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SIU Medicine clinics will be closed Dec. 24–25, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1. Most clinics will remain open Dec. 26, 29, and 30. SIU Medicine Express Care | Springfield will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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What to know about Medication-Assisted Recovery

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Profile picture for Matt Lantgen
Matt Lantgen

Providers at SIU Medicine’s Medication-Assisted Recovery (MAR) clinic integrate medications and behavioral therapy to address substance use disorders. Through trauma-informed care and harm reduction, patients focus on “progress and not perfection” on the journey toward long-term recovery. 

Who is the MAR clinic for?

Entry into this program is easy. Anyone battling substance use who is interested in treatment can benefit from the program. A quick call to the clinic will result in an appointment to assess a patient’s needs. If a patient needs more services than the MAR clinic services can provide, such as residential treatment or detox, staff will assist with getting access to those services.

Our trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for all our patients. 

How can I join and what happens during a visit?

SIU Medicine has clinics in Taylorville, Lincoln, Jacksonville, Quincy and Carbondale. Patients interested in the SIU Medicine MAR clinic can join one of two ways: 

  • A referral from a medical provider
  • Self-referral to the Springfield clinic by calling 217-545-4781. After calling, a peer support specialist will do a short 15-minute intake assessment. An appointment will be scheduled at the end of that assessment. Typically, the initial appointment will be within 2-5 days after the assessment.

At the first appointment, you will meet with a MAR medical provider. You can discuss various medication options, and with the help of the provider, decide which one is best. Patients are usually seen weekly for the first 4-6 weeks. 

You will also be assigned a therapist as a part of your recovery team. The therapist will develop a treatment plan and provide individual therapy if desired. Additionally, a peer recovery coach is available to provide group and individual support, as well as assist with accessing resources within the community. 

Why use MAR to help fight addiction? 

MAR is effective and has been shown to decrease opioid-related overdose deaths, illicit opioid use, criminal activity and the spread of HIV and hepatitis C. It also improves maternal and fetal outcomes for pregnant women, social functioning and retention in treatment. 

If you or a loved one could benefit from Medication-Assisted Recovery, contact SIU’s MAR clinic at 217-545-4781.

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