Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of moderated medication that helps with combating withdrawal symptoms. This is only necessary when the withdrawal process becomes overwhelming, which is common with highly addictive drugs. With opioid detox and withdrawal, symptoms such as anxiety and drug cravings can occur. While this treatment can seem like a double negative for some individuals, a negative times a negative equals a positive. Alongside other behavioral therapies, this form of treatment can be utilized effectively.
The Symptoms of Opioid Detox and Withdrawal
When an individual struggles with opioid use disorder (OUD), what started as a reliever of pain ends with addictive side effects. The symptoms of opioid detox and withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Cravings
- Muscle Aches
- Diarrhea
-
Abdominal Cravings
The early and late stages of the detox can be too profuse for an individual, which is where MAT comes in. With opioid detox and withdrawal, this special treatment combats it with regulated doses of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), which include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Naltrexone.
According to the FDA, all medications have been proven to be safe and effective. They are currently “working to identify treatment needs, expand access to treatment of existing MOUD, and promote the development of new options for evidence-based treatment for OUD.”
Methadone
This synthetic drug is an opioid agonist, meaning it binds to a receptor and reacts identically as a substance normally would. It has successfully eliminated drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms for 40 years. In addition, it sets off the receptors in the brain that get activated when taking other opioids. However, methadone does not release euphoria and responds more slowly, which helps with treating opioid detox and withdrawal.
It can also be used as a long-term medicine for opioid-dependent people, ranging from months to years. Over time, if the individual becomes less dependent, the dosage decreases slowly. Declining the usage of methadone at a steady pace helps prevent the severity of the withdrawals.
Buprenorphine
This can also be known as “bupe,” and it works as a partial opioid agonist. Similar to methadone, it binds to the receptors that opioids activate. However, it is activated less strongly compared to full agonists. Also, it reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms as well as shortening the length of an opioid detox.
In 2002, it was the first medication to become eligible for prescription by certified physicians through the Drug Addiction Treatment Act. With this approval, it lowered the need for specialized visits to clinics, expanding treatment options for those in need.
In treatment, the dosage of buprenorphine should not exceed the recommended of 4-6 mg from days 1-3. On the fourth and fifth day, the recommended dosage is 2 mg and ceases for the rest of the day. This is to prevent dependence as well as combatting the opioid detox and withdrawal symptoms.
Other FDA-approved forms of buprenorphine include:
- Brixadi
- Sublocade
- Suboxone
- Zubsolv
- Buprenorphine tablets
As of December 9, 2022, The DTA waiver (also known as the X waiver) is no longer required when a practitioner prescribes buprenorphine with a current DEA registration.
Naltrexone
While methadone and buprenorphine have been approved and supported for MAT, naltrexone is the only one that increases the risk of an opioid overdose. It is an opioid blocker that can either be prescribed or taken at home daily. Naltrexone works as an opioid antagonist by preventing relapse and eliminating the rewarding effects of usage.
The only FDA-approved use of naltrexone is Vivitrol, which is a long-term injectable that also assists with alcohol disorders. It can also be used in pill form. The effects of Vivitrol last for weeks, which benefits those who do not have immediate access to health care.
While it is the newest medication out of the three, individuals who are prescribed naltrexone drop out within the first 30 days of treatment in contrast to those who take buprenorphine. However, since it is not an opioid, those still in treatment take it to lose their opioid dependence, which can lead to harmful illicit use.
Where to Find Help for Opioid Detox and Withdrawal
If you believe you or a loved one is in need of MAT for OUD, the certain signs to look for include:
- Having a strong urge to use
- Difficulties fulfilling responsibilities for work, home, etc.
- Continuing opioid use in recreational activities
- Giving up or reducing activities
Our supportive and compassionate staff at Renaissance Ranch will guide you down the road of recovery with on-site treatment and behavioral therapy sessions with trusted professionals. You are not alone on this journey because we have people on the Renaissance Ranch team who have been in your shoes. This is why we encourage individuals to take the next steps toward a renewed life and freedom from what restrained them.
Going through a withdrawal of any kind can be trying. Regardless, it’s important to give a suffering individual grace and patience going through detox and withdrawal. While there are still risks that can stem in the community, it has been proven that medication-assisted treatment is a public health strategy to prevent opioid overdose. The FDA has a campaign to encourage primary care professionals to handle opioid use disorder (OUD) in the same way they treat chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension. There is light at the end of the tunnel, but you cannot feel the sun without a little rain. If you or a loved one are enduring opioid detox and withdrawal, please call (801) 308-8898 for support.