Are you thinking about finding a MAT clinic, but you are hesitant to step into the unknown? Are you concerned about the effectiveness of the MAT program and the safety of medications prescribed? You may have so many questions, but the only question you should be asking yourself is, Are you ready to take your life back from addiction?
The doctors at a MAT clinic can help you overcome drug and alcohol addiction. ChoicePoint presents the list of the five most common medications prescribed at a MAT clinic to help you rebuild your prosperous life.
Table of Contents
The Truth About Effectiveness of MAT Program
Medication-assisted treatment is most commonly used for alcohol and opioid use disorders. In a MAT program, FDA-approved medications along with therapy and counseling are utilized to help you overcome drug abuse. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about the MAT program. Most people think that these medications offer only short-term relief. And, others have a concern that these medications are addictive and lead to intense withdrawal symptoms.
In this article, we are presenting you with scientific studies to learn how MAT is a highly effective treatment if completed correctly under medical supervision.
Research 1: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Saves Lives
According to the latest research published on NCBI, patients who receive opioid medications are 50% less likely to die from an overdose. In addition to the life-saving aspect, this analysis also highlights the promising long-lasting results. People treated with Buprenorphine were less likely to experience a relapse compared to the control group.
Research 2: Effectiveness of MAT Medications
According to research published by the Recovery Research Institute, where the data of 100,000 individuals were analyzed, Buprenorphine and Naltrexone reduce the fatalities caused by opioid overdose by 31% and Methadone by 21%. ChoicePoint MAT program can help you cope with the intense withdrawal symptoms and avoid relapse. Want to learn more about it? Please call us 844.445.2563.
List of Medications Prescribed at MAT Clinic For Opioid Use Disorder
Drug abuse has reached alarming levels post-covid. And, Opioid addiction has become a national crisis. To combat this crisis, it is essential not to believe any misconceptions and trust reliable sources only. ChoicePoint is here to answer all your questions about these medications so you can make a timely decision to begin your treatment.
1. Naltrexone
Naltrexone is prescribed at a MAT clinic to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders. It is an FDA-approved medication used strictly at the maintenance phase of addiction treatment. Naltrexone is sold under the brand name; Vivitrol.
Vivitrol
Vivitrol is an extended-release injectable form of Naltrexone. FDA recommends the dose 380mg to be used after four weeks or as advised by the doctor.
Oral Naltrexone
Oral Naltrexone is usually available as a 50mg tablet form. It has to be taken daily or as prescribed by the doctor.
How Does Naltrexone (Vivitrol) Work?
The mechanism by which Vivitrol treats alcohol and opioid dependence is a little different. There are specialized opioid receptors in the brain—addictive opioids such as Morphine and Heroin bind to these receptors. Vivitrol has a higher affinity to these receptors as compared to opioids. As a result, it blocks the binding of addictive drugs and allows the person to heal.
Vivitrol for alcohol addiction works by blocking the euphoric effects produced by alcohol. Alcohol stimulates the reward system of the brain, which results in a person drinking it again. When false euphoric effects are blocked, the person does not feel the urge to drink again thus, reducing alcohol dependence.
Does Naltrexone Work for Everyone?
Vivitrol is prescribed at ChoicePoint MAT clinic at Fair Lawn, NJ, for people recovering from opioid and alcohol addiction. It is strictly not to be used at the detox phase. It is used for:
- Prevention of short term relapse
- Making a recovery long-lasting
- Reducing opioid and alcohol cravings
- Helping the body to work without drugs and alcohol
Key Differences Between Naltrexone and Naloxone
How Long Does the Effect of Naltrexone (Vivitrol) Last?
Vivitrol is available as an extended-release injectable form. It has a half-life of 8-10 days. The effect usually lasts for 25-50 days.
The effect of Naltrexone usually depends on:
- The metabolic rate of the body
- Physical activity levels
- Age and body mass
- Health condition
Is Naltrexone Addictive?
You may be concerned about developing an addiction to Naltrexone, but the good news is Naltrexone is not addictive and does not cause significant withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone is not an opioid. So, you will not develop an addiction to it. However, you should always listen to your doctor at the MAT clinic and follow the prescribed dose to avoid potential side effects.
Side Effects of Vivitrol
Vivitrol is safe when used according to the doctor’s advice. However, some mild side-effects you may experience include:
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle and joint pain
How Effective Is Naltrexone Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder?
Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is exceptionally effective for the treatment of opioid addiction. Recent research shows that patients who received Vivitrol treatment reported:
- Lesser drug cravings
- Longer treatment retention
- Reduced drug dependence compared to the control group.
ChoicePoint for Naltrexone Treatment
Naltrexone can significantly help you fight Opioid use disorders. Our naltrexone program at MAT clinic is designed to offer the best solution to opioid and heroin addiction by providing medications with low toxicity and maximum benefits. For the personalized addiction recovery plan, please call us at 844.445.2563.
2. Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine was approved by the FDA in 2002 to treat opioid use disorder. Due to minor overdose and dependent risk, Buprenorphine is an excellent alternative to Methadone. However, one should only use it under the supervision of licensed addiction doctors. It has a few brand names, which are as follows:
- Belbuca
- Buprenex
- Bunavail
- Butrans
- Probuphine
- Sublocade
- Subutex
- Zubsolv
How Does It Work?
The usage and recommendation of dosage of Buprenorphine vary from person to person depending on their age, health, and other factors. Buprenorphine works as a part of an intensive care program at MAT clinics that includes not only the administration of the drug itself but also involves the following therapies:
- Support group therapies
- Individual therapies
Purpose of these therapies is to uplift the morale of those who are a victim of addiction to opioids.
Usage
- Injecting Buprenorphine is not the right way to administer it into the body and can lead to significant harmful side effects.
- The right way to go about it is to place it under your tongue and refrain from chewing or swallowing it.
- Expecting mothers should use small dosages only to avoid adverse effects on childbirth.
Why Should One Use Buprenorphine for Heroin Addiction?
- This drug is the kind that does not impose any significant threats when taken to treat addiction.
- Buprenorphine can help cope with Heroin withdrawal and its long-term effects.
- Buprenorphine reduces the risks of catching several different diseases that could be spread through injecting and helps a person to attain stability while they’re on their road to recovery.
- The number of patients getting the Buprenorphine has increased from 734 in 2003 to 21,236 in 2015.
Side Effects of Buprenorphine
Like every other medication, taking Buprenorphine also comes with its side effects despite its advantages. A few of the side effects from taking this drug include:
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Mood changes
- Sweating
- Severe side effects such as abdominal pain, weight loss, fainting, liver damage
- Respiration problems
Crucial Points to Be Noted
- People with lung diseases can face difficulty in breathing after taking this medicine, so they might require additional support to help them with the breathing procedure.
- One should avoid injecting Buprenorphine into the body to prevent serious complications.
- In case of any harsh aftereffects, it is mandatory to get consulted by a doctor as soon as possible.
- Always avoid self-medication.
Advantages of Buprenorphine
- It is a less dependent and safer medicine.
- It helps patients cope with intense withdrawal symptoms of Opioids.
- Nurtures few side effects
ChoicePoint Buprenorphine Program
Do you need Buprenorphine to cope with the withdrawal symptoms of Opioid addiction and initiate the recovery journey? ChoicePoint MAT clinic in Fair Lawn, NJ, can help. For more information about buprenorphine treatment, visit the following link, or please call us at 844.445.2563.
3. Suboxone
Suboxone as an Opioid antagonist reverses the actions of opioid agonists such as heroin and oxycodone. When a patient abuses Heroin, it activates the pain receptors, and the brain releases dopamine which gives patients the feel of pleasure. This is known as the Opioid effect. Suboxone reverses this Opioid effect by blocking the pain receptors, so patients don’t crave Opioids.
Five Things to Know About Suboxone
- Less habit-forming and comparatively safer than Methadone
- Suboxone has two ingredients in it: Buprenorphine and Naltrexone.
- Special training and license is required to prescribe Suboxone
- ChoicePoint is the best Suboxone provider in New Jersey
- Suboxone alone can’t help commit complete recovery.
At ChoicePoint, our DEA-certified addiction doctors prescribe Suboxone after checking the condition of patients. Our addiction specialists may recommend addiction therapies to help you achieve lifelong recovery. To learn more, please call us at 844.445.2563.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Buprenorphine present in Suboxone reduces the risk of dependency, overdose, and side effects. On the other hand, Naltrexone in Suboxone will help you block the Opioid impact and recovery from Opioid use disorder.
How Does Suboxone Work for Addiction
What Is Suboxone Used for?
Suboxone is used for pain relief by binding with the opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioid drugs, including pain relief or feeling of well-being that can result in opioid abuse. It then manages the withdrawal symptoms by:
- Reducing the intensity of cravings
- Decreasing the toxicity level of opioids
- Progressively reduce the level of opioid dependency
Suboxone tricks the brain into thinking it is consuming opioids without damaging consequences. The opioid receptors respond as they would to an addictive opioid and thus abate the sensation of craving. All of this happens without developing any kind of addiction to the medication. It is because of its incredible results; Suboxone has been hailed as a wonder drug for treatment against opioid addiction.
Is Suboxone Addictive?
Since this drug is involved in limiting opioid addiction, people who take this drug for treatment would less likely get addicted to the medication itself. Instead, they could be prone to relapsing to their previous addiction by taking this drug. Even in cases, one does take this drug more than the required amount and overdoses on it, death is an improbable outcome. Recovering from a suboxone overdose is entirely possible.
Benefits of Suboxone
Suboxone is found to be effective in:
- Lower risk of abuse
- Reduce drug cravings
- Managing withdrawal symptoms of opiate drugs
- Blocking the effects of other opioid drugs
- Treating opioid dependence
- Patient retention in treatment programs
Suboxone has undoubtedly done more to provide relief to patients from the intense withdrawal symptoms of opioid addiction. The easy availability and usage make it a highly preferred medication amongst doctors and patients.
ChoicePoint Suboxone Doctors
At ChoicePoint, we have licensed doctors to prescribe Suboxone at our MAT clinic in Fair Lawn, NJ. Top benefits of utilizing Suboxone with ChoicePoint:
- You can get the prescription online at the comfort of your home
- You don’t have to visit our clinic in-person
- Our clinical psychologists recommend addiction therapies along with Suboxone for complete recovery
- 24/7 customer support
- Same Day Suboxone prescription
- Hassle-free admission process
All of these benefits are provided through our telehealth services which enable you to get a prescription anytime, anywhere. Do you need Suboxone to fight Opioid addiction in Bergen County, NJ? ChoicePoint provides Suboxone prescriptions through outpatient treatment programs as well. Please call us at 844.445.2563 or visit our state-of-the-art rehab center in Fair Lawn, NJ.
4. Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic opioid categorized as an opioid analgesic. It is essential to mention here that the FDA issued a warning that Methadone has a high risk of abuse and dependence. So users should use Suboxone to treat opioid use disorder.
Methadone Prescription; How Is Methadone Prescribed?
FDA approved methods for methadone prescription are:
- Dolophine: Prescribed in tablet form. Should be dissolved in water or citrus fruit drinks
- Methadose: Prescribed as an oral soluble. Methadone is mainly prescribed as Methadone.
Side Effects of Methadone
One might suffer from some minor side effects from the intake of this drug which could leave after a couple of days. They are mentioned as follows:
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Nausea
- Itchiness
In a case where these symptoms stay for a more extended period, it is advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible. In a case where a person takes this in more than the required amount and overdoses on Methadone, it results in coma, cold skin, and weakness of the muscles.
Methadone Vs. Suboxone: Which Is Better?
Is Methadone Effective?
The number of patients taking Methadone has increased from 227,000 in 2003 to 356,843 in 2015. But the number of people still fighting Opioid addiction reached 2.8 million in 2015. The ongoing opioid epidemic in the US suggests that patients should start using different medications. So why use a medication with vast amounts of risks associated with it? Suboxone is an FDA-approved safer drug with little to no side effects. To get the same-day Suboxone prescription, please call us at 844.445.2563.
5. Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are medications that serve the purpose of healing and curing anxiety and other issues of the same kind. These issues involve insomnia, depression, and seizures. They’re caused when the brain faces pressure, and the nerve cells in the brain are put into more work than they can handle. It builds up too much stress and results in anxiety or insomnia. People take these drugs to help themselves achieve calm and feel more at peace daily by relaxing their brains.
How Do Benzodiazepines Work?
Our brain consists of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that represses nerve activity. Since benzodiazepines help cure anxiety, they increase the effects of GABA, which slows the action of nerves in the brain and the spinal cord. These drugs are not a long-term solution but are prescribed briefly because getting addicted is not a good sign for one’s health.
It is strongly advised not to take anything like alcohol alongside this drug that could affect one’s nervous system. Mixing alcohol with this drug would only worsen the last symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, and further depression.
Several different types of Benzodiazepines provide separate functions:
a) Alprazolam
This drug works to give the brain a soothing effect and reduces anxiety. People suffering from panic disorders take this to help soothe their minds.
b) Chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)
This drug-like every other benzodiazepine helps reduce anxiety but also treats acute withdrawal from alcohol. This medication should only be taken in the prescribed amount with the constant help and vigilance of the doctor.
c) Diazepam
Diazepam works to cure stiff muscles and helps loosen tightened muscles in the legs region especially. It also provides sedation before a medical procedure such as that surgery.
d) Flurazepam (Dalmane) and temazepam (Restoril)
This is a part of sedative drugs that treat restlessness and insomnia.
e) Clonazepam
It serves the function of treating seizures and people who suffer from panic disorders.
4 Important Factors to Consider When Choosing MAT
Benefits of Benzodiazepines
The vast number of FDA-approved Benzodiazepines on the market are available in all dosage forms, making their usage highly efficient and significantly decreasing the chances of developing any dependency or side effects.
Benefits include:
- Reduction in the feeling of anxiety during withdrawal
- Managing anxiety attacks in mental health disorders
- Muscle relaxant for providing a sense of calm
Struggling with Anxiety Attacks and Depression symptoms? ChoicePoint offers addiction therapy services in individual or group therapy for managing disruptive behaviors.
Side Effects of Benzodiazepines
It is advised for pregnant women not to take this drug because it might affect the delivery and birth process and result in complications. The side effects that appear from intake of this drug are as follows:
- Drowsiness
- Depression and confusion
- Memory issues
- Sleep impairment
- Aggression
- Headache
- Intake of this drug in more than the required amount can lead to a coma, mumbling during the speech, and losing control of one’s muscles.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Benzodiazepines
- Instantly cutting the intake of this drug from one’s life is not a wise act because it results in tremors, seizures, and vomiting.
- A person will find difficulty in focusing on his tasks because of his previous grown attachment and dependency on this drug.
- These can even worsen with time and result in death if one doesn’t take the necessary precautions.
- One crucial precaution is to keep the drug dosage in small amounts and after longer gaps.
Hence, it is advised not to take these drugs for longer than two weeks. Those who take it for more than two weeks would then have to face the mentioned withdrawal symptoms, which could be avoided under the doctor’s strict supervision. One can enjoy this drug’s benefits by just sticking to the doctor’s protocols and taking the right dosage precisely at the right time, as recommended by addiction doctors at MAT clinic.
ChoicePoint Treatment Plan for Expecting Mothers
Suppose you are an expecting mother and struggling to find the right treatment plan for your addiction. In that case, our expecting mother treatment plan is specifically designed to cater to your specific needs.
Therapies for Lifelong Recovery
Patients who perform only inpatient detox have a 65% chance of relapsing! However, when patients complete an Outpatient Treatment Program (OP) after detox, their chance of relapse is only 15%! This shows the importance of getting a patient to attend therapy after detoxing.
ChoicePoint offers the following addiction therapies:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
- The dialectical behavior therapy program
- Individual therapy program
- Group therapy program
Our addiction doctors and clinical psychologists at Fair Lawn’s MAT clinic also offer dual diagnosis treatment programs to help patients recover from co-occurring disorders. So don’t delay further, and get your custom addiction treatment plan by contacting us at [DIRECT].
Conclusion
Among all the medications discussed above, Suboxone offers long-lasting results with fewer chances of abuse and dependence. One should avoid self-medication to avoid the negative consequences and must always get a prescription from licensed doctors. Medication can help you cope with the withdrawal symptoms of addiction. But you should avail behavior-changing therapies to curb the addiction from its roots. ChoicePoint, as the best MAT clinic, has all the cutting-edge resources that you need to initiate and sustain recovery. Contact us now, and we’ll help you start your recovery journey today.
Medical Disclaimer:
ChoicePoint aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use disorder and mental health issues. Our team of licensed medical professionals research, edit and review the content before publishing. However, this information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice please consult your physicians or ChoicePoint's qualified staff.
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