Substance Use Disorder in Mesa, AZ
Basically, a substance use disorder, or SUD, is when a person consumes a substance that impairs their daily functioning. It may be causing harm, but they still use it anyways. A physical dependence develops that requires them to keep needing more to get the same feeling. Their use may be causing social problems. They may be putting themselves in risky positions to get their substance, but they keep doing it. They may have tried to stop using it but couldn’t.
How do you Detox Off Drugs or Alcohol?
A person with an SUD has some options to detox from their drug or alcohol use. Alcohol detox usually needs to be done in a medical setting. There are risks, including seizures and delirium tremens, which require medical monitoring. Someone with light usage may be able to detox at home with the use of comfort medications, or medications that treat their withdrawal symptoms. When meeting with your provider it is very important that you are honest about the amount you are drinking so a safe plan can be made.
Opiate detox can happen in several ways. Currently, most opiate usage involves fentanyl. This is a dangerous drug, and it is often mixed with other drugs that the person is not even aware of. Opiate detox can also take place in a medical detox facility. There are different protocols available. Most facilities use a Suboxone taper, but some facilities are using a Naltrexone protocol. Opiate detox can also be done at home. It is recommended that it only be done this way if the person has a support person to help give them their medications at the appropriate times and who can offer support during this difficult time. Some people are able to just quit without using anything, though this is very difficult.
What is MAT, or Medication Assisted Therapy?
Most people that either try to just quit a substance or who go through a detox program end up relapsing shortly after. Many people go through detox many times. Many people choose to use MAT services to improve their ability to stay sober. Studies show significant outcome improvements when MAT services are used.
For alcohol use there are three different options. These include Disulfiram, Acamprosate, and Naltrexone. Disulfiram causes unpleasant symptoms if someone drinks alcohol, so it acts as a deterrent. Acamprosate helps to reduce cravings. Naltrexone also works by helping to stop cravings and has been very successful for many people. Naltrexone is also available in injection form and is given every four weeks.
Opiate MAT services include Methadone, Naltrexone, and Suboxone. Methadone is an option that requires the person to be dosed daily at a Methadone clinic. Suboxone can be prescribed outpatient, allowing for more flexibility. Both Methadone and Suboxone are opiates, but they do not provide the high that people get from other opiates. Naltrexone is not an opiate and is an option for people that may not be able to use the other options due to work requirements or personal choice, but who want assistance to stay sober.
What does Thrive Psychiatry LLC Offer?
Your provider at Thrive Psychiatry LLC can create an appropriate detox and maintenance plan with you. A thorough evaluation will be done to determine a safe means of detox. If you choose to do maintenance therapy a plan will be made for that as well. Your provider will also help to determine if there are underlying mental health needs that lead to drug or alcohol use and will create a plan to manage those. Therapy is highly suggested as making a major change like this requires strong support and changing ingrained behaviors.
Offered at Thrive:
Alcohol Light Use Detox
Alcohol Naltrexone, Disulfiram, or Acamprosate Maintenance
Opiate Suboxone Detox
Opiate Suboxone or Naltrexone Maintenance
