Over the past two decades, opioid abuse and addiction have ravaged communities across America. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the country is currently being faced with what has been largely labeled an “opioid overdose epidemic”. In 2019 alone, nearly 50,000 innocent men and women lost their lives at the hands of opioid addiction. The impact of widespread opioid abuse does not end with unprecedented fatalities. NIDA states:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the total ‘economic burden’ of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement. (Drugabuse.gov)
Why is Overcoming Opioid Addiction Hard?
Overcoming opioid addiction is particularly difficult for several reasons. First of all, those who abuse opioid narcotics often experience extreme consequences in a relatively short period. Of course, this is almost always true of heroin and fentanyl (a synthetic opioid), but it is often the case where prescription opioids are concerned. If a person suffers extreme devastation in numerous aspects of their personal life, continuing to use might seem like a better option over getting clean and sober and having to sort through heaps of wreckage. It can also be challenging to overcome opioid addiction because of the psychological drug cravings in early sobriety. Fortunately, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options are safe and effective in treating the residual cravings that go hand-in-hand with opioid abuse. Evoke Wellness offers MAT and a wide variety of treatment programs to help anyone who is suffering from opioids or any other drug and alcohol addiction. We have addiction specialists who know exactly what you are going through and a here to help you.
Suboxone Replacement Therapy and Opioid Addiction Recovery
What exactly is Suboxone Replacement Therapy, and how does it work? Suboxone is a medication that has been FDA-approved for the effective treatment of opioid abuse and dependence. An “opioid replacement therapy” is simply a therapeutic option that replaces a dangerous (potentially lethal) opioid like heroin, fentanyl, or a prescription painkiller like hydrocodone or oxycodone with a safe and non-addictive opioid agonist. Suboxone is made from a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone. Both of these medications work to reduce psychological and physical drug cravings while helping to eliminate the more severe symptoms of opioid withdrawal. When a person stops using an opioid narcotic abruptly, the opioid receptors in the brain are no longer full, and the body essentially goes into shock — leading to excruciating withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone essentially tricks the brain into believing there is still an opioid present in the system. As a result, cravings and withdrawal symptoms are effectively mitigated, and the individual can actively participate in a therapeutic recovery program. At Evoke Wellness, we have seen the benefits of MAT. However, we believe for this treatment option to be thoroughly effective; it must be combined with intensive behavioral therapy and 12 Step meetings.
Evoke Wellness and Medication Assisted Treatment Options
At Evoke Wellness, we understand how daunting entering into an addiction treatment program might seem at first. You might be concerned about undergoing withdrawal or about dealing with heroin, fentanyl, or painkiller cravings on your own. Rest assured, if you enter into a reputable program of opioid addiction recovery like the program offered by Evoke Wellness, you will be given all of the tools and resources you need to stay sober for years to come. We utilize Suboxone Replacement Therapy whenever necessary. However, Suboxone therapy is not right for everyone. Evoke Wellness prioritizes the needs of each client. If you or someone you love has been struggling with opioid addiction, there is hope — even if the addiction has resulted in grave personal consequences. However, you or your loved one needs to enter into a long-term addiction recovery program that offers MAT. Contact us today to learn more about Evoke Wellness and our effective opioid abuse recovery program or Suboxone and other medication-assisted treatment options.
