24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (410) 685-2830, Press Option 5
24-Hour Compliance Hotline: (410) 685-2830, Press Option 6

Medication Assisted Treatment

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is for individuals with alcohol and/or opioid use disorders. It is an effective clinical treatment that involves the prescribing of certain opioid substitutes for clients to continue functioning while being rehabilitated from the disease. MAT helps to normalize brain chemistry, reduce or remove cravings, and block the euphoric rush from problematic alcohol use, heroin, morphine, pain medication (codeine, oxycodone), and other types of opioids. Overcoming an addiction is challenging for many alcohol and drug users; therefore, MAT is most effective when combined with behavioral, psychosocial, and pharmacological treatments. Medications provided under this program are Suboxone and Vivitrol along with individual, family, and/or group counseling. The combinations of treatments help clients to focus on meeting their unique recovery goals as they rebuild their lives after opioid addiction.

Suboxone
In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Suboxone as a clinical treatment of opioid use disorders, which is a medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone. Suboxone helps to ease the painful physical symptoms of withdrawal and decrease cravings for continued opioid use. Suboxone does not create an euphoric high as opioids do. There are potential side effects when taking any medication. Some of the side effects of taking Suboxone are headache, nausea, sweating, vomiting, muscle aches and pains, low blood Suboxone: In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Suboxone as a clinical treatment of opioid use disorders, which is a medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone. Suboxone helps to ease the painful physical symptoms of withdrawal and decrease cravings for continued opioid use. Suboxone does not create an euphoric high as opioids do. There are potential side effects when taking any medication. Some of the side effects of taking Suboxone are headache, nausea, sweating, vomiting, muscle aches and pains, low blood pressure, and constipation. Suboxone use is safe, but a client should immediately report any side effects of Suboxone to the medical provider, in which an adjustment to his/her dosage will be made.
Vivitrol
In 2010, the FDA approved Vivitrol as an injectable medication to treat opioid and alcohol addiction. This medication consists of naltrexone, a non-narcotic, non-addictive prescription medication. It is administered once a month and blocks the opioid receptors in the brain. Vivitrol requires total detoxification from opiates before injection. If a client is still using opioids, Vivitrol will not be administered because of its extreme adverse effects. Vivitrol helps to eliminate opioid cravings, reduces rates of alcohol relapse, relieves unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and prevents overdose from occurring. There are potential side effects when taking any medication. Some of the side effects of taking Vivitrol are nausea, fatigue, insomnia, shortness of breath, and liver damage. Vivitrol use is safe, but a client should immediately report any side effects of Vivitrol to the medical provider, in which an adjustment to his/her dosage will be made.
Individual counseling
Allows a client to have one-to-one counseling sessions with a licensed/certified addictions counselor to express and process his/her emotions, behaviors, and actions about his/her substance use and progress in recovery; as well as modify and update his/her individualized treatment plan as recovery goals are met.
Group therapy
Is facilitated by a licensed/certified substance abuse counselor in a safe and supportive environment. Group therapy provides a sense of community for participants who struggle with additions to share their recovery journey while providing encouragement and feedback to each other. Also, group members learn coping strategies and relapse prevention for a healthier, opioid-free future and life.
As noted above, MAT is the most effective along with counseling services and recovery supports. Clients must participate in individual counseling, and may partake in group counseling for additional recovery support. Random drug screenings, breathalyzers, and other screenings are a requirement of this program. Clients have to complete detailed psychosocial and alcohol and other drug assessments with each specific program’s licensed provider such as our psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, and substance abuse counselor to determine if s/he should be prescribed Suboxone or Vivitrol and/or a blend of therapeutic interventions like individual and group counseling. During the initial treatment visits, our licensed and Board-certified professionals, psychiatrist and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners, monitor and adjusts the client’s medication until an effective dose is reached; which is followed by ongoing medical monitoring and supervision.

Your Personal Care and Wellness Team

Substance Abuse Counselor

A licensed/certified and experienced mental health counselor specializing in treating clients who have a chemical dependency on alcohol and drugs. S/he supports and teaches you a variety of evidence-based skills and strategies to address and modify your mental health and behavior patterns; has individual counseling sessions with you; leads recovery groups; makes referrals when applicable, and works closely with you and/or your family/support systems on your journey to recovery.

Mental Health Therapist

A licensed and experienced mental health provider who may have specific certifications such as Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Certified Anger Management Treatment Professional (AMTP). S/he will use evidence-based practices to help you to discuss, process, cope, and reduce symptoms while on your journey to recovery.

Psychiatric Provider

Is a licensed and certified provider who practices as a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse, in which s/he completes a diagnostic evaluation of you to determine a medication regimen, and monitors your medication use of Suboxone, Vivitrol, and any anti-psychotropic medications.

Administrator

Assists you with scheduling and maintaining your appointments with your specific provider.

If you need, your child(ren), family member, or friend needs Alcohol and Other Drugs services, please call us at (410) 685-2830, so we may support you or your loved on a personal journey of healing, wellness, and recovery.

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)

  • Adolescents and adults
  • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Education Program
  • Outpatient Program (OP)
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
  • Medication Assisted Treatment
  • Eligibility: Maryland Medicaid, Medicare, Self-Pay

Educational Information About Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is MAT?

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a clinical treatment to help clients with alcohol or opioid use disorder. A client has to present evidence of an opioid use disorder or addiction. It involves prescribing opioid substitutes, Suboxone or Vivitrol, combined with individual counseling and group therapy to create a holistic approach to patient care.

Is MAT replacing one drug for another?

No. MAT medications are effective and safe prescription medications for treating opiate dependency and substance use disorders. These two medications are not an opiate substitute and do not provide an euphoria rush or feelings of getting “high.”

What are some of the benefits of Suboxone and Vivitrol?

Suboxone and Vivitrol help individuals to avoid the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms from opioids. Some of the benefits of these two medications are they normalize brain chemistry, decrease cravings for continued opioid use, and block the euphoric effects of alcohol and opioids. Moreover, clients have a compassionate and skilled treatment team of substance abuse counselors, nurses, and a physician who provides ongoing support and education, and monitoring of their treatment and progress of their recovery goals.

How long will I need to take Suboxone or Vivitrol?

The length of time a client is prescribed Suboxone or Vivitrol depends on his/her individual needs. Both of these MAT medications have been scientifically proven safe for short and long-term use. Before quitting Suboxone or Vivitrol, the client should talk to the medical provider about his/her dose. When clients attempt to stop taking Suboxone or Vivitrol, they need to taper their dosage under the care of the medical provider. The medical provider will lower a client’s dose of medication once s/he starts feeling balanced and normal. Research indicates individuals who take these types of MAT medications for a short period, like one month, usually end up relapsing and returning to alcohol/opioid abuse. Thus, six months to one year is the norm for taking Suboxone or Vivitrol, while others may take it for even longer. The medical provider monitors the client’s consumption of the medication, progress of treatment goals, and reviews drug screening results on an ongoing basis, and advises on how long s/he should take Suboxone or Vivitrol. By pairing Suboxone and Vivitrol with other therapies such as individual counseling, our counselors, nurses, and physician can effectively help clients work toward to achieving their recovery goals.

What if I want to stop taking Vivitrol?

Vivitrol is a monthly injectable medication, which remains in a client’s body for an entire month. Therefore, a client cannot change to a different medication without first consulting with our medical provider.

What ages do you provide MAT services to?

This program is for individuals 18 years old and above.

Do you provide in-home MAT?

No; all of MAT services are rendered in an outpatient setting at our office.

I am really only interested in seeing a medical provider for my medication. Do I have to see a substance abuse counselor and go to group, too?

Research indicates medications combined with counseling services are more effective overall. MAT services are available for clients who are willing to participate in all of the components of the program. Clients agree to adhere to the MAT’s policies and procedures. Based upon your history, presenting symptoms, and results of your urine screening and initial assessment, the licensed medical and addictions professionals will give you recommendations for MAT medication and counseling support services. Random breathalyzers, drug screenings, and other screenings are additional requirements of the program.

How long is my first appointment?

Your first appointment is the admission process, which takes about two (2) hours. You will sign admission forms, complete a physical examination and an alcohol and drugs assessment, review the policies and procedures of the program, submit a urine drug screening, develop an individualized treatment plan, and make referrals for any additional services.

Do I need to bring any paperwork to the initial appointment?

Yes. Please bring your driver’s license or picture identification card, health insurance card, current medication list, court order, custody agreements, and/or doctor’s note.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept Maryland Medicaid, Medicare, Optum, and the following managed care organizations:

  • Aetna Better Health of Maryland
  • Amerigroup
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Jai Medical Systems
  • Maryland Physicians Care
  • MedStar Family Choice
  • Priority Partners
  • United Healthcare
  • University of Maryland Health Partners

Also, we accept self-pay/private pay/out-of-pocket pay, which payment is due at the time of service.

Do you offer a sliding fee?

We offer sliding scale fee discounts for individuals who have financial obstacles and cannot afford the full fees for our treatment services. We offer sliding scale fee discounts to individuals with all incomes at/or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Beacon of Hope sliding fee scale discounts are based on household size and income. To qualify, a potential client has to complete a sliding fee scale application and bring proof of income to his/her first appointment. Documentation of income include federal and state tax return; two recent paycheck stubs; current bank statement; unemployment benefit award letter; benefit award letter, etc.). Please note, we require tax documents for individuals who are self-employed. The potential client will receive the sliding fee discount, if s/he qualifies based on the income guidelines.

How do I pay for services?

Payment is expected at the time of each appointment including insurance co-payment. Please use our online client portal to make an online payment. Our client portal is safe and secure as it uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an encryption protocol, to protect your payment information. You can make an online payment by check, credit card, or debit card. Payments are processed in real time or on the same day as you make the payment. If you make an online payment on Saturday or Sunday, your transaction is processed the following Monday.

We also accept office payments in the form of a certified check or money order. The certified bank check or money order should be made payable to Beacon of Hope Wellness Center. No personal checks or cash are accepted.

I need an after school or work appointment. Do you have those available?

Yes. We offer evening hours for our medication management and counseling services.

How will you protect my personal information?

You will have to sign an authorization for release of information if you want us to speak about your care to another person or provider (family member, doctor, social worker, etc). We will not speak with other individuals or providers, or acknowledge you are a client without your written consent. However, we are mandated reporters who are required by law to release personal information without your consent if we suspect abuse, neglect, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, or other imminent harm.

What are your hours?

We provide services Monday through Saturday including evening hours. Office hours are 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Where is your office located, and telephone number?

We are located in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore City at 828 Guilford Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202. Our office is ADA accessible. Parking is free. Also, we are conveniently located near a bus stop, (410) 685-2830

How can I start MAT services?

If you are interested in learning more about our MAT services or to schedule an intake appointment, please call (410) 685-2830.

Our Facility

Driving Under the Influence Education Program

Outpatient Program

Intensive Outpatient Program

Medication Assisted Treatment

Welcome To Beacon Of Hope

An outpatient behavioral health, psychiatric, substance use disorder, and psychiatric rehabilitation provider, which is licensed through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Since 2018, Beacon of Hope has been awarded the national, gold seal accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF®).

About Us

Services at a Glance

Outpatient Mental Health Center
Laboratory Screening Services
Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD)
Telemedicine
Housing Program
Crisis Services
Personal Coaching
Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program
Medical Cannabis Certification

Facility

Office Hours

Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Early morning, evening, and week-end appointments may be available by request.

Call us

(410) 685-2830

Located at

1721 Pennsylvania Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21217

Request Services

Call us

(410) 685-2830
Monday - Friday
9:30am - 4:30pm

Make a refferral

Appointment Request

(for current clients)

24-Hour Crisis Hotline

If you are experiencing a crisis or an emergency, please call our 24-Hour Hotline, day or night, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Call us

(410) 685-2830 press 5

24-Hour Compliance Hotline

You may anonymously and confidentiality voice your concern by calling our 24-Hour Compliance Hotline.

Call us

(410) 685-2830 press 6