Treatment for opioid addiction often involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and support groups. Medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone may be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

​

Strategies to prevent opioid addiction include proper prescription practices, public awareness campaigns, and increasing access to addiction treatment services. Efforts to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help for addiction are also crucial.

​

Medications We Use

​​

•  Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It binds to the opioid receptors, producing a milder effect compared to full agonists like heroin or oxycodone. Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a strong euphoria.

• Naltrexone: Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist. It blocks the effects of opioids by binding to the opioid receptors, preventing other opioids from attaching and producing their usual effects. This medication is used to help prevent relapse in individuals who have already detoxified from opioids.

• Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone): Suboxone is a combination medication containing both buprenorphine (partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist). Naloxone is added to discourage misuse (injection) of the medication. When taken as prescribed, the naloxone has minimal effect, but if the medication is crushed and injected, the naloxone can precipitate withdrawal.

• Clonidine: Clonidine is not an opioid but is sometimes used in the management of withdrawal symptoms. It works by stimulating certain receptors in the brain, which helps reduce sympathetic nervous system activity and alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

• Naloxone (Narcan): Naloxone is an opioid receptor antagonist used for emergency treatment of opioid overdose. It rapidly binds to opioid receptors, displacing other opioids and reversing the effects of opioid intoxication, particularly respiratory depression.

 

These medications are often used as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs, which combine medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to address the opioid addiction. The choice of medication may depend on factors such as the individual's medical history, the severity of addiction, and the treatment plan developed in consultation with licensed healthcare professionals. MAT has been shown to be effective in reducing opioid use, preventing relapse, and supporting long-term recovery. At our office, a typical first appointment consists of meeting with your provider, discussing potential options, obtaining appropriate labs, paperwork, and the development of  a treatment plan. Induction therapies are then planned for initiation at a follow up appointment with a driver able to take the patient home. 

​

Therapy

 

Counseling therapy can help improve depression symptoms by helping you develop skills to more effectively deal with the thoughts and feelings you are having. These therapies consist of:

​

• Cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy will help you cope better with depression by teaching skills specific to management of organization, patterns of thinking, and behavioral patterns. 

• Family therapy. Because many people with depression encounter loved ones, family members, and spouses who are unfamiliar with depression, this therapy can help them overcome the stress associated with living with someone who struggles with depressive symptoms. 

• Music therapy. This therapy utilizes music to help relax an individual to enhance their mood. Music therapy activates  cognitive, motor, and speech centers in the brain to help improve overall functioning.

• Talk therapy. This type of therapy employs a variety of techniques to help a person better deal with thoughts and behaviors.

• Interpersonal therapy. IPT is a type of therapy that focus on personal relationships and how you feel. It is a short-term, intensive therapy.

• Integrative therapy. This therapy approach takes aspects from different therapy types to create a personal therapy to best treat the presenting problem.

​