As the government simply stated, we have a national health crisis on our hands. For decades, prescription painkillers and illegal drugs have been contributing to the Opioid Crisis, possibly one of the most terrifying emergencies since the HIV/AIDS outbreak in the 1970s. Every day, someone is either abusing or developing an addiction to opioid medications or dangerous street substitutes. (For example, in New York City, 80% of reported overdoses are directly triggered by opioids.) Likewise, a dangerous synthetic called fentanyl has been cut into heroin and cocaine and added to mimic pills that are sold as prescription opioids (the primary factor behind Prince and Tom Petty’s deaths). While not all of us need opioids, these drugs are still a serious part of our society. Fortunately, though, researchers have developed a unique way to help addicts overcome their sickness: fighting drugs with drugs. Let’s take a closer look at methadone and buprenorphine treatment
Effective Methods for Healing
Interestingly, researchers have explained how medication-assistance therapy is one of the best routes for opioid addicts to take. As part of one of these programs, patients will consume drugs (prescribed by a doctor) on a daily basis to overcome painful withdrawal symptoms, curb residual cravings, and to achieve stability. On that note, researchers have confirmed that methadone and buprenorphine (two medications used for this form of therapy) can greatly reduce a patient’s risks of suffering an overdose or contracting illnesses like HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.
How Do These Medications Help?
Simply put, methadone and buprenorphine reduce the chances of relapse to opioid use by:
- Curbing severe cravings for these painkillers (short-term or long-term)
- Alleviating the symptoms of opioid withdrawal
- Putting a damper on the effects of heroin and other dangerous opioid painkillers
Where Can I Find Help?
Before beginning any form of therapy or rehabilitation, it is best for you to contact your primary caregiver and healthcare provider to determine which program works best for you and your current predicament. If you take part in methadone or buprenorphine treatment programs, then you must exercise caution. (Never mix drugs together.)
Seeking Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder
While absolutely necessary for chronic pain patients, opioids are deadly and potentially addictive drugs that can wreak havoc on your mind and body. Physician supervision and your cooperation are the keys to healing, but you need to know when to take control. Are you suffering from a severe form of opioid abuse or addiction or have a friend or loved one who is battling this sickness? In any of these cases, be sure to get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process detox and withdrawal and guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process to help you separate yourself from morphine or other deadly opioids.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your attachment to opioids.
