Opioid Addiction Treatment Options

The opioid epidemic has made finding a way to help those who are addicted recover from their addiction a high priority. It is important that the treatments which are used are safe, effective, and powerful. When an opioid addict is facing treatment for opioid addiction, they can do so in two ways. 

1. The first way to tackle addiction is to first detoxify and go through withdrawal. This path is difficult, it can be very long, and the addict faces a high risk of relapse. During this time there may not be a medication used. For some addicts, this is a feasible option and it can be successful. It takes a clear effort on the part of the addict as well as extreme motivation, and much support. Unfortunately, 90% who go this route are unable to keep up the hard work and within as little as 1 or two month’s time, they will fall back into taking opioids.
2. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is another way to go. This route is often much smoother for addicts because the medication eases them through the detox period. Methadone, Buprenorphine, and naloxone are most commonly used.  Even with medication intervention, addicts aren’t clear from relapsing. The good news is that patients who use medication to help them through recovery have a much higher chance of staying sober after they finish. It also offers other benefits such as decreases infectious disease transmission, bettering one’s social abilities, and reducing criminal behavior.  

What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Medications Used In Treatment?

1. Methadone is very effective and powerful which is an advantage for patients. Is has a high rate of success with patients. The downside is that obtaining methadone isn’t convenient. Patients must visit a special clinic on a daily basis to obtain their medication.
2. Buprenorphine is highly available and a doctor can provide patients with prescriptions that take away the need for these individuals to have to drive to a clinic on a daily basis. 
3. Naltrexone is not addictive, it also won’t cause drowsiness in patients. Additionally, it will not cause physical dependence and it is convenient to use because it only needs to be taken one time a month. The difficulty with this drug is the beginning part. An addict must be able to stay clean and not use opioids for 7 days prior to being able to take their first dose.

Treatment At Discovery Place

The staff and the volunteers who work at the medical detox and addiction alternative treatment center at Discovery Place in Tennessee provide a caring and compassionate environment for those addicted to drugs and alcohol. Our center is very unique because many of our staff have dealt with addiction and have experience going through treatment to become sober. At Discovery Place’s Tennessee addiction alternative treatment center, you will be greeted by people who understand what you are going through.

Don’t wait to get the help you need so you can get back to living your life sober. Call our Tennessee detox alternative treatment center at 1-800-725-0922 to discuss your situation and obtain the support you need to get better.