Medication-Assisted Treatment
Helping Make Positive Changes
We believe that those with opioid addictions can attain an independent and constructive lifestyle. The purpose of the Medication Assisted Treatment program is to provide medically monitored treatment, combined with psychosocial rehabilitation services in a dignified and respectful environment so that our patients can make positive changes in their lives.
Continuum of Care
We work with each patient to provide a treatment regime that will work best for him or her. Our range of services provide all patients the resources they need to get their lives back on the right path.
- Stabilization on medication, either methadone or buprenorphine (Suboxone)
- Methadone maintenance/taper
- Daily dosing Mondays through Saturdays
- Individual and group counseling
- On site NA meetings
- Drug screens
- Psychiatric evaluations and medication reviews
- Coordination with residential treatment
- Auricular acupuncture
What is Methadone?
While we offer a variety of treatment options, methadone is widely used in the treatment of opioid addictions because research has shown that methadone maintenance is the most effective treatment for opioid dependence. When taken as prescribed, methadone is very safe and will not cause any damage to the body or mind, even if it’s taken daily for many years. On the other hand, methadone is a powerful drug and can be extremely dangerous to people who don’t take it regularly since these people have no tolerance for its effects. For this reason, methadone dispensing is carefully monitored and controlled.
Methadone is long-acting; patients only need one dose every 24 hours. Other opioids, such as heroin, require much more frequent doses in order to avoid withdrawal. When the methadone dose is stable it does not have a euphoric effect or interfere with a person’s thinking. It does not alter someone’s ability to work, go to school or care for their family. However, it does block the euphoric effect of heroin and other opioid drugs, so it makes the idea of using those drugs much less attractive. Our medication treatment is reinforced with individual counseling, group counseling, and case management.
Admission
The Medication Assisted Treatment program provides voluntary admission to those who are currently addicted to an opiate drug and have been addicted for at least one year. Exceptions include pregnant women, persons released from penal institutions within 6 months, and prior patients. The admission criteria may be waived for these exceptions. Persons under the age of 18 require special admission approvals. All patients are assessed and deemed appropriate by the medical director. Clients who are interested in admittance to the program meet with our Medical Director and the Program Director for assessments. Please download our brochure or contact us for more information.
Contact Us
Life Guidance Services
Medication-Assisted Treatment Program
822 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
(616) 776-0891 x401