Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Program

The MAT Program at SSTAR offers comprehensive treatment for substance use disorders using FDA approved medications.

Established in 2004 to serve patients with Substance Use Disorders, our team includes doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, social workers, and recovery coaches working together to support patients through recovery in an outpatient, primary care clinic.

400 Stanley Street, 1010 South Main Street, (75 Weaver Street, Fall River, MA. Opening Soon)


What is MAT?

MAT uses FDA approved medications to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

  1. Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Zubsolv, Sublocade) relieves cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Buprenorphine oral films and tablets are taken daily. The buprenorphine injection is given monthly.
  2. Naltrexone decreases alcohol and opioid cravings and blocks the effects of opioids. It comes as daily, oral tablets or as a monthly injection (Vivitrol).  You must be completely opioid free before starting naltrexone.


Get connected

To schedule an appointment, call 508-675-1054.  Ask for the MAT Program.

Bridge Clinic offers same day, walk-in appointments if you want to start MAT right away. Monday-Friday 10-2 in the Opiate Triage Center, 386 Stanley St.

If you are already a patient of our Health Center your primary care doctor can schedule your MAT Team (508)324-3563.


Never Use Alone Inc. – 800-484-3731


Call 800-484-3731 Never Use Alone’s toll-free nationwide overdose prevention, detection, crisis response and reversal lifeline services for people who use drugs while alone.  Our all-volunteer peer-run call center operators are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  No stigma.  Just love!


Contact info:

Lorraine Arsenault-St. Pierre, RN

Phone number: 508-235-2301

Email: [email protected]

Ready to Care

Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s

In most cases yes.
Everyone’s experience is unique. There is no standard time frame for how long a person stays on buprenorphine or Vivitrol. Both of these medications work best when used as a part of a long-term recovery plan.
To begin the process of tapering off buprenorphine you and your provider could consider the following indicators.
  • You are comfortable taking Suboxone once daily.
  • You have ceased relationships with those who are actively using opioids.  You lack immediate sources to opioids.
  • Your cravings are absent.
  • You have completed some relapse prevention work.
  • You feel confident in your recovery process.
  • You have a support system of family and friends.
  • Your home/work/relationships are stable.
  • If you decide you want to taper off buprenorphine it is essential to talk to your provider to develop a plan.
Vivitrol does not require a taper. However discontinuation should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Methadone can be started 24 hours after the last dose of suboxone.

Suboxone can be started about 72 hours after last dose of methadone. As long as the dose is 30 milligrams or less and the person is stable on the dose

Appointments are weekly in the beginning of treatment or more frequent if needed. Typical engagement is weekly visits for 8weeks, then bi-weekly visits for 2 visits and then monthly visits.

Testimonials

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