Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Recovery Housing

• Education on MAT: All staff members, including owners and directors, should undergo training on the benefits and proper implementation of MAT.

• Stigma Reduction: Incorporate empathy-based workshops for all staff to reduce stigma, challenge misconceptions, and promote a non-judgmental, inclusive approach to MAT.

• Emphasize Therapeutic Integration: Encourage the use of behavioral therapies, contingency management, and motivational interviewing, which are often paired with MAT for optimal results.

• Person-Centered Approach: Develop individualized recovery plans that address each resident’s medical, psychological, spiritual, and social needs. These plans should be created in collaboration with healthcare providers who prescribe MAT and reviewed regularly to ensure effectiveness.

• Collaboration with Prescribers: Maintain strong communication between residence staff and MAT prescribers, ensuring medication management is a central part of the resident’s ongoing recovery plan.

• Secure Storage and Dispensation: Medications should be securely stored, with clear protocols for dispensation to prevent misuse.

• Monitoring and Accountability: Regular monitoring of residents using MAT is crucial.

• Ensure progress is tracked, side effects are addressed, and adherence to treatment plans is maintained.

• No Discriminatory Policies: FARR-certified residences should not implement policies that discriminate against individuals using MAT in accordance with Fl Stat 397.487(13).

• Banning medications, taper requirements, and dosage limitations as a condition of residency is not in line with best practices.

• Fostering Peer Support: Encourage an inclusive community that supports MAT, offering peer groups and 12-step meetings that welcome MAT participants. Tailor support networks for individuals on MAT.

• Ongoing Evaluation: Continuously assess the effectiveness of MAT programs through data collection. Use this data to make necessary adjustments and improvements.

• Outcome Tracking: Track relapse rates, resident satisfaction, and health outcomes for individuals using MAT compared to other recovery strategies to measure success.

• Recovery Capital Index (RCI): Available at no-cost to all FARR-certified recovery residences.

Scan the QR code below to access this tool.

• Resistance from Peer Recovery Models: Peer recovery communities rooted in abstinence-only models may resist MAT integration. Educating staff and residents on the diversity of recovery pathways and facilitating discussions can reduce resistance and foster inclusion.

• Access to Medication Providers: In some areas, access to MAT prescribers is limited.

• Establish partnerships with local healthcare providers or use telemedicine services to bridge this gap.

• Insurance and Cost Issues: Medication costs can pose a financial burden for residents. Help them navigate insurance coverage or locate grant programs that can subsidize medication expenses.