Stigma
Myth: MAT makes you high
Facts: If the patient is opioid tolerant, it does not make them "high"
Myth: MAT is only for short-term
Fact: Research shows that patients on MAT for at least 1-2 years have the greatest rates of long-term abstinence.
Myth: MAT damages your body
Fact: When taken properly, there is no known damage to any parts of the body. There may be side effects (constipation, increased sweating, and dry mouth) but these can go away over time or with dose adjustments
This is the person who you can go to if you have questions about good time, getting habed into court, or to find out when you are scheduled for court.
Caseworker- almost always in the office on the unit behind the officers station.
These are the people who provide community resources and who you can call after you release.
Navigators-
Michelle, Erin, Angelina, and Louie
Myth: MAT is a just trading one addiction for another
Fact: Substance use disorders are more than physical dependence and those on MAT may no longer meet criteria for active opioid use disorder.
Myth: MAT negatively impacts recovery
Fact: MAT has been shown to assist patients in recovery by improving quality of life, level of functioning, and the ability to handle stress. MAT helps reduce mortality while patients begin recovery
Myth: If you are experiencing side effects, you need a dose increase
Facts: Depending on the side effect, you may want to consider a dose decrease. Talk with your providers to determine what is best for you.
This is the person who you meet with for your assessment, individual counseling, and who run groups
Clinicians-
Emma, Sarah, Ydalis, and Mariah
Put in a sick-slip and discuss with nursing staff.
Myth: MAT patients are unproductive
Fact: Many MAT patients work full time, take care of their families, volunteer, and give back to the community
Myth: MAT patients are "trapped" in treatment
Fact: MAT treatment is voluntary and patients have choice about how long to stay in treatment.
Myth: MAT causes weight gain
Fact: Any experienced weight gain may be linked to changes in sugar cravings as all opioids affect how the body processes sugar. Recovery from substances creates lifestyle changes include return of appetite and more regular nutrition.
This is the person who helps make your community appointments when you anticipate leaving.
Allison Manco- MAT Coordinator
These are the people who can help you apply to programs and find sober housing
Case managers- we do not have an MAT specific case manager
Myth: MAT is a bad moral choice and is inferior to unassisted abstinence
Fact: Opioid addiction is a medical disease that includes physical changes in the brain's opioid receptors and like other medical diseases can be treated and managed with medication (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
Myth: Methadone/ Suboxone are the only components of MAT
Fact: MAT includes both medication, individual therapy, and group participation to provide comprehensive treatment in all areas in life
Myth: Methadone and Suboxone cause dental issues
Fact: Not directly- all opiates can cause dry mouth. With a lack of saliva, people my experience an increase in plaque and dental bacteria. This can be managed by brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.
This is how you access case management if you are pre-trial
Have your attorney reach out to Corey Decker or Kate Gardner (their information is listed above the kiosk on the unit)
This how you request a letter of compliance for court.
Talk with your clinician with advanced notice of your court date. To get a letter of compliance you must be taking your medication as prescribed, attending groups, and engaged in individual counseling.