MAT: A Withdrawal Solution
It is quite common. A person might have full knowledge of the damage drugs are wrecking upon their life. The destroyed relationships, the financial ruin, the legal ramifications, even deteriorating health and appearance. They know these things, and even have a desire to finally be free. But before they are willing to take that step into sobriety, they have one question:
Will it hurt?
For, pretty good reason, the process of rehab or outpatient detox is paired with the idea of a very uncomfortable, even painful, experience. And that is the hurdle they can’t get over.
Are you wondering:
How to help withdrawals from alcohol?
How to help withdrawals from drugs?
The withdrawal symptoms associated with recovering from drug addiction may be the most challenging obstacle for recovering drug addicts. Drug withdrawal’s physical and psychological impact is often severe enough to trigger a relapse. Fortunately, MAT (medication assisted treatment) will help reduce these symptoms and ease this first stage of addiction recovery.
Common Medications in Addiction Treatment
Here are some of the most common medications used in an outpatient detox and how they help.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol is an injectable medication known to block the effects of certain drugs. The Naltrexone in Vivitrol binds to endorphin receptors, effectively blocking the effects and sensations of opioids and alcohol. This then weakens the desire and craving to use opioids and alcohol. The reduced desire for opioids and alcohol lowers the risk of relapsing for recovering addicts.
While using the Vivitrol shot, patients should refrain from using opioids or street drugs, methadone, buprenorphine, and cold, pain, or anti-diarrheal medications. If these medications have been used between 7 to 14 days before starting Vivitrol, they may cause opioid withdrawal symptoms. Using opioids or other street drugs while on Vivitrol may cause dangerous side effects, including death.
Suboxone
Suboxone is an oral medication that dissolves in the mouth and combines buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid, while naloxone inhibits the effects of opioid medication. Suboxone effectively blocks receptors in the brain that cause opioid cravings, which prevents the brain from sending signals that cause withdrawal. It reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms associated with drugs such as Percocet and heroin.
Suboxone can be addictive if misused, and like Vivitrol, it can be fatal if used with alcohol or drugs that induce drowsiness and slower breathing. It should also not be used by pregnant women, as it can cause the baby to develop dependency. The baby would experience withdrawal symptoms after birth, which could be fatal.
Sublocade
Sublocade is an injectable form of buprenorphine and can only be administered in a controlled certified healthcare setting. This is because Sublocade can have dangerous side effects and become addictive. Sublocade inhibits the reward sensations of opioids by attaching to the brain’s opioid receptors, making it more difficult for dangerous opioids to connect. Sublocade helps to reduce the chance of a relapse and is a slow release that improves withdrawal symptoms over several weeks.
How to Help Someone Going Cold Turkey
If you or someone you know, is considering quitting drugs or alcohol “cold turkey,” please call our drug detox specialists first. Quitting cold turkey is a great example of, right idea—wrong approach. You may benefit from an outpatient drug detoxification that the Volpicelli Center for addiction treatment specializes in. This approach to addiction treatment is clinically proven and offers the freedom necessary for individuals who are not offered the luxury of inpatient treatment.
Please call us today for a free assessment and to begin the road to sobriety.
