Opiates are a class of drugs generally prescribed to treat pain. These drugs include Oxycontin, Lortab, Codeine, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Heroin, Methadone, Percocet, and many others. Addiction can occur when taking these medications, even if taken as prescribed, in as little as two weeks.
In the past, there were very few choices for people who found themselves addicted to opiates. Many people were forced to make daily trips to a Methadone Clinic to receive methadone -a long-acting opiate- to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Some people were able to wean themselves off methadone, but few succeeded at abstinence.
In late 2002, the FDA approved two new medications, Subutex and Suboxone, to treat opiate addiction. These medications may be prescribed by a limited number of specially trained physicians in an office setting and will allow more flexibility and options to an opiate-addicted person.
At Assisted Recovery Center of Georgia, we offer an Opiate Program which is designed to minimize any disruption in your daily routine by utilizing Suboxone to treat opiate addiction. Suboxone is a long-acting opiate with a built-in opiate antagonist which decreases the likelihood of abuse. Suboxone is given initially to stabilize the addicted individual and then the dosage is slowly decreased. Specially trained Registered Nurses work with the individual to help manage any withdrawal symptoms that they may have during this tapering process. The individual is then given Naltrexone to alleviate or improve the opiate cravings and help maintain long-term abstinence. This process generally takes 3-13 weeks and is combined with a specially designed counseling program.
Our goal at assisted recovery center is to help people get off opiates, maintain abstinence and get their lives back.
