Choosing the right medication
The FDA has approved three medications—methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone) and (Vivitrol)—for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Different medication protocols suit different individuals better. CODAC’s medical and clinical teams will work with you to determine which approach best fits your needs. We base recommendations on factors such as level of addiction, opioid drugs usage time, and overall risk of relapse. Once once we determine which drug is right for you, CODAC staff work with you to develop a personal MAT plan that reflects your unique, individual needs. Choice of medication is always made to facilitate the ultimate goal of MAT: full recovery, including the ability to lead a self-directed life.
What is Methadone?
Methadone works by changing how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It lessens the painful symptoms of opioid withdrawal and blocks the euphoric effects of opioid drugs. Methadone use, along with scheduled counseling, has medically managed recovery from heroin and other opioid addictions since the 1960’s. It remains the most widely-used treatment for opioid addiction in the US. Furthermore, doctors consider it the gold standard for successful, long-term recovery.*
What is Suboxone?
Buprenorphine (Suboxone™) differs chemically from methadone, but acts in much the same way to block the effects of other opioids. When taken as prescribed, it eliminated withdrawal and cravings. As with all medications used in MAT, buprenorphine is prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and other recovery support programs.*
What is Vivitrol?
Naltrexone (Vivitrol™) also blocks opioids from acting on the brain, consequently blocking the euphoric effects of getting high. However, Vivitrol has little effect on cravings and, therefore, is not the correct medication for everyone. MAT utilizing Vivitrol, also requires patients to be completely abstinent from opioids for a specified period prior to beginning treatment. For those considered to be good candidates, we administer Vivitrol once a month as an extended-release injection, under the supervision of a physician or other approved medical provider.*
*Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, 2017
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