Walking into a MAT clinic for the first time can feel scary as hell, especially with all the rumors, stigma, & misinformation floating around. Lots of people imagine clipboards, lectures, very clinical setting & being judged the second they walk through the door.
But the truth?
Your first MAT appointment is maybe the first time in a long time someone actually listens to you, believes you, & wants you to feel better today, not next month.
Here’s usually (depends on each clinic & they all have their own polices) what happens so you know what to expect:
1. A Simple Check-In (No Interrogation + No Shame)
You’ll fill out a few basic forms — nothing crazy. Name, symptoms, what brings you in, & some medical history.
Most people are nervous. That’s normal. We get it. We’ve all seen enough people walk in scared, sick, embarrassed, or unsure if they’re even “ready.”
You are not judged here.
2. A Quick Medical Assessment
Exactly what is done depends on clinic, but there are usually some consistent practices. A nurse or provider will check vitals:
– Blood pressure
– Pulse Temperature
– Oxygen levels Withdrawal scale (COWS)
– Urine analysis (UA) to see exactly what you’re using (since street supply is so volatile, many people seeking out care sometimes don’t even know themselves, sadly)
– EKG test (not all clinics do this, but some do for a baseline)
This isn’t to “catch” you. It’s to see where your body is at and what you actually need right now.
3. A Conversation: Not an Interrogation
Your provider will sit down with you & just talk. For real. You may meet your counselor same day, too.
Some things they might ask:
How long you’ve been using? What substances (so they know what withdrawals you face)? Any previous detox, MAT, hospital visits? Mental health history? What your goals are (even if your goal is literally “I want to not feel sick today”) – It’s important you be honest here, as it can affect your treatment plan.
You don’t need to have your life figured out. You just need to be honest so we can help you safely.
4. Medication Plan (Suboxone, Methadone, or other MAT medications) (Note: GHS only administers methadone & Suboxone currently)
This is the part everyone worries about, but it’s usually the most straightforward.
Depending on your symptoms & substance use, the provider will decide if:
You’re ready to start Suboxone today, if that’s the route you want to take. You need to wait for Suboxone- really any BUP & Naloxone based medication. Or you can run the risk of getting into precip withdrawal, which isn’t pleasant. Methadone can be taken at any time.
They’ll walk you through everything step by step so nothing feels rushed or confusing.
5. Your First Dose
If you’re going on Suboxone & you’re in withdrawal, you’ll usually take your first dose in the office, and the provider will check on you after 20–40 minutes.
You will NOT get sick on purpose. You will NOT be “thrown into precipitated withdrawal.” We do everything we can to prevent that.
Most people say, “I finally feel normal again,” within that first hour. Starting on Methadone, they’ll start you on a low dose, & then taper you up until your stable. This can change from person to person. You’ll also dose at the window at the clinic, until you get take homes. Each clinic is different & runs differently, but with the new changes, earning take home doses of methadone is a lot easier & quicker than it used to be. The “being chained to a clinic” isn’t accurate anymore. Again, it all depends on the clinic, & even the state. But once COVID proved more take home dosages didn’t equal more OD’s, new guidelines were released.
6. Support, Resources & Follow-Up
After you’re stabilized, we’ll go over:
– Your next appointment Refills/prescriptions
– Counseling options, & possibly meeting your personal counselor that same day
– Narcan: if you’d like some, how to use it, etc
– Basic harm-reduction tips to keep you safe
The goal isn’t to trap you in a system. It’s to give you the tools to stay alive and feel better.
7. You Go Home Feeling Better Than You Walked In
Most people leave that first appointment:
– Calmer
– Not sick
– Less anxious
– Actually hopeful
You deserve that feeling.
You deserve stability.
& you deserve care without judgment.
If you or someone you love is ready to take the first step, our doors are open M-F 5:30am to 12:30pm; no appointments needed!
