Addiction can take many forms (Drug addiction, alcoholism, pain medication addiction). People often self-medicate with chemically addictive substances. They also engage in behaviors such as gaming, gambling, and sex addiction (more accurately called compulsive sexual behaviors) to help themselves feel better if only for a short time. Some medications can be used to help make addiction recovery successful. Addiction takes a toll on the whole family.
Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale (COW Scale) this scale is used to quantify the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is important to start the comfort meds at the right time. If you take the suboxone before you are not in sufficient withdrawal you can precipitate your symptoms (intense withdrawal symptoms).
- Medication-Assisted Therapy for addiction treatment includes the use of either suboxone, naltrexone, or Vivitrol injection.
- Non Medication options to detox from Suboxone or Opioids use the Bridge Device.
- The bridge device is an FDA-approved electrical stimulation device that can be worn to get through the acute symptoms of opioid detox.
- It can be used in conjunction with short-term supportive medications instead of suboxone.
- It can also be used to detox from suboxone after prolonged use.
- The Bridge device will need to be worn for 5 days.
Dual diagnosis: many patients with addiction also have an underlying mental illness such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. It is best to treat both conditions at the same time to help achieve and maintain sobriety. A combination of psychotherapy and medication is most helpful. Treatment of opioid addiction begins with at-home detox followed by maintenance care to prevent relapse.
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