The disease of addiction is complex and chronic. There are a variety of treatment approaches and, as with many other diseases, there is not one single approach that works for everyone. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) provides relief to many individuals suffering with opioid use disorders and alcohol dependence. Janus offers three forms of MAT: Methadone, Buprenorphine (Suboxone), and Naltrexone (Vivitrol). It is understood that medication alone is not sufficient treatment and that participation in counseling is a required component of all treatment programs. The Janus treatment team offers a variety of individual and group counseling options. Download our Janus MAT Brochure for more information.

Click here for the Janus MAT Patient Handbook

Methadone

The standard and most widely used medication for opioid use disorders is Methadone. Methadone is a synthetic, long-acting opioid that eliminates withdrawal symptoms and decreases cravings, allowing the patient the ability to focus on repairing life issues and engage in healthy activities. Operating under state and federal guidelines, this liquid medication is provided as an oral daily dose, supporting stabilization through regular interaction with the treatment team. Patients attend counseling sessions and receive support and referrals in order to restore balance and order in their lives. Methadone is covered by Medi-Cal and we offer a sliding scale for cash paying patients. Offered at: Janus Community Clinic, 1000A Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz Janus South County, 284 Pennsylvania Drive, Watsonville

Suboxone

Dr. Morris, Janus’ Medical Director, is licensed to prescribe Buprenorphine (Suboxone), another option for the treatment of opioid dependence. Buprenorphine works by partially occupying opioid receptors to reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms. Counseling is a necessary component to assist clients in changing behaviors and regaining a productive and healthy lifestyle. Buprenorphine is covered under the client’s pharmacy benefit or Medi-Cal, and we offer a sliding scale for cash paying patients. Group and individual counseling services may be covered under insurance. Offered at: Janus Community Clinic, 1000A Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz

Vivitrol

Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is a medication used in the treatment of alcoholism and opioid addiction. This medication is administered once monthly by injection. With Naltrexone in the system, the client does not feel the euphoric, or pleasant, effects of opioids or alcohol. This medication reinforces a person’s resolve to remain drug-free by eliminating the positive reinforcement from using alcohol or opioids. Naltrexone is especially helpful to people who have attained some long-term abstinence, possibly by completing a residential treatment program. It is currently offered to some jail inmates prior to release to help prevent them from returning to drug use. Clients must be completely opioid-free in order to receive the injection. Medi-Cal and some private insurance policies cover the cost of the medication. There are additional fees for medical services and counseling is required for clients receiving Naltrexone at Janus. Offered at: Janus Community Clinic, 1000A Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz

SCOPE – Santa Cruz Overdose Prevention & Education

The Santa Cruz Overdose Prevention & Education program (SCOPE) at Janus provides overdose prevention kits and education to individuals and community organizations. These kits contain two doses of Naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses when administered promptly. Syringes and instructions are included in a small sharps container for safe disposal after use. Anyone who uses opioids or lives with or near anyone who uses opioids (including IV heroin) is urged to obtain a kit. A $20.00 donation is requested but a kit will not be denied to anyone due to inability to pay. Contact us at (831) 462-1060 to inquire about obtaining a SCOPE kit or to set up a SCOPE training for your organization.