Opioid outpatient treatment typically involves Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT), which combines the use of medication with behavioral therapies that will vary depending on the needs and goals of the patient.
MAT prioritizes the use of certain medications, such as buprenorphine, naltrexone, or methadone, to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while behavioral therapy aims to address the underlying psychological and social factors that contribute to a person’s drug use.
The goal of opioid outpatient treatment is to help the individual achieve and maintain long-term recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD). It is usually done in an outpatient setting, which means the patient does not reside in the treatment center and can continue with their daily life while receiving treatment.
About 75% of overdose deaths in 2020 involved an opioid substance (either prescription opioids, heroin, or a synthetic opioid like fentanyl). [1] With the rising rates of OUD, outpatient treatments are growing in number to help address this crisis.
Effective outpatient treatment programs for opioid use disorder offer patients a combination of medication and therapy. The specific components of treatment may vary depending on the person’s wants and needs, and they will also be influenced by the treatment center's approach.
The most common medications used in Medication for Addiction Treatment programs include methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone, though some other medications may be used to address specific symptoms that occur during detox.[2] Suboxone, which is a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone, is often considered the gold standard in treatment for opioid use disorder in the outpatient setting.
These medications can stabilize the person in recovery, making it easier for them to engage in therapy and other activities related to recovery and rebuilding their lives.
Behavioral therapy is an essential component of opioid outpatient treatment. It aims to address the underlying psychological and social factors that may have contributed to the development of the opioid use disorder. It can help individuals identify and change negative patterns of behavior, develop coping strategies and improve their overall quality of life.
The most common behavioral therapies used in opioid treatment are as follows:
The frequency and duration of treatment will vary depending on the individual's needs and the treatment center's protocols. Some individuals may attend therapy sessions several times per week for several months, while others may attend less frequently for a longer period of time.
In some programs, there is a clear progression that starts with up to five days of therapeutic intervention per week, usually for multiple hours per day. Then, the number of hours and days required drop slowly over time as the person becomes more stable.
The specifics of treatment are not only based on the medication and therapy but also on the follow-up and monitoring of the patient's progress in terms of their physical and mental health and their adherence to the treatment plan. Not everyone progresses in recovery at the same rate, and recovery is not always a linear process.
Some people stay on medication for a few months and then slowly wean off, but continue to attend therapy for life. Others stay on MAT for life but only attend the occasional therapy or support group after their first few months in treatment. Everyone is different, and there is no right or wrong way to go through recovery.
The process of OUD treatment in an outpatient setting typically involves several steps that may be modified or repeated per the patient’s needs, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration.[7]
These steps include the following:
It's important to note that the process of OUD treatment in an outpatient setting may vary depending on the individual’s goals for recovery, their physical and mental health, the severity of their use of opioids and other substances, and the philosophy of the treatment center. In all cases, the treatment plan should be flexible and adaptable, allowing for change as they progress over time.
OUD caused the deaths of more than 48,000 people in the U.S. alone in 2020.[8] With the increased prevalence of highly potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl in street drugs, it is more important than ever to ensure that treatment for opioid use disorders is easily accessible. For most people, that means outpatient treatment.
When someone who struggles with the use of illicit substances, like heroin, prescription opioids and synthetic opioids, opioid outpatient treatment can provide a slew of benefits, including these:
The benefits of outpatient opioid treatment do not stop with the individual who is in crisis and their family. Outpatient addiction treatment also benefits the community at large as well as the local and national economy, reducing the burden on the healthcare system, law enforcement, and the courts, and improving productivity in the workplace.
When choosing an outpatient opioid treatment program, there are several things to consider, such as these:
Ultimately, the most important factor when choosing an outpatient opioid treatment program is that it should feel like a good fit, providing a level of confidence in the program and a sense of comfort that supports your recovery goals.
If you’d like to learn more about our telemedicine outpatient addiction treatment program, contact us here at Bicycle Health.
Our science-backed approach boasts 95% of patients reporting no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. We can help you achieve easier days and a happier future.
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