How Effective Is Opiate Addiction Treatment in the US?

How Effective Is Opiate Addiction Treatment in the US?

 that they have been termed an epidemic by the medical community, government agencies and the media. In light of the prevalence of opiate abuse in America, a similarly extensive means of treating opiate addicts is needed. While the US has measures in place to assist opiate addicts in recovery, several factors suggest they are not sufficient. 

Opiate Addiction Treatment in America

There are two main types of opioid detox treatment are short-term detoxification and long-term maintenance treatment. Short-term detoxification consists of three to 12 weeks in which opiates are not used, resulting in a host of withdrawal symptoms. Long-term maintenance continues indefinitely as health and social problems related to opiate abuse are addressed. In both cases, intensive psychotherapeutic care should follow the detox method of choice in order to solidify the new behaviors.

Although a detox is attractive in the clean break it can offer patients, many prefer the long-term option because the withdrawal symptoms, though still present, are far less debilitating. Methadone and buprenorphine are the medications of choice often used in this style of detox; the dosage and length of time spent using the medication will vary from patient to patient.

Medications for Treatment

Methadone and buprenorphine both can help the patient to sidestep some withdrawal symptoms that often come with opiate detox, and both medications are heavily regulated in the US. Their availabilities and effectiveness are as follows:

Methadone:

·         Prescribed at federally regulated drug treatment centers

·         Take-home doses only for select patients

·         Long-term efficacy proven in studies

Buprenorphine:

·         Prescribed at federally regulated drug treatment centers or physicians’ offices

·         Dispensed at community-based pharmacies

·         Proven effective in the treatment of low-dose opiate addictions

Overall, medication-based treatments have been proven successful in treating patients who have repeatedly attempted to get clean and sober but have ultimately relapsed each time. They are not, however, a magic pill that will wipe out addiction, and they are not the best choice for every patient. Therapeutic intervention that addresses underlying mental health issues as well as co-occurring disorders is crucial to the success of the patient in recovery when it comes to building a new life that doesn’t include drug and alcohol abuse.

Opiate dependency is a serious medical condition that can be treated successfully. If you are, or a loved one is, suffering from dependence upon an opiate painkiller like OxyContin, Percodan, Vicodin and others, or street drugs like heroin, call today to speak with an admissions coordinator who can assist you in finding the right treatment for your needs.