For those who are trying to conquer a substance abuse disorder, willpower alone is often not enough. Long-term substance abuse causes changes in the brain, leading to dependence on the substance. For lasting sobriety and recovery, the most effective treatment plans combine counseling, therapy, and medication. This kind of medication-assisted treatment, also referred to as MAT, can help clients overcome their substance abuse disorder. So at Positive Pathways, our medication-assisted treatment programs in Pennsylvania combines high-quality psychiatric help with medications like Suboxone and Vivitrol. We can help you or your loved one get back to living a full life.
The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment Programs in Pennsylvania
During recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, many patients experience cravings. Even after detox, temptations to use substances are common because long-term abuse makes the brain dependent on drugs. However, some medications can help by promoting abstinence and mitigating cravings. The use of these medications, along with professional counseling, can lead to long-lasting sobriety with the help of a medication-assisted treatment center in Pennsylvania
Some benefits of a medication-assisted treatment program in Pennsylvania include:
- Lower risk of relapse
- Lower chances of overdose
- Improved chances of employment
- Fewer cravings
- Decreased use of illegal drugs or other criminal activities
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also notes that the use of medications along with therapies can contribute to a lower risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C.
Our Medication-Assisted Treatment Center in Pennslyvania
We use both Suboxone and Vivitrol to treat substance abuse disorders in our medication-assisted treatment program in Pennsylvania. Both of these medications can help you feel better faster, reduce cravings, and set you up for success in your recovery.
Suboxone
Suboxone is a scheduled medication used to treat opioid addiction. It is made up of buprenorphine and naloxone. These work together to make the medication as effective as possible. Buprenorphine works by partially filling the opiate receptors. And when the opiate receptors are filled, the body does not go into opiate withdrawal, and drug cravings are lessened or eliminated. However, buprenorphine does not stimulate the opiate receptors enough to cause intoxication in someone with an opiate tolerance.
Naloxone is an opiate antagonist that is added to Suboxone to reduce the likelihood of abuse and diversion. When you take Suboxone as directed, the naloxone within is not activated and does nothing. However, if you try to abuse Suboxone (by injecting it, for example), the naloxone is activated. Once activated, the naloxone fills the opiate receptors in the brain and turns them off all at once. With all opiate receptors inactivated at once, you go into immediate and intense opiate withdrawal. The naloxone blocks other opiates from activating these receptors, so taking opiates after naloxone has no effect. Once in a precipitated naloxone withdrawal, there is no reversing it.
The naloxone in Suboxone makes it a difficult drug to abuse. This makes it safer for the user and enables doctors to prescribe this medication in month-long take-home doses. After you take Suboxone, you stop craving drugs, and you also don’t get high. By using suboxone, you can start to feel normal again and get your life back on track.
Sublocade
Positive Pathways is now offering Sublocade as an additional recovery tool for individuals with opioid use disorder. Sublocade is the first once-monthly injection that is designed to deliver a sustained release of buprenorphine to patients over an entire month versus needing to take oral buprenorphine daily. This method allows patients to be able to focus on day-to-day life without the concern of missing a dose of medication and eliminates the multiple trips to a pharmacy each month. Sublocade should be used as part of a complete treatment regimen that includes counseling and psychosocial support.
Vivitrol
Unlike Suboxone, which stimulates the opioid receptors, Vivitrol blocks the receptors. It can block the effects of opioids and diminish some of the rewards of drinking alcohol. When used by people highly motivated in their treatment, such effects may lessen the chances of relapse, especially in early recovery.
Vivitrol may also play a role in preventing cravings that might otherwise lead a person to relapse after the initial detox. Though many people are able to resume their recovery after a relapse, sometimes, an early relapse can lead to a person giving up on the recovery process altogether.
A related benefit for those on Vivitrol would be that there is no risk of withdrawal when discontinuing the drug. Because the drug is long-lasting, Vivitrol is a convenient treatment tool for people in recovery. It doesn’t require a person to remember to take a pill each day or make daily trips to a clinic or treatment facility.
Contact Positive Pathways for MAT in Pennsylvania Today
At Positive Pathways, we have years of experience in providing quality care for substance abuse disorders and psychiatric disorders. We offer:
- Co-occurring disorder treatment programs
- Hepatitis C treatment programs
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- Addiction treatment therapies
When you or your loved one is ready to take the next step, our medication-assisted treatment programs in Pennsylvania can help. Contact us today at 412.224.2812.