Addiction Treatment for Adults

START offer eight clinics (programs) that treat addiction disorders in adults:

seven outpatient medication-assisted treatment programs for people addicted to opioids,

and an outpatient treatment program for all substance addictions.

All clinics offer services in English and Spanish.

For the clinic locations and contact information please go to the Contact Us page.

Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs

Sometimes called “Opioid Treatment Programs”, Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs (MATPs) are clinics that provide specialized treatment to adults with opioid use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment has proven to be the most effective treatment for addiction to opioids.[1] In an MATP, patients receive both counseling and special medications called “opiate agonists” that relieve the physical cravings for opioids without producing the euphoria, or “high”, often associated with opioid use. All START MATPs are outpatient clinics, which means you do not need to stay overnight.

We know counseling – in individual, group and family sessions - is a critical part of recovery: Learning how to change one's habits and outlook during and after treatment is as critical as any medication that can be dispensed. Recovery often requires an entire lifestyle change, and we are here to help make transition possible. Counseling services are provided by Credentialed Alochol and Substance Abuse Counselors (CASACs) and/or licensed social workers.

In addition to counseling and medication, START’s MATPs provide additional services that can contribute towards an individual’s recovery, and a healthy lifestyle:

1) All patients receive a medical screening to evaluate for substance abuse and addiction; hypertension; diabetes; hepatitis; asthma; HIV infection and other communicable diseases.

2) We offer comprehensive primary care and are committed to the health and well-being of our patients. We will treat you when you're sick and help you to manage ongoing medical issues such as high blood pressure or asthma. Each of our MATPs offers primary care services and we will refer you to a specialist if necessary.

3) HIV/AIDS primary medical treatment and evaluations are offered to all HIV-positive patients by physicians, physician assistants and nurses who specialize in this area. We monitor progress and provide treatment regimens along with a full range of services including case management and health counseling. In addition, we provide regular education and testing to all patients, particularly those at risk of contracting HIV, to help prevent contracting the virus. These important services are funded in part through grants from the New York State Department of Health AIDs Institute and the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

4) Hepatitis C treatment is provided either through referral to a specialist, or at some locations, onsite via telemedicine, where you can meet with the specialist over a video screen, and receive your Hepatitis C medication alongside your opioid medication.

5) Vocational Training: We assess each patient's vocational strengths and abilities, then help them to create education and career goals that they can attain with the help of various city and state agencies. START offers everything from computer to horticulture classes plus career fairs featuring local companies. Patients also receive assistance with job development and placement opportunities. This service is funded through a grant from the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS).

Medical services are provided by New York State licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified medical technicians. Vocational services are provided by Certified Rehabilitation Counselors (CRCs) or CRC-eligible employees under supervision.

START’s Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs are operating under the regulations and standards of several government and industry agencies. We are:

1. Licensed by the New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and the federal Substance Abuse and Mental

Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide medication-assisted treatment

2. Licensed by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to provide primary care services and as a limited service laboratory.

3. Registered with the Drug Enforcement Agency to store and dispense controlled substances.

4. Accredited by the Council on Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a renowned accreditation that demonstrates high quality of

service.

REACH

START’s REACH clinic provides outpatient treatment for substance use disorder – this includes addiction to cocaine, alcohol and other drugs. It is possible to enroll in both a Medication-Assisted Treatment Program for opioid use disorder and the REACH program for other substance use disorders at the same time, or just in one program.

Services provided at REACH are:

1) Counseling in individual, group and family sessions. Intensive counseling can be provided – sometimes our patients attend group sessions every day!

2) Psychiatry – every patient is evaluated by a psychiatrist and may be prescribed medication if needed

[1]“Facing Addiction in America – The Surgeon General’s Spotlight on Opioids.” https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov/sites/default/files/OC_SpotlightOnOpioids.pdf. Published September 2018. Accessed June 2019.