Medications Used To Treat Opioid Addiction

How Do Medications Work To Treat Opioid Addiction?

Beginning your journey to overcome your opioid use disorders through an addiction treatment program is a courageous step to make. While you are ready to start your substance abuse treatment programs, you want to ensure that you are safe and comfortable as you embark on the opioid detox portion of your treatment programs. It is no secret that opioid abuse creates a strong physical dependency within its users and that withdrawal symptoms from opioid abuse can be unpleasant, uncomfortable, and at times, painful. Opioid treatment programs will often include opioid addiction medicine that will support patients in a safe, comfortable detox process. Addiction medicine for opioid abuse will support patients in alleviating the severity of their withdrawal symptoms and mitigating any strong urges for drugs. These addiction medicines help patients to remain focused on their goals for addiction recovery and support them in achieving long-term sobriety.

3 Medications for Opioid Addiction

There are a number of treatment options for individuals looking to address and heal from opioid use disorders. A medically assisted treatment program will support you in treating opioid use disorder by taking prescription drug medications that are specifically designed for safe detox practices to reduce and eliminate opioid dependence. The following are medications to treat  opioid dependence :

Buprenorphine Suboxone – This addiction medicine is a partial opioid agonist that will bind to opioid receptors within the brain. Buprenorphine suboxone works to reduce cravings for opioid abuse and significantly reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms felt. While buprenorphine suboxone has opioid properties, it does not produce feelings of euphoria allowing patients to be able to handle the medication without developing a dependence on it. 

Methadone – This addiction medicine has been commonly provided to individuals living with opioid use disorders by health care professionals. Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that works to eliminate any moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms and significantly reduces cravings for opioid abuse. Methadone will act on the opioid receptors in the brain similar to the effects of opioids including heroin, fentanyl, or opioid prescription drugs. However, methadone will activate these opioid receptors slower and will block the effect of feeling euphoria or a high from the use. 

Naltrexone Vivitrol – Addiction medicine that is classified as an opioid antagonist. This means that naltrexone Vivitrol blocks the effect of opioid abuse from reaching the opioid receptors in your brain. Individuals taking naltrexone Vivitrol will not feel the rewarding effects of opioid abuse when taking opioids. 

Benefits of Medically-Assisted Treatment for Opioids

Engaging in medically assisted treatment programs for opioid use disorders has been proven to be an effective treatment option for patients for the following reasons: 

MAT Opioid Rehab at Resurgence

At Resurgence, we offer a treatment program that will support you in safely and effectively addressing and overcoming your opioid use disorders. Patients will be supported with medications to treat opioid addiction along with various evidence-based addiction treatment methods that will help them address the root cause of their substance abuse. Through behavioral therapy and mental health support, you will learn the tools and coping skills to maintain a life of sobriety. Contact Resurgence today to hear more about how our team of addiction counselors and health professionals will help you receive the opioid treatment you need to overcome your opioid dependence. 

Learn how medications work to treat opioid addiction! #opioidaddiction #resurgence https://t.co/zz7LjXbIYD

— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) August 10, 2022