The STEP Program (formerly known as the Medication Assisted Treatment program) is a partnership between Sunrise Community and the Buncombe County Detention Center. STEP 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.
- “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
Sunrise Peer Support Specialists work directly with opioid dependent individuals during their incarceration and for up to one year post-release.
Support for individuals housed at the Buncombe County Detention Center included one-on-one peer support and multiple support groups facilitated by Sunrise’s Peer Support Specialists. These groups include but are not limited to:
- Medication Assisted Recovery (MARA)
- SMART Recovery
- Life Skills
- Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP)
If you or someone you know is housed at the Buncombe County Detention Center or has been recently released and has an opioid dependency, email Randa Jo Gardner at RGardner@sunriseinasheville.org or (828) 660-4121or John Cooper at JCooper@sunriseinasheville.org or (828) 660-4179 to find out more information about this program.
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.