The recovery process
While recovery programs differ based on the individual needs, we have observed some predictable phases:
Assessment and Admission
This phase is short, and is designed to guide the recovery program for the first 30 days. For many people this is the hardest phase, but this is where the Hope begins. The steps to take will be made clear and simple, and you will be fully supported.
Stabilization and Recovery Plan Development
This is where great things begin; people often experience return of memory and energy levels. It is at this stage where people start to broaden their understandings and clearly conceptualize their options. This is a time where many people engage in frequent group and individual counseling sessions.
Medically Supervised Titration (weaning off)
After meeting markers set by the individuals involved in our recovery programs, this phase is accented by the move towards independence from the medications. Often we see an increase in counseling during this phase for support.
Completion and Aftercare
Medication assisted recovery programs are perhaps best viewed as a bridge between two points, and the goal is to have independence from drugs and medications. Yet, others will need to maintain medications for many years. Our medical staff and counselors can help you determine what may work best for you. For those that complete the medical portion of the recovery program, counseling is designed to address the needs of life without professional or medical supports.
Medications used in treatment
Methadone
Methadone is a long-acting opiate agonist which has a series of actions similar to those of morphine and other narcotic medications. Yet there are important differences; Methadone has a half-life of ~36 hours, while morphine and many other narcotics have a half-life of ~4 hours.
The longer half-life wards off symptoms of opioid withdrawal all day and empowers people to get back into normal life activities without the drug-seeking and drug-using behaviors.
In methadone treatment, patients are given enough methadone to ward off opiate withdrawal symptoms, but not enough to induce narcotic effects. In proper doses, methadone does not create euphoria, sedation or analgesia. At a therapeutic level methadone has no adverse effects on motor skills, mental capability or employability.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is the active ingredient in the brand-name medications Suboxone, Subutex and Sublocade. Buprenorphine has a long half-life, up to 48 hours.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, and like methadone when taken once daily it blocks other opioids from attaching to receptors in the brain.
Buprenorphine at The Life Change Center is medically supervised and dispensed, and comes with full counseling support. This treatment can reduce or eliminate opioid withdrawal and reduce cravings for drug use open up new energies for rebuilding a healthy life.
Methadone vs. Buprenorphine
There are more similarities than there are difference between methadone and buprenorphine. They are both long-acting opioid agonists medications.
Some of the differences between the two include that buprenorphine is a “partial agonist” which refers to the chemical make-up and how the medication attaches to the opioid receptors in the brain.
Methadone is a liquid mediation, taken orally while buprenorphine is a sublingual medication. Sublingual medications need to dissolve in the mouth and the medication is absorbed through the mouth lining.
People seeking help at The Life Change Center will be involved in a full substance use disorder assessment and a medical assessment. After consideration, options for treatment are given that will help with the decision regarding medication type, or medically assisted vs. non-medical approaches.
Vivitrol & Naltrexone
These medications are opioid antagonists; they block the opioid receptors. These medications work well for people with no risk of withdrawal who are experiencing psychological cravings to use opioids. These medications do not help reduce withdrawal symptoms, and should not be taken if there is any risk for withdrawal. Vivitrol is a long-lasting form of Naltrexone and can last up to 28 days.
Narcan & Nalaxone
These medications are used when someone has overdosed, they can literally save someone’s life. The medications are given out by the Peer Recovery Specialists of the Life Change Center.
These medications do not need a doctor’s prescription, but require education. These life-saving medications should be in everyone’s home, please contact our Mobile Outreach Team.