Addiction Treatment And Recovery Services

In Marietta GA and the Greater Atlanta area, substance abuse is a major problem. Many people struggling with opioid treatment centers aren’t sure how to go about getting help. If this describes you, you should know that there is drug addiction help available to you, but you need to take the first step to contact a clinic that offers this type of treatment.

Patient Education

Before your appointment at the clinic, you should become informed about the nature of opiate addiction treatment. One common treatment method is the use of a class of medications known as opioid partial agonists . These are opioid medications that latch onto the same receptors in the brain as do opioid drugs. However, opioid partial agonists do not produce a feeling of euphoria. Instead, they work by blocking the unpleasant effects of drug withdrawal.

Initial Therapy

If this will be your first time receiving this type of addiction treatment and recovery services, then you should plan for a lengthy first appointment. The doctor will likely ask you to take a urine test to check for the presence of drugs. Then, you’ll be advised of the basics of the treatment program and how to use the medication. Your doctor will determine an appropriate dosage for you, but this dosage may need to be adjusted later.

Dosage Administration

This type of medication is available in different forms. One of the most common is a sublingual film, which is placed under the tongue and allowed to fully dissolve. Drink some water before placing the film under your tongue. When doing so, hold the film between your fingers by its outside edges and place the film close to the base of the tongue. Do not chew or swallow the film; allow it to fully dissolve.

Ongoing Maintenance

It’s likely that you’ll return to the clinic for follow-up appointments on a weekly basis until you’re in an established routine. After that, your follow-up appointments may become less frequent. Your urine may be randomly tested from time to time. If you experience any problems with the medication, such as side effects or decreased effectiveness, you should inform your doctor. This type of addiction treatment allows patients to work through other addiction therapies without suffering the ill effects of withdrawal.