Treatment & Recovery

With the right support systems in place, people who suffer from Opioid Use Disorder have a higher chance of survival and recovery. A combination of Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), counseling, recovery programing, detox, and support groups is proven to be the most successful method in obtaining and maintaining sobriety.

Download LiveLOUD’s CT Help Is Here Booklet 

• Detox – A medically supervised withdrawal process in which physicians provide medications to reduce the severity of symptoms. Though withdrawal from opiates is usually not life-threatening, administered treatment can allow for medical monitoring and longer participation in rehabilitation efforts.  
• Residential treatment – A residential treatment center is a setting where people who have a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) can participate in in-patient or out-patient forms of treatment. In an in-patient program, participants receive round the clock care by living at the facility and attending daily programing, while out-patient services provide a setting for meeting and accessing care. Residential treatment centers provide both short-term (3-4 weeks) or long-term (3-12 months) options for recovery treatment. 
• Individual counseling, group therapy, and peer support group – People with Substance Use Disorder use drugs to alleviate various symptoms of undesirable conditions; whether social, emotional, mental or physical. Therapy, at various levels, is used to provide techniques and tools to participants in order for them to build healthy coping skills and reduce the chance of misusing substances again.

Gold Standard of Treatment 

• Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT): Approved medication therapies treat Opioid Use Disorder and help relieve the physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms associated with opiates, such as pain and cravings. Only doctors, APRN’s, and other specially trained medical staff are permitted to prescribe MAT to people with Opioid Use Disorder.

• Keeps participants engaged in treatment
• Enables individuals to gain employment
• Reduces withdrawal symptoms
• Improves the chance of survival
• Reduces the risk of relapsing

Types of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

• Buprenorphine (BUE-pre-NOR-feen) – Also known as Suboxone, suppresses and reduces cravings for opioids. Treatment process includes three phases: 1) Induction – Given 4-6 hours after last use of opioids. 2) Stabilization – Dose adjusted after the patient has stopped use of opioids. 3) Maintenance – Dose adjusted for steady consumption for when the patient is doing well and stable.  
• Methadone (METH-uh-dohn) – Also known as Dolophine, reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal and blocks the effects of opioids. Treatment process includes daily doses provided by the overseeing provider or clinic.
• Naltrexone (nal-Trek-Sohn) – Also known as Vivitrol, blocks the euphoric and sedative effect of opioids and prevents feeling of euphoria. Treatment process includes a daily dose or an injectable every four weeks. This treatment is started 7 days after the last time of opioid use.

All Medication Assisted Treatment options listed above are safe for pregnant women, but all participants are vulnerable to side effects such as: nausea, headache, joint or muscle pain, constipation, distress, fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain and hives/rash. Those who experience any of the effects should consult with their medical providers immediately.