Opioid addiction treatment often involves the use of medication, such as buprenorphine or methadone, as part of a treatment plan aimed at a full recovery. When you or a loved one have an addiction to prescription pain medication, fentanyl, heroin or other opioids, stopping the use of these substances must be carefully managed. At Anchor Addiction and Wellness in Chillicothe, we use medication management as part of treatment for opioid addiction. This allows us to provide you or your loved one with a safe path to opioid addiction recovery.
Reasons for Medication Management
Withdrawal from opioid substances can cause symptoms and cravings that are severe. Dealing with unpleasant withdrawal symptoms or coping with strong cravings can increase your risk of using opioids again. These relapses can occur multiple times and make it difficult to successfully overcome opioid addiction. Your brain needs time to heal from this type of addiction, so that you can focus on developing a healthy lifestyle that is free from these substances. Taking medication with supervision and guidance makes it possible for you to work on becoming healthier.
Benefits of Medication Management
Medication management offers a safe way to handle opioid addiction withdrawal and lower the risk of cravings. The medications used for this type of treatment are longer-acting compared to prescription pain medication, heroin and other opioids. Taking these medications in a carefully managed environment can help you avoid having to deal with the severe effects of withdrawal and decrease the risk of relapses due to strong cravings. Instead, you’ll have the mental and physical energy to focus on counseling and other elements of your treatment plan. When you go through a medication management program, you can expect the following benefits:
- Milder withdrawal symptoms
- Milder cravings
- Reduced risk of relapse
- Improved mental energy to focus on overcoming addiction
Types of Medications Used for Medication Management
What kinds of medications are used in medication management programs? Methadone and buprenorphine are common types of medications used to help those who have an opioid addiction. Both of these medications are considered safe to use for opioid addiction as long as they are carefully managed by healthcare professionals.
- Methadone: This medication activates opioid receptors in your brain, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This results in milder withdrawal effects and cravings that lower the risk of relapse.
- Buprenorphine: This medication binds to opioid receptors in your brain, but it does not stimulate it as other opioid substances do. Buprenorphine can also block the effects that other types of opioids have on your brain, so that you won’t feel their effects.
- Naltrexone: This medication works as an opioid antagonist, which means it prevents opioid receptors in your brain from being activated. Those who are still using other opioid substances should not be able to feel their effects if this medication is used.
Medication Management at Anchor Addiction and Wellness Center
At Anchor Addiction and Wellness Center, we are dedicated to helping you overcome struggles with opioid addiction and make a full recovery. Our addiction experts understand how important medication management is as part of a treatment plan for opioid addiction. Our physicians have received certification from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for opioid dependency treatment. In addition, our outpatient treatment center is also licensed by Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services. When you are under our care, you can depend on receiving high-quality treatment as safely and effectively as possible.
Our physicians will guide you in taking medication to help ease the effects of withdrawal and cravings when you stop using opioids. You can then turn your attention to the healing process and focus on improving your health and well-being while under our care. If you have any concerns or questions about the use of these medications for opioid addiction, we are here to help.
If you are ready to get help for opioid addiction or to learn more about medication management, please reach out to us today.
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