The Cleveland nonprofit combines structured treatment with buprenorphine therapy at the new David’s Place facility for men.
CLEVELAND — Stella Maris in Cleveland is expanding its addiction recovery services with a new medication-assisted recovery program that combines buprenorphine treatment with the organization’s established supportive housing model.
The program will operate at David’s Place, a supportive housing facility specifically designed for men who qualify for medication-assisted treatment. The initiative represents an extension of the same structured services that Stella Maris has provided to residents in its men’s and women’s supportive housing programs for years.
The facility will be located in the old rectory at the corner of W. 25th Street and the Superior Bridge behind St. Malachi church. It will take time to renovate and get it ready for occupation.
“We believe that medication is a tool,” according to program materials. “When medication is combined with other strong foundations of sobriety like treatment, structure, community, and giving back, medication-assisted treatment becomes medication-assisted recovery.”
The program requires full participation in treatment components alongside housing services. Medical and clinical teams will evaluate potential candidates based on their substance use history, past treatment success, laboratory results, and ability to commit to both treatment and housing requirements.
A key safety feature involves centralized medication distribution. All participants will receive their medications daily through the medical team’s dosing office. Those not receiving injectable medications will never have medication in their possession within the housing unit, a measure designed to prevent diversion and ensure medication security.
Treatment programming will mirror current supportive housing services, including therapeutic community elements and structured house programming. However, participants will attend separate treatment groups specifically addressing the unique aspects of medication-assisted recovery.
The program distinguishes itself from other medication-assisted treatment options through its focus on treatment essentials and therapeutic community principles while maintaining strict safety protocols. Officials emphasize that participants will have no access to substances of abuse and should experience minimal visible side effects due to a fully monitored induction process.
The medication-assisted recovery program represents Stella Maris’ commitment to providing comprehensive addiction treatment services that address both medical and social support needs for individuals in recovery.
Anyone who is interested in supporting the expansion can find more information HERE.
