The Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program is a partnership between Sunrise Community and the Buncombe County Detention Center. MAT is an evidence-based model using medications to treat individuals with an opioid dependency housed at the detention center during their incarceration and for one year post-release.
This innovative program helps incarcerated/formerly incarcerated individuals stem their cravings, reduce risk of HIV, Hepatitis C, relapse and re-arrest while increasing chances of recovery and motivation to reconnect with community.
More than three decades of research has demonstrated the effectiveness of MAT as the most effective opioid use disorder treatment for preventing overdose deaths, reducing risky behaviors that lead to spreading of communicable disease, helping stabilize families and returning individuals to their lives and relationships.
Sunrise Peer Support Specialists work directly with opioid dependent individuals during their incarceration and for up to one year post-release.
“I know Medication Assisted Treatment in detention centers decreases overdose risks and deaths, so when individuals are released they actually have a chance to engage in the treatment that’s been arranged by our MAT team and peer support specialists.” Tracy Goen, Buncombe County Detention Center physician
What Are the Benefits of a MAT Program*?
MAT stabilizes the brain and helps break the cycle of cravings and withdrawal, which can last for years after the last drug use. This allows the opioid dependent individual a chance to fully benefit from recovery programs and peer support.
- Reduces or eliminates withdrawal symptoms.
- Reduces or eliminates cravings works on the brain.
- Blocks the feel-good effects of opioids.
- Stabilizes the brain chemistry that drives motivation and bonding with others.
If you or someone you know is housed at the Buncombe County Detention Center and has an opioid dependency, call 828-273-2570 to find out more information about this program. If you or someone you know has been released from the Buncombe County Detention Center in the past 90 days and has an opioid dependency, call 828-641-1614 to find out about available services post-release.
