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Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment combines the use of medications like Suboxone (buprenorphine) with behavioral therapies to overcome opioid use disorder.

Science is challenging the myth that will-power is all it takes to beat addiction. The reality is, once addicted, the biochemistry of the brain is permanently changed. Because of that, it’s not as simple as “choosing” to stop taking opioids or other addictive substances like heroin. We believe going ‘cold turkey’ is not realistic for most people and sustainable recovery is more likely to occur through Medication-Assisted Treatment. 

Suboxone (buprenorphine) works by blocking the receptors in the brain that crave opioids, without activating these receptors to create a “high.” Blocking opioid receptors reduces or eliminates cravings for opioids. If drugs like heroin or prescription pain pills are used, the opioid receptors are blocked, so these drugs will not give off the “high” either.

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Proven, evidence-based approach to treating addiction
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Helps to deal with withdrawal symptoms and cravings which can make it easier to work towards recovery goals like connecting with family, keeping a job, or whatever you want to work toward
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Supplements medication with therapy to address past trauma for more effective treatment

M.A.T

You may be asking...

Is MAT safe?

Yes, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is safe when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. MAT can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms with medication like Suboxone (buprenorphine), increasing the chances of successful recovery. However, as with any medication, there may be potential side effects, which should be discussed with a doctor.

Is this swapping one addiction for another?

No, taking Suboxone (buprenorphine) is not an opioid use disorder. The purpose of Suboxone is to eliminate cravings, recalibrate the brain chemistry damaged by addiction, and give patients the best possible chance at long-term recovery. Some patients may take Suboxone for an extended period of time, but as long as they are progressing towards their recovery goals (like connecting with family, keeping a job, etc.), they are reversing the cycle of addiction. 

How is Suboxone taken?

Suboxone (buprenorphine) is given through a thin sheet or tablet of medication that is absorbed underneath the tongue and time-released over 48 hours. Taking all the daily medication at once is most effective. The dose must also be absorbed underneath the tongue and not swallowed. Many who have experienced adverse effects when taking the medication have swallowed the medication, resulting in an upset stomach and/or headache.

Click here to read the full article on How Suboxone is Taken.

Do I have to be on medication the rest of my life?

While typical Suboxone (buprenorphine) treatment varies for each person, our physicians know that every patient is different and believe in treating the patient as long as needed to set them up for a successful long-term recovery. Our team will work with each individual to determine the length of Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Can I just take the medication when I need it?

We see many patients who attempt to self-medicate by tearing the Suboxone (buprenorphine) strips into pieces and taking small amounts throughout the day. The medicine is designed to release over a period of one and a half days. This means that the best way to take Suboxone is as prescribed, for the most stable and effective result.

What if I relapse and I am taking Suboxone?

Many of our patients do not experience an overnight “fix” when on Suboxone. Setbacks happen, and that is okay. We encourage all of our patients to be honest with their doctor and therapist so they can help you continue to make progress toward your recovery goals.

Visit our Resources Hub to learn more about MAT
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Recovery Support

We’re here to help our patients navigate recovery. We meet with each patient to evaluate their needs and help them find resources for food, housing, employment, financial support, and more.

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Resources food, housing, and employment
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Grants to help cover the cost of treatment
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A dedicated case manager to evaluate needs and find support
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Behavioral Therapy

Researchers suggest that combining medication and behavioral therapy is more effective in treating opioid use disorder than utilizing each modality as a standalone treatment approach.* Cedar Recovery therapists are specialized in Medication-Assisted Treatment and provide a compassionate approach while working with individuals and families to learn tools of recovery.

We know that an individual’s path to recovery is unique and each person deserves to be heard and supported through the stories they tell. While working with our therapists, patients are joined to identify themes, build personal awareness, and learn new behaviors to combat addictive behaviors

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Identify and learn how areas including emotions, unresolved trauma, and/or grief can lead to substance use
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Builds internal awareness and challenges maladaptive beliefs
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Explores new ways to approach life and explore how behaviors positively or negatively benefit recovery

Behavioral Therapy

You may be asking...

What are the different types of behavioral therapy?

At Cedar Recovery, we offer group therapy, individual therapy, and case management. All of these help our patients find a supportive community, work through obstacles in their recovery, and develop coping tools to apply every day.

How does it work?

At the first visit, every patient meets with an addiction-trained therapist to do a needs assessment. Together, the therapist and the patient will develop and individualized treatment plan and set recovery goals. After that, the patient will engage in case management, group therapy, or individual therapy.

Do I have to participate in both MAT and Behavioral Therapy?

Yes, our program requires participation in therapy. Medication helps people feel better, but behavioral therapy helps people get better and stay better. Behavioral therapy is required because that is the best way to work towards long-term recovery

Is behavioral therapy covered by insurance?

Yes, behavioral therapy is included in the cost of the visit or covered by an insurance plan, if applicable.

What should I expect in therapy sessions?

You can expect to meet with a therapist invested in your well being and a supportive community of peers to help you navigate the ups and downs of recovery.

Visit our Resources Hub to learn more about Behavioral Therapy
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Individualized Plans

Our treatment model is built on research and founded on our unrelenting passion for seeing individuals free from addiction. We can help you start your journey to recovery.

We take the time to care for the whole person and match patients with the correct services to meet both psychological and physical needs, increasing the chances of long-term recovery. Benefits of an individualized treatment plan include:

  • Patients having an active role in their recovery process and creating their plan
  • The tools and resources needed for recovery provided throughout the entirety of treatment
  • Addressing the patient at the individual level, knowing that no two patients have the same needs

Your individualized care plan will serve as a guide through your recovery journey. The plan will combine both Medication-Assisted Treatment and behavioral therapy. Throughout treatment, you will be required to attend appointments to check in on your progress. 

Learn about our Approach
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5 gold star rating

“This place is wonderful. The staff have helped me so much. I highly recommend this facility to help end opioid addiction with compassion and trust.”

Alex - Former Patient

Am I eligible?

Explore eligibility requirements below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our offices with any questions.
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You must be a resident within Tennessee

We have 8 locations across middle and east Tennessee. If you do not live close to our clinics, you may be eligible for telehealth treatment.

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Our approach fits your needs

Our treatment program is not a perfect fit for everyone. It’s important individuals find the best fit for them. Currently, we treat patients struggling with opioid misuse disorder. To find out if outpatient MAT is right for you, please give us a call. If we can’t provide the appropriate level of care, we will help you find someone that does.

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Explore insurance partners and self-pay options

We do not require patients to have insurance to participate in our treatment programs. If you have insurance you can check our list of providers to see if treatment is covered. If you do not have insurance, learn more about our self-pay options. 

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