The road to recovery can be difficult, and no one should go it alone. If you are struggling with a substance use disorder, medication can be an extremely effective tool in your recovery. Many different medications can be used to help with substance use disorder, and each one has its benefits and drawbacks. We have outlined all you need to know about Medications for Substance Use Disorder and how they can help you reach recovery.
Medications for Substance Use Disorder
Medications for Substance Use Disorder, formerly known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), is a type of treatment that uses medication to help reach recovery from substance use disorder. These medications can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to abstain from drug use. In addition, medication can also help improve mental health and overall functioning.
Medication for Substance Use Disorder is not a standalone treatment, however. It is effective when used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapy. The medication works to treat the physical symptoms of addiction, while counseling and behavioral therapy address the underlying psychological causes. The combination of these two treatments allows for a whole-person approach to substance use disorder.
How Sublocade & Suboxone Can Help
Suboxone and Sublocade are two medications that can help treat opioid use disorder. Suboxone is a prescription medication that is used to treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings. This long-acting medication can be taken once a day and comes as a film that is placed inside the cheek or under the tongue.
Sublocade is an injectable form of Suboxone that is taken as a once per month extended-release injection. It helps treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder and contains the active ingredient buprenorphine. It is important to note that before starting Sublocade, a patient must take an oral form of buprenorphine that dissolves inside the cheek or under the tongue for 7 days.
The two active components in suboxone, buprenorphine and naloxone, assist to control cravings and prevent relapse. Buprenorphine is a 'partial agonist' opioid, which means it can interact with the same receptors as other opioids. It helps to reduce your physical needs and cravings throughout detoxification. Naloxone is a type of “opioid antagonist” that binds to opioid receptors and blocks their function, preventing you from receiving the enjoyable effect that people feel when they misuse opioids. It causes opioid drug withdrawal symptoms, making it less desirable for people to abuse the medication.
Suboxone and Sublocade are effective in treating addictions to substances such as heroin, morphine, opium, codeine, oxycodone, oxycontin, and hydrocodone (Vicodin). These prescription medications help patients to safely and slowly wean off opioids with a high success rate. If you are interested in adding these medications to your counseling and treatment plan, ask your Gateway Rehab physician.
How Vivitrol & ReVia Can Help
Recovery is not a one-time fix, it is an ongoing journey. After you have successfully completed a recovery program, medication maintenance can actively prevent relapse. Vivitrol and ReVia are medications designed to prevent relapse into both drug abuse and alcohol abuse.
Vivitrol is an extended-release intramuscular injection that is given once a month. It is non-addictive and does not require tapering, making it a good choice for people who have been through detoxification and are ready to stay abstinent from drugs and alcohol. Vivitrol contains the active ingredient naltrexone, so it prevents people from feeling the pleasurable effects of drug use. It is important to note that you must remain opioid-free for a minimum of 7 to 14 days before starting this medication.
ReVia is an oral medication that contains naltrexone. It is taken once a day and can be used to treat both alcohol and opioid dependence. ReVia works by preventing people from feeling the pleasurable effects of alcohol and opioids, making it less likely that they will misuse these substances. It is important to note that while the medication will reduce your urge to drink, it will not sober you up if you are already intoxicated. Both Vivitrol and ReVia are effective at preventing relapse and helping people reach recovery. If you are struggling with addiction, talk to your Gateway Rehab physician about if Vivitrol or ReVia are right for you.
Medications for Substance Use Disorder programs are clinically proven to help safely detox patients from drug and alcohol misuse, as well as prevent relapse. The use of medications coupled with counseling and behavioral therapy will address each aspect of your addiction, both physically and mentally. Medications for Substance Use Disorder is one of the many tools provided in treatment plans at Gateway Rehab. If you are struggling with addiction, our clinicians are dedicated to providing you with an individualized treatment plan to help you reach a sustainable recovery and improve quality of life.
At Gateway Rehab, our priority is to guide patients toward a life of sustained recovery. Our team recognizes that not every patient shares the same path to sobriety, and that is why we customize treatment options that address each individual’s personal needs and goals. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with addiction, we are here to help. Schedule your first appointment with one of our recovery centers today or call 1-800-472-1177 for more information.
