What is opioid dependence?
Dependence on opioids (prescription pain medication) has been defined as a long-term brain disease by the World Health Organization and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. It is a treatable medical condition that is caused by changes in the chemistry of the brain that occur as a result of the use of opioids.
Why does opioid dependence require ongoing treatment using several approaches?
Because opioid dependence is a chronic disease, even those patients who have tried and succeeded at making behavioral changes may experience overwhelming cravings and withdrawal symptoms during long-term treatment. These physical symptoms can put them at risk for a setback or relapse. That's why some patients may need ongoing medication-assisted therapy for optimal treatment.
SUBOXONE® (buprenorphine and naloxone) Sublingual Film (CIII) is indicated for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence as part of a complete treatment plan to include counseling and psychosocial support.
Why is counseling recommended?
Experts who study opioid dependence and healthcare professionals who treat it agree on one important fact: people are more successful in their treatment when they combine medication therapy with psychosocial services, such as counseling or talk therapy.
Without counseling, patients may have difficulty understanding the emotions that can lead them to relapse. Counseling can help people recognize any changes in their emotions and find ways to manage them.
This is a unique program which offers private treatment in a comfortable office based setting. The Opiate Recovery Program offers medication management as well as mandatory participation in weekly group therapy and biweekly individual counseling. It is a fee-for-service program. Unlike other programs at the Counseling Center no insurance is accepted. Cash or credit card payment at the time of service is required.