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Treatment Services

Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC) provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and substance use counseling for individuals living with opioid addiction. Our MAT programs offer methadone treatment, which has been the gold standard in opioid addiction care since the mid-1960s. We also offer buprenorphine treatment (with Suboxone and other products) at select locations. Our patients receive treatment plans tailored specifically to meet their individual needs, ensuring a personalized and comprehensive approach to their recovery.

Services

Medication-assisted treatment with methadone is the gold standard for opioid addiction when supported by counseling.

Office-based buprenorphine treatment (Suboxone) is offered in select locations, providing treatment in a setting similar to a physician’s office.

Opioid addiction treatment with Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC) includes counseling as an essential part of a patient’s treatment plan.

As permitted by the patient, treatment verification and reporting  to meet various legal obligations, such as: probation, parole, family court. Services such as these tend to have and added benefit to a person’s legal circumstances.

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach to treating substance use disorders that combines the use of medications like methadone and Suboxone with behavioral therapies and counseling. Unlike standalone treatments, MAT takes a “whole-patient” approach, helping to stabilize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, and reduce physical cravings. This approach makes the path to recovery more manageable and sustainable.

At Health Care Resource Centers, we understand the challenges you face and are here to help you through every step of your recovery. Drug addiction is a complex, chronic condition influenced by brain chemistry, genetics, environment, and life experiences. It can create a powerful and overwhelming need to use substances like opioids, even when they cause harm. While there is no simple cure, recovery is achievable with the right treatment and support.

Our compassionate, individualized approach focuses on meeting you where you are and tailoring treatment to your specific needs and goals. When you participate in one of our MAT programs, we encourage you to follow the program’s guidelines and procedures to ensure the best possible outcome, allowing us to provide consistent care and support. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthier, substance-free life through MAT and ongoing support. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD), know that you are not alone, and we are here to support you on your journey to recovery.
group of people receiving addiction treatment

What are the Benefits of MAT Programs?

MAT programs for opioid use disorders are a safe, effective, and FDA-approved way to help people stop using heroin, prescription pain medications, and other opioids. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has found that MAT helps in:

  • Keeping people in treatment longer
  • Decreasing illicit use of opioids
  • Lowering the risk of overdose deaths
  • Reducing criminal activity
  • Decreasing the spread of diseases like Hepatitis C and HIV
  • Improving social relationships and daily life
  • Helping people find and keep jobs


For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, MAT programs can also lead to better health outcomes for both the mother and baby. The longer you remain in MAT, the more you will be able to manage your dependency and make progress toward your recovery.

What's the Difference Between
Methadone and Buprenorphine

Methadone and buprenorphine are both medications used to help manage opioid withdrawal symptoms and support recovery. These medications make the process of stopping opioid use more manageable and reduce cravings, helping individuals regain control over their lives.

Methadone is a long-acting opioid that works by activating opioid receptors in the brain to a controlled extent. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the “high” associated with other opioids. It is administered at carefully monitored doses by healthcare professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Buprenorphine, on the other hand, is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a much lesser degree than methadone or other opioids. This “ceiling effect” limits its potential for misuse, lowers the risk of overdose, and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

Both methadone and buprenorphine are proven to help people stay in treatment longer, reduce illicit opioid use, and improve overall quality of life. They are prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to help you gradually regain stability and work towards long-term recovery.

MAT and Counseling

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is only one part of addressing substance use disorders (SUDs); counseling is also a crucial component. Behavioral therapies need to be evidence-based and supported by clinical research to ensure they are effective for treating SUDs. Some therapies that meet these criteria include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 
  • Contingency Management 
  • Moral Reconation Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing 
  • Peer and Recovery Support Services
  • Harm Reduction


Harm Reduction

Decreased use of opioids and other substances reduces the risks of overdose and death, social stresses, financial problems, legal issues and infectious disease. We encourage and educate patients on overdose prevention with use of Narcan (naloxone), safe injection techniques, drug testing and safe sex practices.

Man getting opioid addiction counseling

The Phases of Medication-Assisted Treatment

Induction Phase

When you arrive at Health Care Resource Centers, we’ll start with a comprehensive assessment to understand your substance use and make an accurate diagnosis. Based on this, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. If your provider determines that methadone or buprenorphine is the right option, you’ll be prescribed an initial dose. Your provider will monitor how well you tolerate the first dose and adjust the dosage if needed, aiming for the level that makes you most comfortable. In most cases, this process takes as long as 14 days for methadone, while the correct dose for buprenorphine is usually found more quickly.

Stabilization Phase

The stabilization phase begins after you are on the right dose of medication. At this point, your withdrawal symptoms should be significantly reduced, and cravings will be less intense. With your condition stabilized and discomfort under control, you’ll be able to begin counseling sessions, allowing you to focus fully on your recovery. During this phase, you may even be able to completely stop using opioids.

Maintenance Phase

Maintenance is the stage in which you have been on your medication for a while and consistently attending counseling sessions. At this stage, you’re ready to start living a healthier lifestyle and preparing to rebuild the life you had before opioids took over. It’s also an opportunity to reconnect with family, friends, and your community, which may have been neglected during your dependency. In the maintenance phase, you’ll regain your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, much like before the opioid use disorder, but with new coping skills to manage life’s challenges without turning to substance use.

A Guided Approach to Tapering

Tapering off medication may be an option after significant progress in recovery. Your medical provider and counselor will guide you to determine if and when it’s the right step. A strong support system and active engagement in treatment are essential for success.

During tapering, your provider will offer clear instructions for gradually reducing your dose, while our team monitors withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and your ability to continue counseling effectively.