Office-Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT)
The Community Health Center of Franklin County follows a medication-first, harm reduction model of treating Substance Use Disorders. We offer a full spectrum of treatment options for Opioid Use Disorder, Alcohol Use Disorder, and Stimulant Use Disorder, including medication, counseling, recovery support services, and group visits. All of our medical providers are trained in outpatient addiction treatment in addition to having specialized nursing care for our patients with SUD.
We consider medications for substance use disorder to be a large part of treatment and the recovery process and we prescribe them with the intention of helping patients reduce chaotic drug use, decreased the risk of overdose, improve overall health outcomes, and preserve life.
Our medical providers and nurses also work closely with our Behavioral Health team, Recovery Coaches, and local service agencies to connect patients with ongoing recovery resources.
We understand that Substance Use Disorders can prevent patients from living their best lives and far too frequently cause unintentional harm and death. We are committed to providing low barrier care for this complicated disorder and working with patients and their families to build intentional, therapeutic relationships.
We understand that SUD is a disease process that can involve relapses and high-risk behavior. We are committed to providing low barrier care for this complicated disease while also working to build intentional, therapeutic relationships with our patients.
The following medication options are available to our patients for OBAT. Please call (413) 325-8500 for more information on any of these medications or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.
SUBOXONE®
SUBOXONE® (buprenorphine and naloxone) Sublingual Film (CIII) is a prescription medicine used to treat patients aged 18 and older who are physically dependent on opioids as part of a complete treatment program that also includes counseling and behavioral therapy. Suboxone has been shown to reduce opioid overdoses, increase time in treatment, and improve odds for long term recovery.
VIVITROL
Vivitrol is a non addictive prescription medication that is administered in the office once a month. Vivitrol is for patients 18 years or older and is used to treat Alcohol Use Disorder, Opioid Use Disorder,and prevent relapse to opioid dependence after detox. Vivitrol helps to reduce cravings for both alcohol and opioids but may not work for everyone.
We began this program with a partnership with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office to provide on-going Vivitrol treatment in conjunction with primary care after release from jail.
Patients should stop drinking before starting Vivitrol. Patients also must stop taking opioids or other opioid-containing medications before starting VIVITROL. Vivitrol must be used with other alcohol or drug recovery programs such as counseling.
SUBLOCADE
We are very excited to offer a new medication for treatment of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). SUBLOCADE is a once-monthly injectable medication for treatment of moderate-severe OUD. Sublocade provides a new MAT option for patients who may value the benefit of a once-monthly injection compared to other forms of buprenorphine, such as the burden of taking a daily medication by mouth. This treatment option is recommended for adult patients who started treatment with a buprenorphine containing product such as Suboxone and is indicated for patients who have been on a stable dose of buprenorphine for at least 7 days. CHCFC is currently the only outpatient practice offering Sublocade for the treatment of OUD and we are thrilled to be able to offer this medication for our patients.
Harm Reduction Materials
Below are some links you may find helpful
Additional Informational Resources
click on link below to learn more
Naloxone saves LIVES
Click on the picture above. You will be directed to an informational video on the administration of Naloxone.
Our community partners include:
Tapestry - provides safer use supplies, including syringe/needle exchange, distribution of Narcan, and safer smoking kits
CONNECT - rapid overdose response team to aid patients and families with connecting to resources, emergency mental health care, and rapid initiation of MOUD
Behavioral Health Network - offers an on-site, integrated Opioid Treatment Program (methadone clinic) for our patients in the North Quabbin
CHD (Center for Human Development)- provides trauma informed behavioral health services. (located on-site in Greenfield) Integrated medication and behavioral support for the treatment of substance abuse disorders
Bridge Program - short term Suboxone prescriptions for patients who desire ongoing care and medications