Kansas City, Missouri’s Preferred Program for Medication-Assisted Treatment

MAT is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to treating opioid addiction. It combines prescription medication and counseling, with the goal of helping people end opioid use and maintain lasting recovery. 

At Signature Psychiatric Hospital, located in North Kansas City and Liberty, Missouri, we offer MAT for adults age 18 and older who are suffering from opioid use disorder. Our MAT services are available at every level of care we provide, including inpatient detox, residential treatment, and outpatient programming.  

In our MAT program, we offer medications that can reduce opioid cravings and relieve symptoms that accompany opioid withdrawal. Taking these medications as part of MAT can help people resist relapse and lay a foundation for ongoing recovery.  

The therapeutic component of MAT is also a critical part of each patient’s care plan. At Signature, we offer individual and group therapies for patients. Group therapy at Signature may cover topics such as relapse prevention, co-occurring mental health concerns, understanding triggers, and family challenges. 

When you receive MAT services, you may experience a range of benefits, including increased social functioning, better treatment retention, and improved outcomes at work.  

Several respected organizations, including the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recommend MAT to treat opioid use disorder.  

At Signature Psychiatric Hospital, our clinical staff helps determine whether MAT may be an appropriate part of someone’s care plan. We offer several medication options depending on patients’ individual needs. These include: 

• Naltrexone — Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, blocks the euphoric or sedative effects of opioids and suppresses opioid cravings. Patients should wait seven to 14 days after stopping opioid use before starting naltrexone. 
• Vivitrol — Vivitrol is a form of naltrexone patients can receive through monthly injections. Vivitrol’s long-acting nature can make it a convenient option for patients because they don’t need to worry about taking the medication daily.  
• Suboxone — Made up of naloxone and buprenorphine, Suboxone works by relieving the powerful cravings and challenging withdrawal symptoms that can occur with opioid withdrawal.  

To recommend an appropriate medication and dosage, our staff will evaluate your health and your past and current drug use. During your time in MAT, our qualified professionals will also provide ongoing support and oversight so that you can receive care that is safe, effective, and customized to your needs.  

Although medication can help address the physical challenges of opioid addiction recovery, it’s important for patients to receive care that can support their emotional, social, and behavioral needs as well. That’s why counseling is a vital part of MAT. 

In counseling, you can take time to process your feelings and experiences, understand the factors that might have led you to abuse opioids, and develop effective coping skills and strategies for the future. Your efforts in counseling can help you navigate challenges that may occur on your ongoing recovery journey. 

In addition to individual and group therapies, Signature also offers family services, which can include family therapy and family meetings, across its inpatient, residential, and outpatient levels of care.  

At our North Kansas City and Liberty, Missouri, locations, we aim to empower patients and simplify the recovery process. Through personalized care, which can include MAT services if appropriate, we can help patients receive the education and acquire the tools that can allow them to build healthier futures.