Category Archives: Substance Use Services
Medication Assisted Treatment
According to a recent report, 40% of adults in the U.S. are dealing with depression, anxiety or substance abuse linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Every day, over 130 people die from opioid related drug overdoses.

Much like heart disease or diabetes, addiction is a chronic disease and can be treated and managed.
Research shows that a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat substance use disorders and prevent or reduce opioid overdose. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines behavioral therapy and FDA approved medications (which reduces withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and prevents relapse), and to provide a holistic approach to treating substance use disorders.
Learn about San Mateo County’s Integrated Medication Assisted Treatment program for alcohol and opioid use at www.smchealth.org/imat or mental health services at www.smchealth.org/bhrsservices
Recovery Month: Help is Available
National Recovery Month highlights that recovery works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.

We know that each recovery journey is unique—there are numerous treatment options and recovery pathways available to those dealing with substance use and/or mental health disorders in San Mateo County.
Learn how you can support someone who has who is struggling with alcohol or drugs and the types of treatment options available.
Call the Behavioral Health and Recovery Services Access Call Center at 1(800) 686-0101 (or for hearing impaired, dial 711). For more information or visit www.smchealth.org/bhrsservices
Integrated Medication Assisted Treatment Program Recognized for Statewide Innovation Award
Congratulations to the Integrated Medication Assisted Team (IMAT), recipients of the 2019 California State Association of Counties Challenge Awards, which recognizes programs that find innovative, creative, effective, and cost-saving ways to provide services to their citizens by California Counties.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) helps people with an alcohol or opioid addiction using a proven and comprehensive approach which combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and other lifestyle/behavioral therapies to support treatment and recovery.
Learn more about the IMAT program and the work being done in the County to help people with an opioid use disorder.