Functional Addiction
Medicine
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medication such as naltrexone (Vivitrol) and buprenorphine (Suboxone) - along with comprehensive support staff to help address issues related to opioid dependence, heroin, alcohol and methamphetamine addiction. These medications will help with withdrawal related symptoms, cravings and relapse prevention. Our treatment plan can help those who need to overcome addiction and maintain long-term recovery.
Understanding Opioid addiction
Many teens and young adults first use opioids when they are prescribed them following a routine injury or procedure. Common prescription opioids including Codeine, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Morphine and Oxycodone are prescribed.
For an array of reasons to party, cope with stress, escape; many misuse opioids. The majority of those misusing prescription medications are getting them from medicine cabinets of friends, family and acquaintances. In some cases young people start misusing prescription opioids and then resort to heroin due to cheaper cost and ease of attaining.
Opioid use and misuse can create brain changes that lead to addiction. An addicted person develops an overpowering urge, or craving, for the drug. The person also experiences loss of self control, making it difficult for them to refuse the drug even though they know it is a problem. Most people who are addicted to opiates cannot taper off without help.
Big Misconception is Medication Assisted Treatment is swapping one drug for another. Addiction treatment utilizes longer-acting and safer medications to help overcome more dangerous opioid addictions. Many studies have shown that maintenance treatment with Buprenorphine helps to keep patients healthier, reduces criminal activity, and helps prevent drug-related diseases like HIV/AIDs and Hepatitis.