Medications That May Be A Part Of Your Opioid Addiction Treatment
Doctors and researchers have spent a lot of time improving opiate addiction programs over the years. These days, most programs are comprehensive and multi-faceted, meaning that they involve both psychological and medical treatments. You'll work with therapists and counselors, and you'll participate in group activities. One thing that may surprise you, though, is that you're likely to be prescribed some medication to take during your treatment.
Medications alone won't cure your opiate addiction, but they are an essential part of most treatment plans. Which medication you're prescribed will depend on your own needs and your doctor's preferred approach. Here's a look at the four most common medications used for opiate addiction treatment.
Methadone
Methadone is an opiate that, like the opiates you may be addicted to, binds to your opiate receptors and prevents withdrawal symptoms. It does not, however, make you feel high in the same way other opiates do. You take methadone as a pill or capsule. Most people take it regularly for about a year as they work through other aspects of their opiate addiction, and then they are weaned off of it under the close guidance of a doctor.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is another opiate that is used for addiction treatment. It is newer than methadone and works in a similar way. However, it tends to cause even less of a "high" feeling than methadone. Also, its effects taper off at a certain dose; taking more than prescribed won't make you feel anything extra. If your doctor is concerned you may abuse methadone, then they'll likely prescribe buprenorphine instead.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a medication that binds to your opiate receptors and prevents drugs like heroin and codeine from having an effect. If you take opiate drugs while taking naltrexone, they will make you feel very ill with withdrawal symptoms. This medication is often given in combination with buprenorphine.
Lofexidine Hydrochloride
This medication may be given when you first arrive at the treatment center. Its primary function is to prevent and reduce the symptoms of opiate withdrawal when you first stop using and are transitioning over to methadone or buprenorphine. It comes in pill form and needs to be taken four times per day for about one to two weeks.
If medications are prescribed as a part of your opiate addiction treatment, do not be surprised. This tends to be the gentlest and most effective way to break the cycle of addiction. For more information, contact an opioid addiction treatment center.
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