Opioid Dependence and Addiction
Opioid Dependence is a substance use disorder caused by a brain abnormality that results in the need to continue to take drugs to avoid withdrawals. Opioid Addiction is a substance use disorder caused by a chronic disease resulting in intense drug craving and compulsive use. (The difference between opioid dependence and opioid addiction are behavioral withdrawal symptoms that present themselves with opioid addiction).
Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
Patients that have been on long-term pain medications have a high probability of developing opioid dependence or addiction; remaining on the drug even after the pain has subsided. For many affected individuals, physical cravings and compulsive behaviors are uncontrollable without the help of Medication-Assisted Treatment and behavioral counseling. Our proprietary approach, MATPlus® provides medication-assisted treatment, behavioral counseling, and wrap around services with a long-term commitment to your pathway of life-repair.
Medications for Opioid Use Disorder
Medication options for Opioid Use Disorder are Suboxone, Zubsolv, Bunavail, and Sublocade. All these medications are FDA-approved and are buprenorphine products. Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved, highly studied, and regulated medication used to help individuals recover from opioid addiction. It acts as a stabilizer in the body rather than as a narcotic. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine helps patients function physically, emotionally, and mentally without impairment. It also aids patients in engagement with counseling services to reach healthy goals that benefit the whole person.