Medications and Treatments for Opioid Addiction

The medications we use as part of our comprehensive treatment are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

Addiction is a chronic and treatable disease. Opioid addiction, which generally corresponds with moderate to severe forms of an opioid use disorder, often requires continuing care for effective treatment rather than an episodic, acute-care treatment approach.

There is no “one size fits all” approach to opioid use disorder treatment. Currently, our various treatment options consist of our physician-prescribed medication in combination with psychosocial counseling and other comprehensive services.

The medications we use as part of our comprehensive treatment are methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

Our owners started our organization in 2000, with the goal of reducing the stigma associated with medication-assisted treatment (treatment for opioid addiction using medications such as methadone and buprenorphine). Our experienced staff strives to preserve a therapeutic environment where there is an atmosphere of recovery.

We focus on individualizing treatment for every patient we serve. We understand that when you trust a treatment provider of choice, we have a responsibility to maintain your confidentiality and safety while ensuring that you are receiving the highest quality of counseling and medical services.

We strongly believe that it is a privilege to be chosen as part of your recovery team.

Methadone

  • What is methadone?

    Methadone, a synthetic opioid that was developed in 1936 eliminates opioid withdrawal symptoms and blocks the effects of heroin and other opioids. Methadone is the most studied medication for opioid use disorder (OUD).

    Longer lengths of stay in methadone treatment are associated with superior treatment outcomes. Time in treatment is individualized to each patient’s needs. Our physicians will assist in the comfortable and safe medically supervised withdrawal of methadone when appropriate.

  • Is methadone safe to use in the treatment of people with opioid use disorder?

    Methadone taken under a doctor’s care causes no harm to any of your body organs and does not change your ability to think clearly. An adequate maintenance dose keeps you from having unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings.

    People in treatment find their lives completely turned around for the better as a result of the medication in conjunction with our program’s support and counseling.

    This treatment helps thousands of individuals end the roller coaster of opioid use disorder. They improve their health, work steady jobs, return to school, gain happier family and social lives, and finally start feeling good about themselves.

  • What methadone dose is appropriate?

    Medication level is individualized. A stable dose will allow 24 hours without overmedication or withdrawal. Medication levels vary due to the differences in body weight, metabolism, addiction history, and opioid tolerance. The treating physician will decide the level appropriate and discuss it with you.

Buprenorphine

  • What is buprenorphine?

    Buprenorphine was developed in the 1960s as a mild analgesic that acts on the same pain receptors as other opioids. Buprenorphine is half as potent when compared to other opioids. This results in what is called a “ceiling effect” where higher doses do not increase effectiveness.

    Our physicians will help you decide which medication will be most appropriate for your recovery.

  • How do methadone and buprenorphine work?

    When individuals start using opioids, their brains require a constant supply of the drug to occupy the receptors in the brain. Methadone and buprenorphine occupy these receptors, blocking the high and making the user feel more stable.

    Methadone and buprenorphine reduce the drug cravings and harsh withdrawal symptoms that often lead to relapse without creating the sense of euphoria associated with the abuse of morphine, heroin, and other opioids.

    The effectiveness of methadone and buprenorphine lasts over 24 hours, meaning that most people in treatment benefit from one daily dose.

    In summary, methadone and buprenorphine won’t get you high. They will, however, prevent withdrawal symptoms and cravings as well as help you begin to feel normal again.

Naltrexone

  • What is Naltrexone?

    Naltrexone comes in 2 forms; a tablet taken daily or an injection needed monthly. It is used to help with cravings for both alcohol and opioids. Its mechanism of action is not only to reduce cravings but also to block the euphoric effects.

    Our physician will help you decide which medication will be most appropriate for your treatment.

Counseling

While medications help with the withdrawal and the craving aspect of addiction, the emotional and psychological symptoms also need addressing.

Counseling helps a person develop skills and behaviors that help with critical areas of recovery. Successful long-term recovery requires addressing relapse potential, behavior modification, and expanded opportunities to improve lifestyle (vocationally and educationally).

Our counseling services are established around an individualized, patient-centered, comprehensive approach.

  • Individual Counseling

    Patients will be required to attend individual sessions with an experienced counselor who will assist patients in meeting their goals and maximizing their treatment experience.

  • Group Counseling

    We highly recommend attending group sessions which are offered onsite at each program (see group counseling schedule at each location).

    Some group counseling is focused on topics related to substance abuse recovery while others might teach you a new skill or maybe help improve practical life skills such as resume writing. Your counselor may require your attendance at group sessions as part of your treatment plan.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality in treatment is every patient’s right. We will never divulge any
information about you without your expressed written consent.

You are also obligated to never divulge any information to others regarding any other patient encountered while in the programs. Patient confidentiality is not only valued by our staff but protected by State and Federal laws (HIPPA and 42CFR).

HIPPA

Health Insurances Portability and Accountability – The HIPPA Privacy Rule was designed to provide standards to protect patients’ medical records and other health information provided to health plans, doctors, hospitals, and other medical care providers.

Developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, the standards provide patients with more control over how their personal health information is used and disclosed.

42CFR Part 2 and 8

In addition to HIPPA, our clinics and patients’ information are protected by the Code of Federal Regulations 42CFR Part 2 governing the confidentiality of drug and alcohol abuse treatment and prevention records and Part 8 which references our accreditation process and the federal opioid treatment standards and the federal opioid treatment standards.

Resources

Knowledge and resources are vital to use throughout your recovery process. We also believe that education is the key to overcoming the stigma associated with medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

These resources are not meant to be a representation of our organization but simply for you to use to gain more understanding of substance use disorder, its treatments, and their effectiveness as well as our field’s latest news.

AT Forum

The Addiction Treatment Forum reports on substance use news of interest to opioid treatment programs and patients in medication-assisted treatment.

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Facing Addiction

The first-ever surgeon general’s report on alcohol, drugs, and health-facing addiction reviews substance misuse, treatment, recommendations, and more.

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SAMHSA

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration; a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) – This website provides an abundance of information on substance abuse and mental health issues.

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AATOD

American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence – An organization committed to enhancing the quality of patient care in treatment programs

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NIDA

The National Institute of Drug Abuse; a division of NIH – This website provides information on addiction for anyone struggling with substance abuse and substance abuse providers

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Medline Plus

This website contains detailed information on thousands of drugs including those offered in medication-assisted treatment programs. It also contains information on herbs.

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