Our detox center page covers much of the information regarding our alcohol and drug detox services. While our detox program provides care for any chemical dependency (e.g., alcohol, heroine, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamines, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, synthetic drugs, kratom, and others) much attention has been turned on the opioid epidemic and so we have provided some basic information specific to this population.
Medications and Detox Process
Our heroin, opiate, and opioid detox program varies both in time and process depending on each individual’s needs, circumstances, and history. In general sublingual buprenorphine products (e.g., Suboxone, Bunavail, Subutex, Zubsolv) are utilized to replace the dependent chemical. Other options include implants and injections, these options are used with much less frequency but are available to clients. The taper process involves the treatment of withdrawal symptoms with indicated medications and the slow titration of the prescribed MAT medication until the client is abstinent from the dependent chemical. There are instances when remaining on MAT medications is indicated. Treatment is determined by the attending physician with the client’s input.
Dependency without Abuse
Providers, with increasingly higher “regulatory-induced-anxiety”, are informing patients that they will no longer be able to write their pain prescriptions and need to refer them to another provider. Unfortunately, many will learn that this was more than an anomaly; it is a growing trend. Many calls and Google searches later patients will find out that other physicians are unwilling to take over their care or are indicted by the Federal Government. For some individuals alternative modalities will help their pain while others will seek alternative means of obtaining the pain medications they once relied upon. We serve two populations as a result, (a) those dependent but not abusing their medication, and (b) those that have sought illicit means to obtain their once prescribed medications and are now seeking assistance. We have a program specifically for these individuals.
Chronic Pain and Opioid Dependence
In light of regulatory pressures and the need to address individuals presenting with both substance use/abuse and chronic pain we have developed our recovery-centered pain management program. This program combines our medical detox, MAT, and pain management to address the multifaceted needs of a significant part of the populations affected by the opioid epidemic.
