- Monday, April 29, 2024
By: Eastern Eye Staff
Opioid addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of opioid drugs despite the negative consequences. Doctors often prescribe opioid drugs to manage pain but they can also produce a sense of euphoria, which may lead to abuse and addiction. Doctors usually treat opioid addiction with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapies, which is the most effective approach for treating opioid addiction. However, the treatment of opioid addiction requires a comprehensive and individualized approach that addresses the unique needs and challenges of each individual.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Behavioral Therapies
MAT typically involves the use of medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and Suboxone, which help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse. These medications, often in combination with counseling and other behavioral therapies help individuals address the underlying issues contributing to their addiction.
Counseling and behavioral therapies may include drug detox Massachusetts cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, as well as family therapy and group therapy. These therapies can help individuals develop coping skills, build a support network, and address any co-occurring mental health conditions contributing to their addiction.
What Is Suboxone
Doctors prescribe Suboxone in MAT programs to treat people suffering from opioid addiction. Suboxone contains two active ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. Doctors usually administer it as a sublingual tablet that dissolves under the tongue or as a film that dissolves inside the cheek. Only a healthcare provider certified to treat opioid addiction with medication like Mcshin Foundation – suboxone Richmond can prescribe it.
Notable Benefits of Suboxone in MAT
Block the effects of opioids: Buprenorphine in Suboxone attaches to the same receptors in the brain that opioids do, but it doesn’t produce the same high. It can help reduce cravings for opioids and block their effects if someone tries to use them while on Suboxone.
Reduce the risk of overdose: Suboxone can help prevent opioid overdose by blocking the effects of other opioids and reducing the risk of relapse. According to Harvard Medical School, it is extremely difficult to overdose on Suboxone.
Decrease withdrawal symptoms: When people stop using opioid drugs, they may suffer from severe withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone treatment overcomes this problem by reducing the severity significantly.
Increase retention in treatment: Suboxone treatment improves retention in treatment and reduces the risk of relapse compared to other forms of treatment.
Improve quality of life: Suboxone treatment can help drug addicts get back control of their lives by reducing their craving for opioid drugs. It allows them to improve their quality of lives by focusing on other aspects, like family, work and school.
Conclusion
When used as directed, Suboxone is safe and effective, but like all medications, it can have side effects. However, individual circumstances may impact on the benefits and drawbacks of Suboxone treatment. Patients should consult with a doctor to find out if Suboxone is the right choice for them. Doctors say treating opioid addiction with Suboxone is effective and safe. It also helps addicts to improve their quality of life.
