What is medication-assisted treatment?

Medication-assisted treatment uses prescription drugs, like Suboxone®, Vivitrol®, or Sublocade®, to help you wean off of opioids or alcohol. If you’re addicted to either of these substances, medication-assisted treatment can reduce cravings and help you through recovery.

What are the benefits of medication-assisted treatment?

Undergoing medication-assisted treatment at AIM Behavioral Health provides various benefits, including:

• Safer withdrawal 
• Reduced risk of death due to an overdose
• Improved addiction treatment outcomes
• Decreased illicit drug use
• Fewer problems in your personal and professional life

At AIM Behavioral Health, the team combines medication-assisted treatment with complementary therapies like counseling. This helps prevent relapse, ensuring you maintain your sobriety.

What are some of the drugs used in medication-assisted treatment?

The team at AIM Behavioral Health offers several types of medication-assisted treatment, including:

Suboxone®:

Suboxone® blocks opioid receptors in your brain, helping to reduce cravings. Suboxone works quickly and prevents the uncomfortable symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal.

Vivitrol®:

Vivitrol® is an injectable medication designed to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). It contains naloxone, a drug that helps you maintain sobriety by reducing cravings. During treatment, you visit AIM Behavioral Health for a Vivitrol shot each month. When combined with counseling, Vivitrol® boasts a 90% success rate.

Sublocade®:

Sublocade® is an injectable medication formulated to treat opioid use disorder. It contains an extended-release version of the drug buprenorphine, which reduces cravings and other uncomfortable symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal.

Zubsolv®:

Zubsolv® is another prescription drug formulated for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Like Sublocade® and Suboxone®, Zubsolv® contains buprenorphine. The difference is in how it’s administered. Zubsolv® is a pill that’s placed under your tongue. Once the medication dissolves, it helps block opioid receptors in your brain.

Will medication-assisted treatment benefit me?

Only a qualified addiction medicine specialist like those at AIM Behavioral Health can determine if you’ll benefit from medication-assisted treatment. After a thorough exam and a discussion of your symptoms, the team can determine if you qualify.

How long will I need medication-assisted treatment?

The time you need medication-assisted treatment depends on several factors, including the severity of your addiction and its effect on your quality of life. Some people can wean off their medication after several months or years, while others stay enrolled for a lifetime. To explore the benefits of medication-assisted treatment, make an appointment at AIM Behavioral Health by calling the office or booking online today.