Deciding to get help for an opioid or substance use problem is one of the hardest—and bravest—steps a person can take. If you are thinking about treatment but are not sure what actually happens once you reach out, you are not alone. Many people put off care simply because they don’t know what to expect. This guide walks you through exactly what addiction treatment looks like at Fresh Start Health, from your first phone call to ongoing recovery, so you can take that step with confidence.
You don’t need to have it all figured out before you call
A common myth is that you have to “hit rock bottom,” already be sober, or have a detailed plan before seeking treatment. None of that is true. You can call us while you are still using. You can call if you relapsed yesterday. You can call if you simply have questions and aren’t sure you’re ready. Our team meets you where you are—without judgment—and helps you figure out the next right step.
Step 1: The first phone call (or chat)
Your first contact with Fresh Start Health is a short, confidential conversation. You can call us or use the chat button on our website. During this first touchpoint we will:
- Listen to what’s going on and answer your questions
- Explain how our program works and what it costs
- Check your insurance or Medicaid coverage
- Help you schedule your first appointment—often within days, not weeks
There is no pressure and no commitment required to make this call. It is simply a conversation to see if we’re a good fit for what you need.
Step 2: Your first appointment
Your first visit is a medical appointment, not an interrogation. A provider who specializes in addiction medicine will sit down with you to understand your history and your goals. This typically includes:
- A review of your substance use history and overall health
- A conversation about any past treatment and what did or didn’t work
- A basic physical and any needed lab work
- A discussion of your treatment options and what to expect from each
By the end of this visit, you and your provider will have a plan built around your situation—not a one-size-fits-all program.
Step 3: Starting medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
For opioid use disorder, the most effective, evidence-based approach is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT uses FDA-approved medications to quiet cravings and prevent withdrawal, so your brain and body can stabilize and you can focus on rebuilding your life. At Fresh Start Health we offer:
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) — a daily medication, usually taken under the tongue, that reduces cravings and blocks withdrawal without producing a high.
- Sublocade and Brixadi — long-acting injectable forms of buprenorphine given monthly (or weekly/monthly), so you don’t have to remember a daily dose.
The first dose of medication is called induction. Your provider will guide you on exactly when and how to start, including how long to wait after your last use, so the transition is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Many patients describe the relief from cravings and withdrawal in the first days of MAT as life-changing.
Step 4: Ongoing care and monthly visits
Recovery is not a single appointment—it’s a relationship. After you start treatment, you’ll have regular follow-up visits (usually monthly once you’re stable). These visits are where real, lasting progress happens. At each visit your provider will:
- Check how your medication is working and adjust it if needed
- Refill your prescription
- Talk through challenges, triggers, and wins
- Connect you with counseling and other support when you want it
- Manage your general health, because recovery and overall wellness go hand in hand
Over time, as you stabilize, visits become less frequent. The goal is always the same: to help you live a full, healthy life in recovery.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Your care is protected by federal privacy law, and addiction treatment records carry extra protections beyond standard medical privacy. What you share with us stays between you and your care team. You deserve to get help without fear of being judged or exposed.
How much does it cost?
Cost should never be the reason you don’t get help. We accept Medicaid and many insurance plans, and our team will verify your coverage and explain any costs up front during that first call. If you’re worried about affording care, tell us—we will work with you to find a path forward.
You can take the first step today
Whatever you’re facing, recovery is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. The hardest part is often just reaching out—and we’ve made that part simple. Call Fresh Start Health or click the chat button on this page to talk with our team. There’s no pressure, no judgment, and no wrong reason to ask for help. Your fresh start can begin right now.