What to expect from outpatient addiction services at RCBM
The treatment for addiction is personalized for everyone based on their unique needs. The first step is to diagnose the underlying cause of addiction accurately. Diagnostic tests are essential for identifying the root causes of self-medicating. No one becomes addicted if they are happy, healthy, and whole. Treating the underlying diagnosis is crucial in preventing a relapse. However, some medications can help reduce cravings, regardless of the underlying psychiatric diagnosis. Treating the underlying diagnosis is critical to preventing relapse, but some medications work to help reduce cravings, which work irrespective of the underlying psychiatric diagnosis.
Inpatient or Outpatient Detoxification: This determination is always made on a case-by-case basis. If a person has ever had a seizure of any kind, they must detox at an inpatient facility. If a person has certain pre-existing health conditions or has been using a substance copiously or over an extended period, inpatient treatment may be necessary.
Acamprosate: This is used exclusively for alcohol abuse and works similarly to naltrexone
Antabuse: This drug is used for alcohol abuse. It produces a sickening effect when alcohol is consumed. Flushing, nausea, vomiting, and racing heart are all common effects when alcohol is consumed while on Antabuse. This acts as a deterrent for relapse.
Naltrexone: This is the oral alternative to vivitrol. It must be taken daily for the best results. It can be used for opiates or alcohol relapse prevention.
Suboxone: Suboxone is a drug that is used for the Stabilization of Opioid Addiction. It contains both buprenorphine and naltrexone. Buprenorphine is a long-acting opiate, and naltrexone is a blocker for opiates. When taken together, it can prevent a fatal opiate relapse by reducing cravings but blocking any feeling of being high. This enables patients to regain function in a situation where they do not feel ready for an opiate detox. At RCBM, we attempt to taper patients off this drug as quickly as possible to live an opiate-free life. Suboxone is highly useful to ease the symptoms of opiate withdrawal and is most accessible to come off when patients use it briefly. We also have extensive skills in tapering patients off suboxone who have been on it for extended periods.
Sublocade: Sublocade (buprenorphine) is prescribed to help individuals who are dependent on opioids and have been taking buccal or sublingual buprenorphine for at least seven days. This extended-release injection is classified as an opiate partial agonist. Buprenorphine works by mimicking the effects of opioid drugs, thereby preventing withdrawal symptoms when a person stops taking opioids.
Vivitrol: This is a once-monthly injection that goes into the hip. It blocks the effects of opiates and alcohol for 30 days. If you relapse, you will not get drunk or high. It reduces cravings by resting in the alcohol or opiate receptor sites, quieting the brain into thinking it has gotten what it is craving. It allows the brain to heal much faster than by sobriety alone. If a person uses enough of the substance they have been abusing, they can overcome it, but that is less common.
Talk Therapy: This is an essential piece of any recovery. Overcoming addiction requires patience, accountability, honesty, and self-respect. Talk therapy provides the skills to obtain and maintain sobriety.
Medical Nutrition Therapy: Medical Nutrition Therapy addresses the impact of alcohol and illicit drug use on the body's ability to absorb nutrients, which can lead to nutrient depletion. These substances also tend to suppress appetite, increasing the risk of severe dehydration and vitamin deficiencies. In addition, nutrition intervention can help stabilize mood and reduce cravings. Our registered dietitians can help you achieve an optimal diet to prevent these problems.
