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Medical Advocates of Virginia

Care Management and Medical Advocacy Services
for Adults and Seniors

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This month's topic...

A New Tool for Narcotic Dependence

The FDA has approved two new drugs which can be used to manage narcotic withdrawal. Narcotic drugs are also called opiates. There are many types of narcotic drugs, examples include heroin, morphine, Percoset, Vicodin, and oxycodone. The new drugs used in narcotic detoxification are called buprenorphine and buprenorphine/naloxone (brand names Subutex and Suboxone). These drugs can now be used by selected treatment programs and individual physicians to manage narcotic withdrawal. Traditional narcotic detoxification has used methadone, in a tapered dose, to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms over a short period of time until the addict is clean. Only specially licensed facilities could dispense methadone for this use. However, the stigma associated with narcotic addiction prevented some folks from availing themselves of programs offering narcotic detoxification and treatment.

The approval of these two new drugs was accompanied by new regulations that allow private physicians to treat withdrawal symptoms that accompany narcotic detoxification. Specially licensed private doctors can use these two new drugs in their office settings. The hope is the more comfortable and private setting of a doctor’s office will provide greater opportunities for addicts to get help. These new drugs are not for everyone, only your physician can determine if this is the right approach for you.

As with choosing any doctor, you should check the credentials, training, certifications and professional expertise before you decide on a particular physician.

Keep in mind that the introduction of these drugs does not replace the need for counseling services. Counseling approaches can assist addicts in repairing the damage to their lives caused by the narcotic addiction and prevent relapse. Physicians are required to provide information to their Suboxone patients about these supportive services and programs.

If you have decided to take the first step and want to contact a private doctor about narcotic detoxification, remember, the detoxification process is only the first step in getting well. The medication is not a short cut or a miracle end to dependence. Give yourself the best chance of recovering from narcotic addiction by using additional counseling services that are available to you.

We are familiar with many doctors in the area and we can help you select a qualified private physician to provide your narcotic detoxification services. If you are already in contact with a doctor, we can also assist you and your doctor in finding the best match of counseling services to meet your individual circumstances and needs. We have extensive knowledge of available treatment resources in the local area and we link with both nationally known and internationally known treatment programs. Your contact with us will be kept confidential