25 Jul Calgary Interventions and Medications for Addiction Treatment
The opioid crisis in Alberta is widespread and well-known, and while a $1.4 million grant program has funded 29 projects to raise awareness, everyone who is close to someone addicted to drugs knows that opiate addiction is just one of many substances that can cause addiction and ruin lives.
Drug treatment centres in Calgary deal with a whole range of addictions including opioids, alcohol, and cocaine. And each of these addictions requires different medications to help deal with withdrawal symptoms, and to help the brain readjust to normal function after withdrawal.
The most common medications used for opioid addiction include: Naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine.
- Naltrexone stops opioid from activating receptors in the brain by blocking them. It has minimal side effects, but this medication should only be used after the patient has completed detox, because if opioids are still present in the bloodstream, the combination of drugs can cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Buprenorphine activates the brain’s opioid receptors but to a lesser extent than a more potent opioid like heroin does. This helps lower the potential for misuse and the severity of withdrawal effects.
- Methadone changes how the brain and nervous system respond to pain. It blocks the euphoric effects of opiates and lessens the symptoms withdrawal.
For alcohol addiction, most treatment centers will prescribe disulfiram and acamprosate.
Disulfiram causes an extremely unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed. It works by blocking the activity of the enzyme that metabolizes the alcohol. The reactions include nausea, vomiting, chest pain, headaches, and blurred vision. This adverse reaction helps deter the individual from consuming alcohol.
Acamprosate helps reduce symptoms of long-lasting withdrawal, such as insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and feeling unwell or unhappy. This medication is often prescribed after detoxification and is part of the long-term treatment plan.
For the treatment of cocaine, Modafinil is used. Modafinil alleviates some of the symptoms of acute cocaine withdrawal. It can also decrease the craving for cocaine.
These are just a few of the more common medications that are used in drug treatment centers in Calgary. But there are many factors to take into consideration. Patients addicted to drugs often use more than one type, so a complete medication plan must take into consideration all forms of addiction.
The patient’s mental and emotional well being is also an important consideration, and in addition to medications that help treat withdrawal and cravings, they may need medication to deal with anxiety, stress or depression.
While drug interventionists in Calgary know which drug treatment centers offer the best rehabilitation programs, many people don’t know what to look for when choosing a treatment center. That’s where we can help.
Dealing with drug addiction is a long and difficult process, but professional advice from an experienced interventionist in Calgary can help you find a local treatment center that meets your specific needs.
As Calgary interventionists, we have seen many individuals trapped in the cycle of addiction, and we’ve helped them get the help they need to kick their addiction.
Help is available, right here, right now. All you have to do is call.