Why Medication-Assisted Drug Treatment Works

Drug dependencies are surprisingly easy to develop but are extremely hard to overcome, and many people who seek drug rehabilitation services end up right back where they were beforehand. Today, clinics offer medication-assisted drug treatment, and this form of treatment offers great results for opioid use disorder treatment. If you are ready to quit for good and want help, you should consider using a medication-assisted program.

What Is a Medication-Assisted Program?

Getting into full recovery is not an easy task, and this is primarily because of the effects drugs have on the brain. While all drugs have different effects, most target the reward center in the brain. This is what causes a high, and this is what attracts people to drugs.

The problem with this is that when a person begins using drugs, the drugs alter the person’s brain. After a while, the brain stops making the normal chemicals it used to make, and this is part of what really causes an addiction. Without the brain producing these chemicals, using drugs is the only way to feel good, or even normal.

A medication-assisted drug treatment program helps people break this cycle with medications. These medications are able to bind to the receptors in the brain, thereby eliminating (at a therapeutic dose) withdrawal symptoms. On a stable therapeutic dose, the high and the withdrawal can be eliminated leaving the patient to develop the life and lifestyle they choose. While still dependent on the medication, the illegal, chaotic, and unstable routine of the drug-addicted lifestyle is eliminated.

Why Do These Work?

If an addict receives the right type of medication at a therapeutic dose, he or she may not experience any withdrawal symptoms at all. There are several types of medications used for this form of drug treatment, and the two most common ones are methadone and Suboxone. Each type binds to the receptors in the brain, making it easier for the person to stop using illegal drugs.

Does This Offer Instant Results?

Unfortunately, there is currently no treatment for drug abuse that offers instant results. It is well established that drug addiction a disease, and treating a disease is not something that happens overnight. In fact, it often takes months or even years to fully recover from drug addiction.

With the help of medication, those with the disease of addiction can slowly overcome the addiction. While getting doses of the medication, he or she can begin working on other parts of their lives through counseling and making changes. For example, the addict can begin focusing on emotional and spiritual issues. Next, he or she might be ready to work on vocation, education, or social and recreational activities.

At that point, they may want to begin considering lowering the dosage of the medication and slowly eliminating it altogether. It takes time for this to happen. However, statistics show that the majority of patients do better remaining in medication-assisted treatment and those leaving treatment may have a hard time sustaining recovery.

If you are tired of depending on illegal, harmful drugs to get by, contact Central Florida Treatment Centers. We can help you break your addiction if you are serious about it, and we offer personalized treatment plans for each person that comes for help. Call us today to begin a brand-new way of life that will be healthy and lead to a better future.

4 Steps to Take If You Believe Your Spouse Is an Opioid Addict

Living with an addict of any sort can be overwhelming, but understanding that addiction is a disease can help you search for help. While this fact is surprising for some people to learn, prescription painkillers are one of the most abused substances in the world. In fact, between 26.4 million and 36 million people in the world abuse opioids.

If you believe your spouse is addicted to or abusing opioids, know that you are not alone. Help is readily available for you, your partner and your family. With this guide and the help of professionals, you will know what to do if you suspect your spouse is addicted to opioids.

Confirm

If you already have suspicions, you most likely have seen some signs of unusual behavior. Of course, each person is different and may show different symptoms compared to others. However, if your spouse is abusing or dependent on opioids, you may notice the following:

• Constantly taking, asking for, talking about, or searching for the drug
• Inability to control how much they take and when they take the opioids
• Lack of motivation
• Loss of interest in life or specific activities
• Depression
• Frequent blackouts or memory losses
• Extreme highs and extreme lows
• Withdrawal symptoms if they go without the drug
• Concealing, hiding or lying about drug use
• Use of opioids as a way to deal with stress

Changes in your spouse’s appearance may also signal an addiction to opioids. If your spouse’s pupils are constricted even in dim light, they may be high on drugs.

Also, drooping eyes, slurred speech, flushing of the face and neck, and itchy arms are all signs that your spouse is abusing opioids.

Address

Do not look the other way if you suspect your spouse is abusing drugs. Instead, talk with them about the problem. Do not wait very long; there will not be a “better” time to start the conversation about your spouse’s addiction.
Describe some of the behaviors you see from your spouse, but make sure to remain calm and have the discussion in a non-argumentative manner that does not place blame.

Ask your spouse whether they also feel they have a problem. Then offer your complete support so you can move forward and begin the process of recovery together.

Once you are confident your spouse has an addiction, you must stop enabling this behavior. Enabling occurs through a variety of ways that you may not be familiar with.

You may pick up their prescription drugs while doing your regular grocery shopping each week. Or you may give your spouse money and drive them around in hopes of finding more opioids. You may also make excuses for your spouse’s behavior to coworkers, friends, family members and neighbors.

Your breaking the habit of enabling will help your spouse break their addiction.

Treat

In the best case scenario, your spouse will agree they need treatment, but that is not always the case. Interventions are often used as a way for family members to give addicts encouragement to undergo professional treatment.

A treatment center that uses a combination of therapy and medication to ease the harsh symptoms of withdrawal can be an effective option for your spouse.

After your spouse goes through a successful detox supervised by medical professionals, they can begin therapy for their addiction.

Care

The time your spouse spends in treatment will depend on a few factors, including their emotional well-being, physical health and basic needs. Once the treatment is complete and as it occurs, you’ll need to provide your spouse with special care to aid their recovery.

Your loved one can learn to manage their addiction. Regular attendance at meetings can form the basis for continuing therapy and offer support that reduces the risk of relapses. You and your spouse can attend these meetings together.

If your spouse is addicted to opioids, addressing the problem is imperative. To learn more opioid addiction and treatment, contact the Central Florida Treatment Centers today.​

Alternative Approaches To Augment Your Addiction Treatment And Recovery

Opiate addiction affects everyone- from loved ones and relatives to communities and society in general. In addition to inpatient hospitalization and treatment centers, it helps to maintain a ‘tool-box’ of therapeutic approaches and strategies to prevent relapse and keep you on your recovery path. Consider some unique and holistic ways to enhance your sense of well-being and improve your chances of maintaining sobriety.

Some alternative approaches to addiction treatment include these practices:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a safe and holistic option for your treatment regimen, that is being found more-widely in most regions. Some studies indicate that acupuncture can decrease the discomfort during detox, as well as reduce cravings during withdrawal from substances, such as opioids. Furthermore, acupuncture is credited with lowering anxiety, boosting mood, and increasing energy, perhaps due to the fact that it impacts the endocrine system.

Nutrition

Don’t underestimate the value of diet during recovery; what you put into your body is fueling your efforts toward sobriety. Studies are emerging regarding biochemical restoration which attempts to manage imbalances in the body that lead to cravings, mood swings, stress and anxiety, which could cause relapse among addicts. Many others in recovery have found that a plant-based lifestyle makes them feel better overall and that it instills confidence and stewardship during the recovery process.

Meditation

Meditation can help regulate and improve mood among those involved in 12-step programs or other recovery path. It can provide the focus and venue to avoid and prevent relapse, while also providing many with a new sense of insight and self-awareness. This could lead to a deeper understanding of the individual’s triggers and behaviors, which is a useful and powerful tool for recovery.

Medications

Alternative approaches to recovery should not replace your current medications prescribed by your practitioner, and you should always inform your provider of any new treatments or supplements you are taking. Beyond methadone and anti-agonist therapy drugs, other medications could aid recovery, such as CBD oil. Studies show that an average dose of around 5mg of Cannabidiol oil daily impacts drug-seeking behaviors without notable physical impairment. In sum, CBD favorably impacts relapse among opioid addicts in recovery.  

Yoga

It is not surprising that exercise is recommended for those in recovery from opiates or other drugs, as it is a natural mood-elevator and stimulant. However, yoga, specifically, has benefits that include an innercalm and peace of mind that can reduce instances of relapse. Also, yoga is lauded for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression widely, while keeping you toned and fit, with a strong core.

Pets

Addicts in recovery often benefit from pet therapy; the nurturance involved with a pet provides a healthy, therapeutic bond that serves as a companion during a difficult time. Researchers have shown that spending time with pets and companion animals can provide feelings of overall well-being, improve mood, and create social engagement, in addition to lowering blood pressure and reducing chronic pain. Pets provide routine and purpose, which is grounding and beneficial during times of change or transition.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that at least a third of the adult population in this country embraces and uses some sort of holistic medicine practice. This could lead to a growing demand for alternative therapies and options- including in treating addiction- in years to come.

If you or someone you love is recovering from opiate addiction, the Central Florida Treatment Centers can help. Augment your current treatment regime with this arsenal of alternative approaches that can induce serenity, increase confidence, and improve your chances of recovery. Talk to a practitioner or professional to discuss detoxification and treatment planning today.

What Causes Addiction

Addiction is a complicated chronic disorder that combines psychological and physiological dependency. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2013 roughly 20 million Americans were in need of substance abuse treatment, but either chose not to or were unable to seek rehabilitation.

The primary cause of physiological addiction is habituation. As an individual continues to use a substance, his or her body becomes acclimated to it, requiring a larger dose to reach the desired “high”. Eventually the body actually begins to require the drug in order to prevent symptoms of withdrawal.

Signs that a person has reached the stage of addiction include: increased anxiety or depression, insomnia, night sweats, tremors and frequent headaches. While addictive drugs can affect anyone, those suffering from mental health issues are often much more likely to turn to substance abuse. The National Alliance on Mental Illness has reported that individuals with mental disorders make up over 50 percent of all addicts. This can present a serious obstacle when it comes to rehabilitation; users and their caregivers must tackle both physiological dependency and underlying psychological issues.

No matter your walk of life, addiction is extremely difficult to overcome on your own. While family and friends can offer support, they may not always have the knowledge and tools needed. If you or someone you know is looking to escape their habit, call Central Florida Treatment Centers, Inc. in Orlando 407-843-0041 to learn more about rehabilitation.

What Makes Central Florida Treatment Centers Different?

What sets Central Florida Treatment Centers apart from other outpatient programs engaged in the long term treatment of opioid use disorder

Current long term treatment of addiction to opiates involves both substance abuse therapy and the use of medications to prevent cravings and relapse. The medications involved in this process include either methadone, buprenorphine (usually Subutex, Suboxone or Zubsolv), and naltrexone. This program is called Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorders. It is regulated by both Federal and State authority (In Florida, Department of Children and Family Services, 65D-30.014).

Of the three prescription medication choices, long term methadone treatment is considered “the gold standard” because medical research has demonstrated that this medication has, thus far, produced the most satisfactory results in those who were managed with this particular medication.

Many currently licensed facilities are available to dispense methadone in this state. Compliance involves establishment and delivery of at least the minimum requirements of the created, previously referenced Federal and State medical maintenance protocols by each individual facility.

Central Florida Treatment Centers remain unique from many other methadone treatment organizations due to the extra measures taken by our facilities, above and beyond those governmentally mandated, to further assist all of the patients who are enrolled in our opioid use disorder (medication assisted) treatment program.

These measures include:

1)Exceptionally knowledgeable and experienced medical and substance abuse therapy staff in addiction treatment

2)Physician expertise in urine toxicology interpretation to aid in successful team treatment options

3) Stabilization of patients on lowest helpful appropriate therapeutic methadone doses

4)Ongoing staff education program to keep staff appraised of newly published information concerning evidence based opiate abuse management

5)De-emphasis on marijuana testing results due to its legality in Florida.

6)Promoting understanding, empathy, respect, and initiation of empowerment strategies in patients trying to achieve sobriety but struggling with and without concomitant use of other illicit substances.

7)Accommodation to patient work schedules, if possible

8)Increased counseling hours to enable necessary time to be spent with complex patients

9)Coordination of care with consultant and primary care physicians

10) Courtesy out of facility medication dosing for patients with special needs

11) Monthly pill counting of prescribed controlled medications along with consistent PDMP checks to ensure and eliminate the potential for abuse

12) Incorporation of multiple counseling techniques to better manage the most difficult patients

13) Patient medication and laboratory result follow-up with physician to educate and promote best practice medicine and mental health therapy

14) Complete discussion of MAT options and an understanding of Federal anti-discrimination laws to all patients in our program.

By Robert D. Lovinger, M.D., FAAP, FACE

Medical Director, Central Florida Treatment Centers & Author – “Addiction Medicine – A Primer For Healthcare Professionals” – Published 2019, Elsevier