We offer both Suboxone and Naltrexone for treatment of opiate addiction. Suboxone and Naltrexone are both highly effective. For some patients who can not take Suboxone or who do not want to take a partial opiate agonist to which they will become physically dependent, Naltrexone offers an alternative treatment. Naltrexone is an opiate receptor antagonist. Unlike Suboxone, there is no partial stimulation of the opiate receptors. It helps individuals maintain abstinence by preventing the euphoric effects of opioids, if an opioid is taken. Naltrexone is not addicting and does not cause the patient to develop any physical dependence. It is not a controlled substance.
Naltrexone is available in both an oral a long acting injectable version. The injectable version is preferred because it ensures medication compliance and reduces the burden of daily dosing. The disadvantage of Naltrexone is that a patient must go through an opioid withdrawal before Naltrexone can be administered. It also has no effect on reducing cravings. There are medications to treat the symptoms of withdrawal to make it less unpleasant, but the patient will still have to experience several days of physical symptoms, and usually a period of strong cravings. However, for a highly motivated patient, who cannot or does not want to take Suboxone, Naltrexone can be very effective, particularly when the injectable form is used.
We offer both Suboxone and Naltrexone for treatment of opioid addiction. Suboxone and Naltrexone are highly effective. Suboxone is a combination medication, containing the drugs buprenorphine and naloxone.
Suboxone provides several benefits. First, it helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making the detoxification process more manageable and increasing treatment engagement. Suboxone also acts as a partial opioid agonist, meaning it both stimulates the opioid receptors in the brain, while at the same time partially blocking the same receptors. This stimulation of the receptors reduces cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms. It can also provide considerable pain relief for patients with chronic pain. Suboxone’s partial blockage of the opioid receptors has the added benefit of discouraging the use of other opioids by blocking their binding to the opioid receptors, preventing the “high” that patients are accustomed to getting from drug use. This virtually eliminates any reward the patient gets from abusing opioids and reduces the risk of relapse.
These features enable individuals to focus on their recovery and participate more effectively in counseling and therapy.
Naltrexone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist that completely blocks the opioid receptors. In contrast to Suboxone, there is no stimulation of the receptors. It helps individuals maintain abstinence by preventing the euphoric effects of opioids if a relapse occurs. It is not addicting, and it is not a controlled substance. Naltrexone is available in both an oral and a long-acting injectable version. The injectable version is preferred because it ensures medication compliance and reduces the burden of daily dosing.
Both Suboxone and Naltrexone can be administered in outpatient settings, allowing for more accessible treatment options. They also have a lower risk of overdose compared to Methadone. Overall, the advantages of using Suboxone or Naltrexone in the treatment of opiate addiction include withdrawal relief, craving suppression, reduced risk of relapse, accessibility, and improved medication compliance.
FAQ’s
The FDA has approved three medications for MAT: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Methadone and buprenorphine are agonists that activate opioid receptors in the brain, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone is an antagonist that completely blocks the effects of opioids. Unlike Methadone Suboxone, no physical dependence occurs with Naltrexone.
Yes, Naltrexone has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid use, decreasing overdose risk, and improving overall treatment outcomes. When combined with counseling and therapy, Naltrexone provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex nature of opioid addiction.
No, MAT is not simply replacing one drug with another. The medications used in MAT are carefully prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals. Suboxone helps stabilize brain chemistry and reduce cravings and withdrawal, allowing individuals to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives. Naltrexone eliminates the pleasurable and rewarding feelings that briefly occur when opioids are used, which reduces the incentive to relapse.
Which drug to use for Medication Assisted Treatment is a personalized treatment decision. It may be useful for highly motivated individuals based on their medical history, severity of addiction, and other factors. A healthcare provider will assess each individual’s situation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Yes, counseling and therapy are integral components of MAT. Behavioral therapies help individuals address the psychological and social aspects of addiction, develop coping skills, and address triggers that contribute to substance use.
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