Here is some more information on medicinal treatment for opiate addiction and its recurring disorders.
Opiate Addiction
Many studies have shown that heroin overdose and suicide are closely associated with mental health disorders. Individuals participating in certain studies reported high rates of hopelessness and despair, antisocial behavior, as well as self harm. Mood disorders associated with opiate addiction are anxiety and depression.
Heroin is a highly addictive opiate. While the rate of heroin use dropped for several decades, it is now increasing in number yet again. This is due to it being easily substituted for OxyContin, which is becoming less readily available as prescription drug laws become more strict. There are multiple stages of heroin and opiate ingestion. Government reports show that the purity of heroin on the streets has greatly improved while the cost has decreased. The higher purity of the drug makes it easier for it to be smoked, snorted, and abused in general.
Medications Used to Treat Opiate Addiction and Opiate Detox
Medication options are available for dealing with mental health disorders and heroin or other opiate addictions. The appropriate dual diagnosis treatment program in a drug rehab facility can help break the addiction and manage the mental health disorder without placing you on methadone.
Common opiate detox medications and opiate addiction medications:
- Levo-alpha acetylmethadol (LAAM)
Levo-alpha acetylmethadol, also called LAAM, is an opiate agonist that helps reduce the cravings for opioids.
- Naloxone
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and it does not have the morphine-like properties characteristic of other opioid antagonists. - Naltrexone
Naltrexone takes the reward of getting high away from an opiate dependent individual. It blocks the opioids from acting on the brain so the user feels no effect from the drug. It is also used to help stop opiate cravings. - Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone)
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone that reduces opiate withdrawal symptoms from opiate dependence. - Subutex (buprenorphine)
Subutex is buprenorphine that is delivered sublingually. The active ingredient reduces opiate withdrawal symptoms, cravings and is much easier to stop using because of its long half life.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.
The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.
