When discussing your MAT treatment plan with your doctor, it is very likely there are two medication options available for you: Suboxone and Naltrexone. These are both available as daily doses taken orally or monthly injections administered at your physician’s office. There are a few key differences between the two medications that you should consider when you and your doctor are deciding which course of treatment would be best for you and your recovery.
Suboxone is a combination of a partial opiate receptor agonist and the opiate blocker naloxone. It is designed to partially activate the opiate receptors in your brain in order to eliminate any cravings you may experience in early recovery. Naloxone is included in the formula to prevent improper administration of the drug. The partial agonist buprenorphine strongly adheres to the opiate receptors in your brain, blocking any other opiates from binding to them. Suboxone is best for those in early recovery who are dealing with cravings regularly, or those who have previously attempted recovery and found the cravings too strong to ignore. Your clinical team at Evolutions Treatment Center will work with you to determine an appropriate dosage of this medication so your cravings are completely alleviated.
Naltrexone is an activated dose of the blocker Naloxone that can be found in Suboxone as well. The goal of Naltrexone is to eliminate the desire to use in the addict by preventing any of the desired euphoric effects obtained through the use of substances. Naltrexone is primarily a deterrent as opposed to Suboxone’s more active effect on those receptors in your brain. On the other hand, there is no taper necessary if you should decide to terminate MAT treatment – you can simply stop taking your daily or monthly dose with no adverse withdrawal symptoms. Naltrexone is best for those who have a solid foundation in recovery, are experiencing minimal cravings if any, and who are at a modest risk for relapse at the most.
Modern medicine has provided clinicians with several tools with which to treat substance abuse disorders in an Outpatient setting. Suboxone and Naltrexone are the two main prescriptions administered to addicts in early recovery, and both have their benefits and drawbacks. It is important you be honest with your doctor when determining which option is best for you, especially about the amount and severity of any cravings you are experiencing in early recovery. At Evolutions Treatment Center, Medically Assisted Treatment is just one aspect of our continuum of care designed to fully support you in your early sobriety. Call our Admissions Counselors today at 833-818-3031 and let us help you achieve long-term recovery from substance abuse today.