Substance Use Counselor

Comprehensive Treatment Centers (CTCs) offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for adults age 18 and older who are struggling with an addiction to opioids such as heroin or prescription painkillers. MAT offers many of the same benefits as other outpatient programs, allowing adults to receive the addiction treatment they need while still attending school or work and living at home. However, unlike other outpatient treatment programs, MAT involves a prescription for medications such as methadone, Suboxone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. These medications help adults manage the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal that can occur when detoxing from opioids. MAT medications are proven safe and effective when taken under the direction of a healthcare professional. Along with prescription medication, CTCs offer appropriate counseling, giving adults the tools they need to address any underlying mental health conditions. This can be in the form of individual, family, and group therapies. Group therapy sessions help bring adults out of isolation and cover topics such as relapse prevention, coping skills, emotion regulation, and healthy communication. The use of medication to ease withdrawal symptoms has been shown to help adults stay focused during their therapy sessions and makes them less likely to begin using opioids again. By combining medication with appropriate counseling from mental health professionals, CTCs can help adults achieve happier, healthier lives free from opioid use.