Starting MAT Charleston SC - What to Expect at Your First Visit | Hope Integrative Medicine
October 31, 2026 · 1:11
Considering medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in Charleston? Learn what to expect during your first appointment at Hope Integrative Medicine, including assessment, treatment planning, and next steps.
Ready to Talk About Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Our West Ashley team offers confidential medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid and alcohol use disorders, through hybrid in-person and virtual care. Treatment typically begins with an in-person assessment in West Ashley, followed by weekly in-person or virtual visits before moving to a monthly schedule. Each plan is tailored to the patient and their situation. Schedule an appointment today.
Transcript
Starting medication-assisted treatment in Charleston: what to expect in your first appointment. Here are three things to know. A little preparation helps your first visit go smoothly. Bring a photo identification and your insurance card, a complete list of your current medicines, and any records from past substance use treatment, mental health care or pain management. Recent lab results help too, if you have them. Your first visit begins with an in-person assessment at our West Ashley office. You will have a confidential talk about your substance use, medical history and mental health. A physical exam checks your vital signs and overall health, and your provider may order lab tests. Buprenorphine can cause precipitated withdrawal if it is taken too soon after other opioids. So the first dose waits until you have signs of withdrawal, and your provider guides the timing based on what you used and when. The first dose is given under careful medical supervision. Read the full article at hopeintegrativemed.com. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a full list of your current medicines with doses, any records from past substance use, mental health or pain treatment, recent lab results if you have them, and an emergency contact.
It is withdrawal that buprenorphine can bring on if it is taken too soon after full opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone or methadone. That is why the first dose waits until you have signs of withdrawal.
Your provider uses the Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale to confirm you are in enough withdrawal for a safe first dose.
