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New Drug Addiction Treatment
A new drug addiction treatment brings hope for those suffering from a heroin or prescription drug addiction. Traditionally, addictions to narcotic painkillers and heroin are the toughest to shake because of the effect opiates have on the brain.
Opiates' Brutal Withdrawal
The withdrawal symptoms from opiates, such as morphine, heroine and pain relievers like Vicodin and Percodin are usually so severe that the addict who is in withdrawal feels like he or she is dying. Plus, the cravings for these drugs remain intense for a long time.
Traditionally the only treatment that could help was a costly stay at a Methadone maintenance program, but a new medication called Buprenorphine is capable of decreasing the cravings and suppressing the withdrawal symptoms of an opiate drug addiction without giving you a high.
The Problem with Methadone
Both Buprenorphine and Methadone are opioid painkillers, but methadone is a much stronger narcotic and feels like a drug to many people. Plus, those who use Methadone to get off heroin and painkillers often become addicted to the Methadone instead.
But more importantly, Methadone is only available from a Methadone maintenance clinic. In order to get a regular dose of Methadone, you must visit the clinic daily for your dose.
Buprenorphine, on the other hand, is available in a prescription form and can be filled at your local pharmacy.
Far Easier to Get Help
Addicts who fear the stigma of going to a Methadone maintenance clinic will now be more likely to seek help because they can go to a physician instead; no one else need know about their addiction.
Any physician who has had eight hours of training and has received government clearance can prescribe Buprenorphine. Since 2003 the medicine has been prescribed for more than 200,000 Americans. There are now certified physicians in every state. (To find a certified physician in your area, click here).
Far Safer Medication
You can't get high on Buprenorphine, which means it can't be abused. Also, you are less likely to overdose on the medication, although it is still possible if you combine it with tranquilizers, sedatives or alcohol.
When this New Drug Addiction Treatment Won't Work
This new drug addiction treatment is less likely to be effective if you have had a long-time addiction to an opiate drug. If that is the case, you will probably need to go to a methadone maintenance clinic for treatment.
Learn More
To learn more about Buprenorphine, click here.
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