Opioid Addiction

Detoxification is the first step in opioid treatment. Detoxification consists of administering medications in a supervised setting to lessen the withdrawal side effects. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction successfully prevents withdrawal side effects, helps avoid future cravings, decreases overdose deaths and lessens criminal activity associated with opioid addiction. Buprenorphine (suboxone), methadone and naltrexone are the three medications that can be given during detoxification and are often still needed in long-term treatment management. Methadone and buprenorphine (suboxone) are opioid-like medications that help treat pain without eliciting euphoria or triggering the brain’s reward system. As a result, these opioid-like medications are not as addictive compared to pure opioids. Naltrexone works by blocking opioids and will cause withdrawal effects if opioids are still an individual’s system. Naltrexone helps prevent future cravings and is often used for long-term opioid addiction.

Psychotherapy approaches are also necessary for opioid use disorder treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy and family therapy are psychotherapy approaches that can help uncover and treat your underlying triggers and any co-occurring mental health disorders. Depending on the seriousness of your disorder, residential treatment or intensive outpatient is usually required, and after a certain amount of time, you can step down into a lower level of care, such as outpatient therapy. Outpatient therapy, in conjunction with support groups, is recommended for the best outcome in your long-term recovery.