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Office-Based Addiction Treatment or OBAT is the use of medications to treat addiction. All the medications we use—Buprenorphine, Buprenorphine/Naloxone, and Naltrexone—are safe and FDA-approved. These medications reduce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They lessen the intensity of the physical aspects of addiction, so individuals can focus on recovery.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) increases treatment retention among people with addiction, increases the chances of survival, decreases criminal activity, and increases the ability to maintain employment. It lowers the risk of overdose death by 50%.
MOUD helps people get back on their feet and stop the cycle of addiction.
How Does Burprenorphine Work?
Burpenorphine is the active ingredient in Subutex, and one of two active ingredients in Suboxone. Buprenorphine works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain, just as opioids like heroin or oxycodone do, but producing significantly weaker effects. One of the effects of typical opioids is slowed breathing—which, in the case of an overdose, can be dangerous. Burprenorphine is safe because it limits respiratory depression and the “high” feeling, but reduces symptoms of withdrawal.
How Does Burprenorphine/Naloxone Work?
In Suboxone, Burprenorphine and Naloxone are combined. Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses an overdose. In combination with Burprenorphine, it can prevent misuse; if a person injects Suboxone, rather than taking it sublingually as prescribed, Naloxone will cause immediate withdrawal. This prevents Burprenorphine from having any effects and discourages future misuse.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, “As addiction is increasingly viewed as a medical condition, Suboxone is viewed as a medication for a chronic condition, such as a person with diabetes needing to take insulin.”
How Does Naltrexone Work?
Naltrexone, the active ingredient in Vivitrol, binds to and blocks opioid receptors. This prevents drugs from having an effect, so you don’t get a “high” feeling from using opioids or alcohol. By limiting the pleasurable feelings an individual experiences when using, Naltrexone reduces cravings.
What are the Benefits of Office-Based Addiction Treatment or OBAT?
MOUD is a safe and highly effective treatment for opioid use disorder. According to the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, over 500 peer-reviewed studies of MOUD have proven its effectiveness.
MOUD improves outcomes for people with opioid addiction in numerous ways. It significantly lowers the probability of misusing illegal drugs. It minimizes the risks associated with injecting drugs, such as contracting HIV or hepatitis C. MOUD improves birth outcomes for people who are pregnant and have opioid use disorder. It reduces the chances of relapse.
When MOUD is used in combination with therapy, it removes barriers to addressing underlying issues and practicing the coping skills needed for recovery. It helps free people from uncomfortable symptoms so they can focus on healing.
Is Office-Based Addiction Treatment or OBAT Safe?
Yes, MOUD is safe. Our MOUD program uses FDA-approved medications in combination with therapy services, treating the whole person. We are authorized to provide these medications and follow strict local, state, and federal regulations.
Is Office-Based Addiction Treatment or OBAT Replacing One Addiction for Another?
You may have heard the myth that MOUD is “just replacing one addiction for another.” However, medication-assisted treatment is an effective, safe, evidence-based method for treating opioid use disorder. The ultimate goal of MOUD is long-term recovery.
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A 2022 study in the journal Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention and Policy found that people who used medication-assisted treatment reported less opioid and alcohol use. They also reported improved health, reduced anxiety and depression, and less pain.
In our MOUD program, you can experience all these benefits and more. Our goal is to give you all the tools you need to recover and start the process of healing. If you’re ready to take your life back from opioid addiction, call us today at 888-89-SOBER.