Opioid Addiction Treatment in Phoenix
Opioid addiction and dependency continues to devastate our community in Arizona. While prescriptions for high dose opioids has improved, it is still estimated that 8 to 12 percent of those prescribed opioids for chronic pain will develop opioid use disorder or “addiction.” Many of those struggling with opioid addiction will find themselves experiencing painful withdrawals and unmanageable cravings.
In Arizona, we have identified almost
opioid overdose deaths in the past 3 years.
In the U.S.,
%
of the 67,000+ who died from drug overdoses involved an opioid.
Opioid addiction will often escalate to illegal drugs such as fentanyl (also known as M30 or Oxy 30) and heroin. They will often find themselves in financial ruin, legal trouble, will develop severe health consequences, and complete deterioration of important relationships. It can be extremely difficult to discontinue and remain abstinent from opioids due to initial withdrawals and cravings that can last for years. Fortunately, we have extremely effective treatment options for opioid use disorder.
At Uptown Psychiatry, we have extensive experience using medication to assist those suffering from opioid use disorder and addiction. Medication is not “recovery” in itself, but allows those suffering from opioid use disorder to heal from the effects of addiction and create space for recovery. This allows relationships to reform and health issues to stabilize. Patients are able to find and sustain employment and rediscover their own identity outside of addiction.
There are three types of medication approved to assist with recovery from opioid addiction:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone)
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol)
- Methadone
Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone) is a medication that binds to opioid receptors in the brain allowing relief from cravings and withdrawals without causing euphoria or feeling “high.” It’s also binds these receptors tightly, which effectively blocks the effects of other opioids such as heroin, fentanyl or oxycodone in event of an impulsive relapse. Suboxone can be prescribed and picked up most pharmacies allowing patient autonomy, privacy and escape from stigma.
Extended Release Naltrexone (Vivitrol) is an injectable medication that blocks opioid receptors and is administered in the office every 4 weeks. The primary purpose of Vivitrol in the treatment of opioid use disorder is to prevent the effects of opioid use with fentanyl, heroin and medications like oxycodone. Vivitrol primarily assists with recovery by preventing the positive reinforcement or “high” of opioid use. The goal is that this will eventually lead allow the brain to reset and no longer be driven by addiction. Vivitrol requires a 7-10 day period of abstinence from any opioids prior to the first injection.
Methadone is a form of substitution therapy that restricted to specific clinics as it cannot be regularly prescribed. We do no offer methadone treatment at Uptown Psychiatry.
Our philosophy at Uptown Psychiatry is that addiction should be approached as medical-behavioral condition, and not a moral failure. We believe every patient, including those struggling with addiction, deserve respect, privacy and individualized treatment. Those struggling with addiction often have important life experiences and have suffered pain, stigma and trauma related to and preceding their addiction. It is our goal to help you heal.
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