FAQ
What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines medication (to help stabilize the imbalance of chemicals in the brain) and behavioral therapies to treat addiction. Once stable, a patient is more likely able to focus and participate in the behavioral therapies necessary to overcome addiction. Methadone and Buprenorphine ( or Suboxone ) are two medications approved by the FDA for the treatment of opiate addiction.
A common misconception is that these medications are only substitutes for the drugs they were using, and that the patient is “trading one addiction for another.” However, addiction is caused by a chemical problem in the brain which is usually there before the person ever uses a drug. Drugs of abuse cause this problem to worsen. However, methadone and Suboxone help to correct the chemical imbalance and restore natural function of the brain . These medications help control cravings and the psychological compulsions to use drugs. At proper doses these medications do not adversely effect mental capability, physical function or intelligence, and the patient doesn’t feel a euphoria or high associated with drugs of abuse. They also alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
Is this medication safe?
The FDA has approved Suboxone for use in the treatment of opiate addiction. Suboxone has been used safely and effectively for nearly 20 years. However, with any medication there are pros and cons. Suboxone acts on the opiate receptor to stabilize brain chemistry. With its long action, Suboxone helps to release a chemical called dopamine and normalize the levels. Drugs of abuse cause spikes and crashes of dopamine that only worsen and reinforce addiction. Since Suboxone acts on the opiate receptor a patient remains physically dependent on opiates, however, this is NOT addiction. Physical dependence and addiction are separate biological processes. The addiction is corrected by normalizing dopamine levels. At the correct dose the patient does not experience opiate withdrawal and those symptoms are suppressed.
All medications have potential for some adverse effects. Suboxone can possibly cause respiratory depression (slowed breathing) when combined with sedatives or alcohol or if taken at higher doses than prescribed . This medication can also be dangerous to people who are not opiate dependent or children so great care must be followed to keep all medications locked away in a safe storage area.
The most common adverse effects of this medication are shared with other opiates, but can likely be avoided with correct dosing. These include constipation, sweating, hot flashes, nausea, dry mouth and has been associated with low testosterone.
Buprenorphine has also shown to be effective in the treatment of opiate addiction in pregnant women, but should be reserved for women who become pregnant while already on this medicine.
How long does treatment take?
Like diabetes and high blood pressure, addiction is a chronic, progressive illness. This means there is no cure and it gets worse as you get older. However, like diabetes and high blood pressure there is effective management with medications and lifestyle changes.
Research shows that people who stay in treatment longer do better. Treatment is individualized to the needs of each patient. You should discuss your specific treatment goals with your physician, and together you can review the risk versus benefits of each treatment option for your particular plan.
What is Opiate Addiction?
Opiates are drugs that activate receptors in the brain to decrease pain sensation, but can provide a euphoria (high) for those who abuse them. Examples of opiates are Heroin, Morphine, Lortab, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Dilaudid, Percocet, Codeine, and Fentanyl .
The American Society of Addition Medicine defines addiction as follows: Addiction is a treatable, chronic medicla diseas involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors tha become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as succesful as those for other chronic diseases.
Is MAT right for you?
Suboxone is proven to be a safe and effective treatment for opiate addiction.
Suboxone controls craving and compulsion, alleviates withdrawal symptoms and restores natural brain function.
Employability and social function often improve with MAT.
MAT reduces the chance of acquiring or spreading communicable diseases like HIV or Hepatitis C.
MAT decreases the likelihood of legal problems or incarceration.
The cost of MAT is less than the cost associated with opiate drug use and the consequences associated with such.
Call today and join the millions of people who have improved their lives by conquering the menace of opiate addiction with MAT. After meeting with our physician you can decide together which medication is best for you