Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic brain disease, and is listed as such in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5)….
There are several different treatment options for an individual struggling with substance abuse. Every individual is different and will respond distinctly to varying treatment methods available. Depending on the individual and his or her situation, a medication-assisted treatment program may be advised. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, assert that medication-assisted treatment is an effective method of treatment for individuals struggling with opioid abuse and/ or opioid use disorders (OUD). Medication-assisted treatment is a combination of counseling and behavior therapies in conjunction with the use of medication to treat one’s substance use disorder. The two most common medications prescribed as a component of medication-assisted treatment are Methadone and Suboxone.
Methadone
Methadone is a medication that was developed and is currently approved to treat chronic pain. Methadone is the generic name for the following medications Dolophine, Methadone HCI Intensol, and Methadose. The United State Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies Methadone as a Schedule II controlled substance. Schedule II controlled substances are denoted as substances that have a high potential for abuse, “with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence.” Methadone comes in several forms such as: oral solution, oral tablet, injectable solution, oral concentrate, and an oral dispersible tablet (has to be dissolved in liquid prior to ingesting). When used to treat substance use disorder, it can be introduced at different points during one’s recovery process. Individuals that attend a medically assisted detox program may begin using methadone during the detox phase to help with one’s withdrawal symptoms. When methadone is used for subsequent addiction treatment, it must be done so under the direct supervision of a medical professional, and is generally only available as a form of treatment in certified opioid treatment programs and methadone maintenance clinics. In some situations it is possible for the prescribing medical professional to allow his or her patient to take methadone doses between visits, but only after the physician deems the individual is stable with his or her methadone treatment.
Suboxone
Suboxone is one of three brand-name versions of buprenorphine-naloxone, the others being Zubsolv and Bunavail. Suboxone is classified by the DEA as a Schedule III controlled substance. Schedule III controlled substances are defined as substances with moderate to low potential for psychological and physical dependence. Suboxone comes in an oral film that is intended to be placed under one’s tongue or between one’s cheek and gums to dissolve. The generic version of Suboxone also comes in a sublingual (dissolvable under one’s tongue) tablet. Suboxone is specifically approved to treat opioid dependence. Much like methadone, Suboxone can help manage withdrawal symptoms during one’s detox process as well as reduce one’s drug cravings. Suboxone allows one’s body to wean off of opioids as its chemical makeup contains a partial opioid agonist. A physician that prescribes Suboxone does so as to assist in combating one’s physical opioid dependence, which can provide an individual with greater bandwidth to concentrate on his or her emotional and behavioral recovery.
Los Angeles Treatment Facilities
Los Angeles, California is an excellent location to go through treatment. The gorgeous geographical location, consistent sunny weather, and expansive recovery support network is unparalleled. Furthermore, Los Angeles is filled with many specialized treatment programs, including medication-assisted treatment facilities. Conducting an Internet search to provide a list of substance abuse and addiction treatment programs can be helpful for an individual to understand his or her available options. When deciding which treatment program to attend it is important to consider one’s unique needs and make sure the program selected is fully capable of accommodating those needs. This can successfully narrow down the options, providing an individual with a more pointed path when it comes to deciding his or her treatment program. Any mental health clinician and/ or medical professional should be able to provide recommendations when it comes to medication-assisted treatment programs in Los Angeles.
Further Information
Substance abuse and addiction can be incredibly dangerous.
If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. There is no reason to go through this alone. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction.
References
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-drug-class/information-about-medication-assisted-treatment-mat#:~:text=Medication%2Dassisted%20treatment%20(MAT)%20is%20the%20use%20of%20medications,some%20people%20to%20sustain%20recovery
- https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/opioid-use-disorder/opioid-use-disorder
- https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling
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