Options in Opioid Addiction Treatment

There are many options available for treating an opioid addiction. If you or somebody in your life requires treatment assistance, it is important to learn more about each method.

The first step, after admitting a problem exists, is detoxification. This is when a person stops using the drug. Upon doing so, they will face a variety of physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be a challenge to overcome. While this may be one of the most difficult aspects of opioid addiction treatment, it is essential to long term success.

Medication assisted treatment can go a long way in helping a person overcome this type of addiction. There are three primary options: methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.

Each one of these drugs has been proven successful in opioid addiction treatment. For example, methadone is a drug that can trick the brain into thinking it is still receiving the addictive opioid. As a result, the person does not go through withdrawal and they remain feeling relatively normal.

Another benefit of taking methadone or buprenorphine is its ability to reduce cravings.

Naltrexone can also help a person with an opioid addiction. This is done in a different way. It is used to block the effect of the opioid drug. As a result, the feeling of being high is eliminated. This is why the drug is one of the best for preventing relapse.

How to Get Started

Methadone is a common method of treating opioid addiction.

There are many steps to take if you want to rely on one of these medications to overcome opioid addiction. For example, methadone can only be given at a licensed treatment center.

Buprenorphine and naltrexone are available in the same type of setting, but it can also be prescribed by a doctor.

For some people, taking one of these drugs means visiting their doctor or treatment center. Others are able to take the medication at home. This all depends on the person’s situation in regards to their addiction and prior treatment.

There is no such thing as a “good” drug addiction. However, when it comes to opioids, it is nice to know that there are a variety of treatment options to consider. Each option in opioid addiction treatment has been used successfully in the past.

If you or a loved one is facing an opioid addiction, it is time to learn more about the types of medication that are available. With a variety of options, finding something that works is a good possibility.