Opioid Addiction Medication Options
Community Medical Services provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for individuals with opioid use disorder. MAT uses a holistic approach to treat the “whole patient” with the use of FDA-approved medications, counseling, and behavioral therapy. Opioid addiction medication options help to alleviate withdrawal and cravings, allowing the patient to focus on positive behavior changes.
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How do opioid treatment medications work in the brain?
Opioids alter the brain chemistry by attaching to opioid receptors. When opioids attach to these receptors, it reduces the perception of pain. As time goes on, it takes more and more opioids to achieve the same effect.
Taking opioid addiction medication options block these receptors to varying degrees. They can help stabilize, giving the person time to work through the psychological aspects of substance disorder and focus on recovery.
There are 3 FDA-approved medications to treat opioid use disorder, methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. The goal of MAT is to find the lowest possible dose of a medication that will relieve withdrawal symptoms. Normally, this will lessen cravings for 24 hours. The medications used in MAT do not have any adverse effects on an individual’s ability to live a healthy life.
Medication Options
Methadone
- Long-lasting, allows for daily dosing.
- Is a more affordable medication option.
- Alleviates withdrawal symptoms, prevents cravings, and blocks the euphoric effect of other opioids.
- No abstinence from opioids is required before starting treatment.
- Synthetic opioid that attaches to the opioid receptor in the brain.
- Full agonist that fully activates the opioid receptor.
Buprenorphine
(Suboxone® / Subutex® / Sublocade™ / Brixadi®)
- Long-lasting, allows for daily dosing.
- Good control of cravings and withdrawal.
- Alleviates withdrawal symptoms, prevents cravings, and blocks the euphoric effect of other opioids.
- Synthetic opioid that attaches to the opioid receptor in the brain.
- Partial agonist that activates some of the opioid receptors.
Naltrexone
Vivitrol®
- Long-lasting injectable medication that is administered every 28 days.
- Long-lasting injectable medication that is administered every 28 days.
- Not recommended for pregnant women.
- Will not alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
- Antagonist that blocks all effects of the opioid receptor.
Choosing the right medication for you and your lifestyle is a decision made by you in collaboration with your medical provider
Connect with your counselor on our free Recovery Connect app!
Community Medical Services developed this revolutionary app to make it easier for patients to connect with counselors and get real, meaningful support in the moments that matter.
Alternative Treatments of Opioid Dependence
Community Medical Services offers several other forms of addiction treatment programs, support groups, and alternative treatment options for substance use disorders. These include, but are not limited to:
Counseling Treatment
We provide both individual and group counseling services to our patients. Using evidence-based practices, counselors help clients to develop healthy coping strategies, individualized to their needs. Together, clients and counselors work on problem solving skills to address substance use.
Pregnancy & Women’s Health Treatment
At CMS, we recognize the unique healthcare needs of our pregnant clients. This is where methadone or buprenorphine, along with evidence-based behavioral therapies works. It’s recommended by SAMHSA as the standard of care to treat opioid addictions in pregnant women. CMS coordinates with OBGYN and other medical providers to ensure the highest quality of care.
Peer Support
Peer Support Specialists at CMS are individuals with lived experience. They can understand the challenges of substance use and recovery. They bring their unique perspective for overcoming challenges and navigating the treatment system.
Correctional Treatment
At CMS we believe that all people, regardless of incarceration status, deserve fair and equitable healthcare. Incarcerated individuals are at a greater risk of struggling with substance use. Approximately 68% of people incarcerated meet the medical criteria for drug dependence.