Anti - Craving Medications help with the detox process.
The Clinical Team can explain any recommendations for some of the newer Anti-Craving Medications, if you have had trouble staying off drugs after detox in the past. Some of these are:
Suboxone is a relatively new medication used by liscensed physicians to treat opiate dependence in patients who are addicted to opiod drugs such as oxycodone, heroin and vicodin. This medication effectively reduces the symptoms of withdrawl from opiates and at the same time decreases the patient's cravings significantly. Suboxone, when prescribed by a qualified physician in the correct dosage can greatly increase the likelyhood of a patient staying in treatment and ultimately freeing them of the addiction and cravings.
Campral is a delayed release tablet used for the maintenance of abstinence from alcohol in individuals, with alcohol dependence. Campral helps reduce the physical and emotional discomfort many people feel in the weeks and months after they have stopped drinking and participating in treatment. Campral has demonstrated success in helping clients maintain long-term sobriety.
Naltrexone (Revia) is a safe, effective oral medication used as part of a comprehensive treatment program as an aid to treat alcohol dependence and opioid addiction. While effective, it must always be remembered that naltrexone is a tool to assist an individual in the process of recovery, and is not a cure in and of itself. Naltrexone is an opiate blocker and prevents all opiate addicts from getting high and reduces craving in the alcoholic.
Vivitrol is Naltrexone in injection form. It lasts approximately a month and helps people with compliance.
Antabuse is usually used to assist a chronic alcoholic; it acts as a deterrent, creating an unpleasant physical response to drinking.
Since relapse prevention is the focus of treatment, Cornerstone recommends that our affiliated physicians consider these anti-craving medications for our residents, as part of building a solid foundation for recovery.
You may be given a recommendation for an evaluation by an independent psychiatrist to assess co-occurring, psychiatric/psychological problems and the possible need for medications. If the psychiatrist is not covered by your insurance, then you will be expected to pay for the consult.
