Opioids Addiction Treatment
Opioids Addiction
Treatment Options
A variety of effective treatment options are available for those seeking help with opioid addiction. Opioids include both illicit and pharmaceutical drugs/pain pills, some of the most common include heroin, opium, fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, codeine, methadone, tramadol, and tapentadol. Medically assisted detox is typically the first step to ensure a safe withdrawal from opioids.
At Addiction Specialists of So. Cal., we offer cutting-edge treatment solutions, including the “Hymes Method.” This unique approach allows the patient to detox from opioids, in an outpatient setting, while mitigating and greatly reducing the withdrawal symptoms commonly associated with the opioid detox process. Hymes Method utilizes a novel combination of FDA approved medications along with the BRIDGE device (an FDA cleared periauricular neurostimulator) and psychosocial support to greatly increases the success of opioid detox, ultimately helping patients achieve long-term success. Other techniques available at Addiction Specialists of So. Cal. include the use of Ketamine/Oxytocin, and other medications such as Semaglutide.
There are various ways to manage the symptoms of withdrawal. Several medications that have proven effective in minimizing these symptoms are available for use. However, it’s important to note that detox alone isn’t an effective treatment for addiction and doesn’t prevent relapse long-term. Proper treatment is necessary for long term recovery.
Once a patient is detoxed, Addiction Specialists of So. Cal., offers additional options such as Buprenorphine and Naltrexone, as well as new FDA approved medications designed to prevent relapse and treat fentanyl, heroin, and opioid pill addiction.
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Naltrexone and VIVITROL
Naltrexone is a once-a-day oral opioid blocker that can also be used to cut alcohol cravings.
VIVITROL is the first and only once a month injectable version of naltrexone approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to prevent opioid dependence after patients have gone through opioid detoxification.
Vivitrol is an injectable time released form of naltrexone that is taken once a month. Vivitrol acts on the brain’s receptors for pleasure, blocking the receptor’s ability to gain any reaction from chemicals such as heroin or opiate pain pills.
When opioids like heroin or pain pills are in your body, they send signals to the brain’s reward system, creating a euphoric feeling that can lead to addiction. VIVITROL blocks these signals.
VIVITROL blocks the effects of opiates and prevents dependence.
VIVITROL is not addictive and does not lead to physical dependence.
VIVITROL does not replace or act as a substitute for opioids.
VIVITROL does not provide pain relief.
Unlike opioids, VIVITROL does not create a “high.”
Finally, there is a very long-lasting version of Naltrexone, which can be implanted in the form of small pellets in the body, that may last 3 to 6 months.
Buprenorphine and Sublocade
Buprenorphine (multiple oral versions) and a once-a-month injection (Sublocade ®) is a medication that has been shown to significantly reduce the chances of returning to abusing opioids.
There is very little high associated with Buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine has its own pain-relieving properties, so Buprenorphine would be the drug of choice with people that got addicted due to a pain problem.
Buprenorphine blocks other opioids from working, if it’s in the body.
The Bridge Device
The BRIDGE is an FDA cleared periauricular nerve stimulator device used to treat the symptoms of opioid withdrawals during the detox process. The BRIDGE device is a unique tool that can help with one of the most challenging aspects of overcoming an opioid addiction – the pain during the initial detox. It works by interfering with pain signals from the spine and brain and is easy to apply here in our clinic.
The Hymes Method allows patients to overcome the fear of opioid withdrawal and provides the opportunity to comfortably transition to relapse prevention therapy, based around both medication and support systems, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and individual therapy.
*The treatment of opioid abuse involves multifaceted, multidisciplinary approaches to increase success and achieve long-term outcomes, below are some of the steps and approaches we provide at Addiction Specialists of So. Cal.
See How Bridge Works
Comprehensive Assessment
Detoxification (if necessary)
Behavioral Therapies
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and modify maladaptive thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors associated with marijuana use. It focuses on developing coping strategies, enhancing problem-solving skills, and preventing relapse.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): MET aims to increase an individual's motivation to change their behavior by exploring and resolving ambivalence towards substance use. It helps individuals identify personal goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
- Contingency Management (CM): CM involves providing tangible rewards or incentives to reinforce abstinence from substance use. Positive reinforcement is used to encourage individuals to engage in healthy activities and maintain sobriety.
Supportive Interventions
- Support Groups: Participating in support groups, such as Cocaine Anonymous (CA,) Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA,) Narcotics Anonymous (NA,) Alcoholics Anonymous (AA,) Heroin Anonymous (HA,) Marijuana Anonymous (MA,) Pills Anonymous (PA,) or group therapy sessions, provides individuals with a supportive community of peers facing similar challenges.
- Family Therapy: Involving family members in therapy sessions can improve communication, address dysfunctional dynamics, and create a supportive environment that encourages recovery.
- Individual Counseling: Individual counseling sessions allow individuals to explore personal issues, develop coping skills, and address any co-occurring mental health concerns.
Holistic Approaches
Integrating holistic approaches, such as mindfulness meditation, exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction techniques, can contribute to overall well-being and aid in the recovery process. These practices promote self-care, reduce cravings, and enhance mental resilience.