There is no single approach to medication-assisted treatment for opioid cravings or even for recovery from opioid addiction, for that matter. Every person’s recovery is as unique as they are. The most important thing to do is to consider all of your options, learn about the medication to reduce opioid cravings, and find an opioid addiction treatment program that works for you. If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid addiction, contact Midwest Recovery online or call us at 833.627.0039 today to learn about our opioid addiction treatment program that can put you on the road to recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
A medication-assisted addiction treatment (MAT) refers to using medications, in concert with other psychosocial treatments and therapy, to treat a patient’s substance use disorder and their whole self. The medication used in this treatment method is designed to assist in your treatment and eventual recovery from addiction, not to replace your treatment plan and recovery efforts.
Midwest Recovery’s medication-assisted treatment for opioid cravings is a professional program focusing on individualized care for those suffering from an addiction to opioids. While this is medication to reduce opioid cravings, there are situations where medications alone are not enough to treat an addiction. In these cases, patients often find success with adding psychosocial treatments and additional support to heal the mind, body, and spirit to enjoy long-term recovery. Safe and effective medication to reduce opioid cravings are currently available and approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
Medication-assisted addiction treatment for opioid use disorders has been the safest and considered the best practice for treatment for most people seeking to overcome their opioid addiction.
The most common medication to reduce opioid cravings that are used in an opioid addiction treatment program include:
- Naltrexone (brand name Vivitrol)
- Buprenorphine (brand name Suboxone)
- Methadone
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is known by the brand name Vivitrol. This medication to reduce opioid cravings is administered by a doctor monthly through an injection. Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. Antagonists attach themselves to opioid receptors in the brain and prevent other opioids such as heroin or painkillers from exerting the effects of the drug. There is no risk of addiction to this medication.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine, known by its brand name Suboxone, is an oral tablet or film dissolved under the tongue. A doctor prescribed this medication, and it is taken daily at a physician’s office or home. Buprenorphine is a partial agonist. Partial agonists attach to the opioid receptors in the brain and activate them, but not to the full degree as agonists. If used against the doctor’s instructions, there is a risk of addiction.
Methadone
Methadone is a liquid that is taken orally. It is usually dispensed through a certified opioid treatment program (OTP) at a clinic until the patient receives take-home doses. Methadone is an opioid agonist that activates opioid receptors in the brain to produce an effect. Addiction is at risk if this medication-assisted treatment for opioid cravings is used against the doctor’s instructions.
Suboxone
One of several medications used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) that are referred to as “opioid antagonists,” Suboxone is in direct opposition to a drug like heroin and oxycodone, which are opioid agonists. As an opioid antagonist, Suboxone works to stop the effects of opioids and helps manage cravings and reduces withdrawal symptoms.
Learn More at Midwest Recovery Center
If you worry that you or someone you love is suffering from opioid addiction, learn how Midwest Recovery can help manage cravings while getting clean and sober. Contact us using our secure online form or call us at 833.627.0039 today.
