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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

HOW MAT SUPPORTS RECOVERY

Medication-assisted treatment uses prescription medications to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. These medications can reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and help you remain stable while working on your recovery.

At Crosshope, we provide Suboxone, Sublocade, and naltrexone, including Vivitrol injections. Our nurse practitioner manages MAT prescribing and monitoring, while our clinical team provides individual and group therapy alongside medication treatment. 

MAT is available within our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Outpatient Program (OP). Your clinical assessment helps determine how much treatment support you need, while your medical evaluation determines which medication is appropriate for you.

MEDICATION OPTIONS FOR ADDICTION TREATMENT

Medications Used in Our MAT Program

Medication-assisted treatment uses medications to reduce cravings, manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, and support recovery from opioid or alcohol addictions. Different medications work in different ways, and not every option is appropriate for everyone.

At Crosshope, we prescribe the following medications alongside individual therapy, group therapy, and other clinical support.

Suboxone (Buprenorphine-Naloxone)

Suboxone is a medication for opioid use disorder that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, which helps discourage misuse by injection.

We prescribe Suboxone as a daily film or tablet that dissolves under your tongue. Starting treatment requires careful timing because taking buprenorphine too soon after certain opioids can trigger withdrawal.

Sublocade (Extended-Release Buprenorphine)

Sublocade is a monthly injection used to treat opioid use disorder. It releases buprenorphine gradually, providing medication coverage without requiring a daily dose.

Our clinical team administers Sublocade injections on-site. Your prescriber determines when you can begin injections based on your current medication, treatment response, and medical needs.

Naltrexone and Vivitrol

Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors and can help reduce the effects of opioids and cravings related to alcohol use disorder. It is available as a daily oral medication or as Vivitrol, a monthly extended-release injection.

We prescribe both forms and administer Vivitrol injections onsite. If you are physically dependent on opioids, you must complete an appropriate opioid-free period before starting naltrexone to avoid precipitated withdrawal.

What About Methadone?

Methadone is another medication used to treat opioid use disorder, but we do not prescribe or dispense it at Crosshope. Methadone treatment for opioid use disorder must be provided through a certified opioid treatment program (OTP).

If methadone is the appropriate medication for you, we can help coordinate a referral. If you already receive methadone through an OTP, you may still participate in our therapy programs when clinically appropriate, with coordination between providers and your consent.

STARTING MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT

What to Expect When You Start MAT

Starting MAT involves a clinical assessment, medical evaluation, and a treatment plan that addresses both your medication needs and recovery goals. Our team helps you understand each step, including when you can safely start medication and what other treatment services you may need.

Your First Call and Clinical Assessment

Our admissions team starts with a brief conversation about your substance use, last use, withdrawal symptoms, medical history, current medications, and insurance. A licensed clinician then completes an assessment using the ASAM Criteria, typically within 48 hours of your first call.

The assessment helps determine whether our PHP, IOP, or OP provides the right amount of treatment support. Our medical team evaluates your medication needs separately.

Medical Evaluation and Medication Selection

Our nurse practitioner reviews your medical history, current medications, previous treatment, and any relevant drug screening or laboratory results. We also consider your withdrawal risk, cravings, medication preferences, and whether a daily medication or monthly injection is appropriate.

The nurse practitioner recommends a medication and explains its benefits, risks, and requirements for starting. Our medical director provides oversight, and a psychiatric evaluation is arranged when mental health symptoms or psychiatric medication needs require additional care.

Starting Medication Safely

The timing of your first dose depends on the medication and your current opioid use or physical dependence. Buprenorphine is generally started once you have developed appropriate withdrawal symptoms to reduce the risk of precipitated withdrawal. Naltrexone requires an opioid-free period before treatment can begin.

If you are already receiving MAT through another provider or a detox facility, we review your existing prescription and treatment history to determine how medication can continue without an unnecessary interruption.

Therapy and Recovery Planning

Your therapist helps you work on cravings, substance use patterns, emotional regulation, and situations that could put your recovery at risk.

Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, motivational interviewing, and relapse-prevention planning. Family sessions and case management are also available when appropriate.

INSURANCE AND ADMISSION SUPPORT

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage for MAT

Insurance coverage for medication-assisted treatment depends on your specific plan, prescribed medication, and treatment needs. Our admissions team can verify your benefits, explain what we learn about your coverage, and help coordinate any required authorization.

We can also answer questions about medication coverage, potential out-of-pocket costs, and what you need to do before your first MAT appointment.

1

Contact Our Team

Tell us what you need help with and what is happening now.

Complete Your Assessment

Our clinical and medical teams determine whether MAT is appropriate.

2

Schedule Your Admission

We complete the admission steps and schedule your first medication appointment.

3

ONGOING SUPPORT DURING MAT

How We Support You Throughout Medication-Assisted Treatment

Starting medication is only one part of MAT. Your needs may change as treatment progresses, so our medical and clinical teams monitor your response, address medication issues, and adjust your care as needed.

Our nurse practitioner typically schedules prescribing visits every two to four weeks when you first start MAT and monthly once you are stable. We review cravings, withdrawal symptoms, side effects, medication adherence, and drug screen results to determine whether your medication or dose needs to change.

We also use nursing check-ins, vital signs, and laboratory testing when appropriate. If daily medication becomes difficult to manage, your prescriber may discuss whether a monthly injection is suitable.

Your therapist, nurse practitioner, and psychiatrist share relevant information about your progress and treatment needs. For example, if your mental health symptoms worsen or a medication causes side effects, the team can review how those changes affect your recovery and whether your care needs adjusting.

This coordination allows your medication treatment, psychiatric care, and therapy to address the same clinical concerns instead of managing them separately.

If you return to substance use, we review what happened rather than automatically stopping medication or discharging you. Your nurse practitioner may review your dose, medication response, and adherence, while the clinical team may increase appointments, drug screening, or individual therapy. For clients treated for opioid use, this also includes an overdose safety review.

If you need more structured treatment, we may recommend a higher level of care. If you need medical supervision for withdrawal, we can help coordinate placement at a licensed detox facility.

MAT does not have to stop when you move from PHP to IOP or OP. Your medication and prescribing team can remain the same while your therapy schedule changes to reflect your progress.

Medication management may also continue after structured therapy ends. We review your response and recovery goals with you before deciding whether to maintain treatment, change medications, or consider a gradual taper.

Recovery is Waiting.

Freedom From Addiction Happens Here.

Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your needs and explore the right treatment options for you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT MAT

Is taking Suboxone just replacing one addiction with another?

No. When prescribed and taken as directed, Suboxone treats opioid use disorder by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. While buprenorphine can lead to physical dependence, it is important to understand that dependence is not the same as addiction. Our nurse practitioner monitors your response and adjusts treatment based on your symptoms, medication use, and recovery goals.

Can I receive MAT if I am pregnant?

Pregnancy does not automatically rule out medication treatment for opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is an established treatment option during pregnancy, but medication selection requires careful medical evaluation. Tell our admissions team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant so we can coordinate with your prenatal care provider and determine whether treatment through Crosshope is appropriate.

Can I receive MAT for fentanyl addiction?

Yes. Buprenorphine-based treatment can be appropriate for fentanyl use disorder. However, fentanyl exposure can make the timing of medication initiation more complicated. Our nurse practitioner reviews your recent use, withdrawal symptoms, and medical history before deciding how to start treatment safely. You should not attempt to start Suboxone on your own using someone else’s prescription.

What side effects should I expect from Suboxone or Sublocade?

Possible side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, and drowsiness. Sublocade may also cause discomfort or swelling at the injection site. Our medical team reviews potential side effects before prescribing and monitors your response during treatment. Contact your prescriber if symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with daily activities.

Can I receive MAT if I also take medication for depression or anxiety?

Yes, depending on your medications and medical history. Our nurse practitioner and psychiatrist review your prescriptions for possible interactions, sedation risks, and other safety concerns. Some combinations require closer monitoring or medication changes. Do not stop psychiatric medications or change doses without discussing them with your prescribing provider.

Does Arkansas Medicaid cover Suboxone, Sublocade, or Vivitrol?

Arkansas Medicaid covers eligible medication-assisted treatment, but coverage for specific medications and formulations depends on your plan and benefit rules. Our admissions team can check whether we accept your coverage, review medication benefits, and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

Can I receive MAT at Crosshope if I live outside Pine Bluff?

Yes. You may receive MAT at our Pine Bluff treatment center if you live elsewhere in Arkansas and can attend the required appointments. Prescriber visits, drug screening, and medication injections may require in-person attendance. Our team can explain the expected visit schedule so you can determine whether traveling for treatment is practical.

Can I receive MAT if I am on probation or involved in the court system?

Yes. Being on probation or involved in the court system does not automatically prevent you from receiving MAT. Our medical team determines whether medication is clinically appropriate. With your written authorization, we can coordinate relevant treatment information with your probation officer, attorney, or other authorized parties when needed. Court or supervision requirements may still apply.

Partial Hospitalization

TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARD RECOVERY

Find Out if Medication-Assisted Treatment Is Right for You

You may have tried to stop drinking or using opioids before, only to find yourself struggling with cravings or withdrawal symptoms again. It can be frustrating, especially when you genuinely want things to change. But you don’t have to rely on willpower alone. Medication-assisted treatment may help you manage those symptoms while you work toward recovery.

If you’re wondering whether MAT could help, give us a call. Our team at Crosshope will listen to what’s going on, answer your questions, and help you understand your options. You don’t need to know which medication you need or have a treatment plan figured out. That’s what we’re here to help you with.