Medication Assisted Treatment & Support Services
The North County LGBTQ Resource Center is dedicated to supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD).
Case Managers Focused On Harm Reduction And Meeting People Where They’re At
Connecting people with LGBTQ+ affirming programs and resources for recovery and support.
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Recovery Support
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Referrals to MAT Clinics
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Referrals to Behavioral Health
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Harm Reduction Resources
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NARCAN & Fentanyl Test Strips
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Information on Safer Drug Use
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Referrals to Other Community Orgs
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Case Management
Substance Use Disorder Support Services
What is MAT and how does it work: (A Proven Treatment for Opioid Addiction)
MAT is the use of medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies for the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD).
Click Here for more detailed NARCAN Information.
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For those with an opioid use disorder (OUD), medication addresses the physical difficulties that one experiences when they stop taking opioids.
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These medications do not replace the drug. They work very differently within the body, helping to reestablish normal brain function, as well as reducing substance cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The longer in treatment, the more the individual will be able to manage their dependency and move toward recovery. When taken as prescribed, these medications are safe and effective. MAT can help individuals to achieve and sustain recovery, and to reclaim active and meaningful lives.
What Is Substance Use Disorder?
The NIH defines substance use disorder (SUD) as “a mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to a person’s inability to control their use of substances such as legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUDs.”
What Is Opioid Addiction?
Regular use of opioids—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to addiction, overdose incidents, and death. Addiction is a problematic pattern that causes significant impairments at work, school, or home, among other criteria or distress, such as unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use, social problems, and a failure to fulfill obligations.
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An opioid overdose can be reversed by the drug naloxone, when given right away. However, since 2015, overdose deaths involving heroin and fentanyl increased dramatically. Individuals using meth have high risk of exposure to fentanyl, sometimes used to ‘cut’ meth and leading to overdose and death. Test strips are available that can detect the presence of fentanyl.
Educational Resources
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MAT & Harm Reduction PPT
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MAT Rack Cards
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https://rainbowprideyouthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Party-Safety-Zine-new.pdf
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https://rainbowprideyouthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Harm-Reduction-Zine-2023-1.pdf
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https://www.healthline.com/health/why-is-substance-abuse-worse-in-lgbtq-community
For additional support and referrals related to Opioid use contact MAT Outreach Coordinator, Val Wood, or MAT Case Manager, Helen Pfalzer. You can also visit www.samsha.gov for resources outside of North San Diego County.