Medication for Treatment of Addiction:
Suboxone/ buprenorphine
Antabuse
Vivitrol/naltrexone
Buprenorphine (Suboxone) is an opiate described as “semi-synthetic”. It is prescribed by specially trained doctors/NP/PAs to assist with recovery from opiate addiction. Buprenorphine (Suboxone) can be used for both stopping symptoms of opiate withdrawal and as a “replacement therapy”. The optimal length of time for using buprenorphine as a withdrawal treatment varies and is determined by such things as amount opiates used, years of use, and individual preference and can range from 2 weeks to 2 months. Using buprenorphine as a treatment for decreasing cravings and preventing relapse also varies and is decided mostly by the individual and their provider. While working with NP Dolezal, length of either mode of treatment will be determined after careful consideration to ensure the best possible outcome for life-time recovery. Insurance coverage for this therapy varies by plan.
Antabuse (disulfiram) is used to treat alcohol addiction. It is the medication that makes you very sick when you drink alcohol. It is designed to discouraged drinking by the fear of ‘getting sick’ and as a result may decrease cravings. It is taken once daily and you should be at least 12 hours alcohol free, more time is desirable. If you choose this therapy, NP Dolezal will provide education to optimize your success and diminish the chance of having a negative experience. Insurance coverage for this therapy varies by plan.
Naltrexone/Vivitrol is blocker to the effects of opiates in the brain’s reward system,-from both external (opiates taken) and internal (produced by the body). Naltrexone can be used for treatment of both alcohol and opiates. In the treatment of opiate addiction, naltrexone/Vivtrol will block the effect of opiates consumed in any manner. For treating alcohol addiction, naltrexone/Vivitrol reduces the pleasurable sensation that alcohol provides in the brain. Craving for both substances are shown to decrease while using this therapy. Naltrexone is taken orally every day and Vivitrol is a once every 28 day injection. Insurance coverage for this therapy varies by plan.
Beauty at the end of a very dark tunnel-San Luis Creek by NP DolezalBeauty at the end of a dark tunnel: San Luis Creek - photo by NP Dolezal