Why choose Geisinger for medication-assisted treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), also called medications for addiction treatment, is a proven, whole-person approach to treating drug and alcohol addiction. MAT eases the transition off substances, reduces cravings and lowers the risk of overdose.
We coordinate with other therapies, and you’ll receive medications to reduce cravings with weekly and monthly appointments at locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania — and telemedicine options if travel isn’t possible or convenient.
When paired with counseling, MAT can reduce the chances of future substance use and ease withdrawal symptoms. We've tracked real results in people who get care with us. Those results include better employment, improved mental and physical health and decreased substance use.
Treatments and services we offer
FAQs
What’s medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for addiction?
MAT, also called medications for addiction treatment, is an effective way to overcome drug and alcohol addiction. It treats the whole person, not just symptoms, and it’s designed to ease the transition off substances and reduce the risk of overdose.
MAT is proven to reduce cravings, decrease the likelihood of future substance use and ease withdrawal symptoms. Our addiction specialists administer and closely monitor medications throughout your recovery. Medications may include:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone®)
- IM buprenorphine (Sublocade®)
- Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol®)
What types of addiction can MAT help treat?
Medications for addiction treatment can help treat addictions to:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Benzodiazepines
- Cannabis
- Fentanyl (Duragesic, Fentora)
- Gambling
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Norco, Zohydro)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Exalgo)
- Kratom/7OH
- Methadone (Dolophine)
- Morphine (Kadian, Avinza, MS Contin)
- Oxycodone (Oxycontin, Percodan, Percocet)
- Oxymorphone (Opana)
What are the risk factors for addiction?
Several factors can raise the chance of developing an addiction:
- Family history: Having a family member who is in active substance use disorder or has recovered from it can increase the odds.
- Chronic stress: Long-term stress can affect overall health and raise the risk of substance use disorder.
- Family hardships: Difficult family circumstances can be a contributing factor.
- Peer pressure: Being pressured to try a drug can increase the risk of becoming dependent.
- Gender: Men are statistically more likely to develop a dependence on drugs or alcohol than women.
- Mental health: Having a condition like depression, anxiety or schizophrenia can increase addiction risk.
- History of trauma: Past trauma, including abuse or exposure to violence, can raise the risk of developing a substance use disorder.
Which Geisinger locations offer medication-assisted treatment?
You'll find MAT at several locations in central and northeastern Pennsylvania:
- Geisinger Bloomsburg Hospital
- Geisinger Scranton
- Geisinger Wilkes-Barre
- Geisinger Williamsport
- Geisinger Lewistown
- Geisinger Kulpmont
We also offer outpatient treatment at our Geisinger Marworth facility, a 27-acre former governor's estate in the rolling hills of northeastern Pennsylvania.
Medication-assisted addiction treatment at Geisinger
We're here to help you find the path to recovery that works for you. We offer:
- Proven outcomes: Addiction is treatable, and we have the data to back it up. Using the Addiction Severity Index, we've tracked real improvements in people who get care with us — including better employment outcomes, improved health and decreased substance use.
- Many paths to recovery: Everyone's journey is unique. You'll have access to a wide range of specialized treatments and services at programs throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania.
- Flexible access: We provide transportation for inpatient care at Geisinger Marworth and telemedicine appointments for those who can't travel — so nothing gets in the way of your recovery.