Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opiate Dependency/Addiction
Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
- Most commonly used medication
- Comes in orally disintegrating tablets and films
- Available in monthly injections
- Easy to transition from pain medication to Buprenorphine
- Blocks withdrawal symptoms
- Has a side effect of pain relief
- Difficult to switch from street Fentanyl to Buprenorphine
- Difficult to get off oral Buprenorphine products due to withdrawal symptoms
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- The best MAT option if appropriate
- Requires 5-10 days without opiate us to get started
- Available in pill form or monthly injection
- Blocks effects of opiates if used/reduces cravings
- Can stop any time without side effects or withdrawal symptoms
MAT for Alcohol Abuse
Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Available in pill form or injection
- Can be started while still using alcohol
- Blocks euphoria associated with alcohol use
- Diminishes cravings
- No side effects associated with stopping use
Am I an addict?
Opiate dependency commonly develops after continual use of an opiate, even when prescribed appropriately and taken as directed. However, by definition, addiction requires negative consequences to also be present from usage. Both addiction and dependency to opiates can benefit from treatment.