Opiate dependence occurs when there is improper use of drugs such as heroin or prescription medicines like Tylenol with Morphine, Oxycodone, and Codeine. Doctors stabilize patients through detoxification and management. During treatment, the doctor prescribes substitutes such as Buprenorphine, Suboxone, or Methadone to prevent overdependence. Patients seeking specialists for Suboxone treatment in Chamblee can benefit through a wide variety of interventions from the experts at Lenox Medical Clinic.
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Use of agonists to treat opiate dependence
Methadone is a long-term treatment for opioids as it acts as an agonist. It comes in powder form and requires dissolution in water and then consumed as a liquid. Also, the doctor can prescribe a tablet that you place under your tongue.
Methadone is the most common form of treatment due to its cost advantages. However, for effectiveness, it must work alongside other medications and can cause unusual heartbeats. Even though it works in conjunction with therapeutic interventions, there are significant complications.
Other treatment options include Suboxone which comes in the form of sprays and injections. Suboxone treatment is reserved for people with withdrawal symptoms and allows the brain to work normally. Buprenorphine works partially by inducing a ceiling effect and, therefore, it is not easy to overdose.
What to expect during treatment
Before the treatment, your doctor organizes a consultation session to inform you about the dangers of stopping the medication, leading to a loss of tolerance. It can cause intoxication if you resume drug use and even overdose under the prevailing Suboxone treatment.
The management of opioid dependency starts with the evaluation of your mental and social history. Also, you should disclose any medications or illegal drugs you are taking. Medication can take the form of injections, smoking, and snorting. For smoking, your doctor prescribes a tobacco-like substance to inhale through heating.
Tests such as blood count, serology for HIV, Hepatitis, and liver are done. You are also screened for STIs, pregnancy, and tuberculosis. Most specialists require you to sign a therapeutic contract as a commitment to participate in the Opioid treatment.
Recovery from opioid dependency
Once you start the treatment, there is freedom from craving and financial stress caused by purchasing expensive drugs. A new stage set in that begins with basic therapy on addressing underlying social and physical problems.
The therapeutic goals are assessed through follow-up treatments. Your doctor evaluates any personality changes, mood, and anxiety disorders. A follow-up with a psychiatrist may be necessary depending on the complexity of the side effects.
Managing the side effects
You may have problems regarding relationships with your loved ones which can occur due to disturbances caused by self-esteem issues and emotional instability. These issues can limit your ability to create strong and stable relationships.
Your specialist develops a framework that can enable you to forge a working relationship in dealing with such disorders. Over-dependence on hard drugs such as cocaine may require care and attention to prevent the likelihood of a relapse. Therefore, there is a need for regular monitoring during treatment.
The treatment also manages pain caused by overdependence on opioids which induces psychological changes to your central nervous system. Pain awareness is an integral part of this treatment.
If you or your loved ones are suffering from opiate addiction, you can get treatment at Lenox Medical Clinic. Book an appointment to begin your treatment journey.