Maximizing Success in Opiate recovery

Buprenorphine containing medications like Suboxone and Subutex are very effective at keeping you out of opiate withdrawal and controlling cravings. These medicines basically plug up the opiate receptors in your body to prevent withdrawal, but the opiate effect is less strong, so you do not get high or feel as sedated. This takes care of the physical component of addiction, but there is more to consider.

Psychological addiction is also present in opiate dependence and can be as challenging as physical addiction. Psychological addiction can make you want to use heroin or pain pills even when you are not in withdrawal or dope sick. People who use opiates often crave the ritual of preparing a syringe to shoot up or crushing and cutting pills to snort.

You need solutions to help you with the physical and psychological addiction to maximize your chances of a successful recovery. Treatment with Subutex or Suboxone works best when it is combined with therapy and/or group support. Most of our patients attend Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings to help develop coping strategies. Coping strategies help you resist the triggers that led you to use opiates in the past. Also, it’s helpful to find a sponsor so that you have someone to lean on when you have a rough day.

Do you have any helpful recovery advice?