appetite, sleep, heart rate, and blood pressure to heart attack, stroke, and even death. Longer-term effects can include heart or lung disease, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and others. Physical effects may also include poor nutrition, wounds and infections, communicable diseases

Stigma and discrimination, transportation barriers, time constraints, and other factors can impact access to medical services for people with substance use disorder. As part of our commitment to whole-person health, VICTA offers episodic care for the people we serve, and provides referrals and care coordination for additional medical care.

Location

VICTA is located at 110 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907. The location is easily accessible by car or bus. There are plenty of free parking spaces available.

Hours of Operation

DISPENSING HOURS (METHADONE & BUPRENORPHINE):
Mon-Fri 6 AM – 11:30 AM
Extended hours coming in 2024
Sat – Sun availability as needed

COUNSELING HOURS:
Mon-Fri 6 AM – 8 PM

IOP SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
9 AM – 12 PM
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM

For our MD and Psychologist Schedule
please contact our office.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SEE HOW WE CAN HELP

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How Can We Help?

VICTA IS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK TO DISPENSE MEDICATION TO PERSONS SERVED. IF VICTA WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS OR HOLIDAYS, PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO DISPENSE MEDICATION TO PERSONS SERVED.

PAYMENTS AND INSURANCES

We Accept Many Insurances Such As

We also accept self-pay in the form of cash or debit/credit card.