1. Who should seek treatment at Family Addiction Treatment Center?
    Submitted on Tuesday, April 19, 2005

According to the National Institute on Health, medication-assisted treatment is the best approach for persons chronically addicted to opiate drugs including heroin and synthetic narcotics. For such individuals, we are prepared to help with medication on the day of admission. Medication-assisted treatment is also a best practice standard for alcoholism and other addictions. Bottomline, if you or someone you love is having problems with drugs or alcohol, we can help.

2. Why is medication-assisted treatment preferred?
    Submitted on Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Treatment professionals have observed that most opioid-addicted persons return to drug use after ?detox? or other abstinence-based care. Those patients having completed such treatment complain of ?not feeling normal? or continued drug craving. This is what causes relapse. We now know that craving is BIOLOGICAL not PSYCHOLOGICAL. Medication eliminates craving and allows the addicted person to ?feel normal?. Recent developments in the treatment of alcoholism have also demonstrated that craving plays a big role in relapse. Medications like Campral can help persons in the process of recovery.

3. What about the abstinence-based treatment philosophy?
    Submitted on Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Abstinence-based recovery is an excellent alternative for many substance abusers. However, research continues to find medication that will assist treatment and improve overall outcomes. The important thing in providing treatment is an individualized treatment approach based on available science and patient need. Each person is different and should be approach with their unique needs in mind.

4. What about Buprenorphine or Suboxone?
    Submitted on Tuesday, April 19, 2005

The most recently approved medication for the treatment of opiate addiction is Buprenorphine. Family Addiction Treatment Centers has been a nationally recognized leader in providing this medication to those who best benefit from its use. Medication doesn't "cure" addiction. But the "right" medication can really help individuals "get well" and stay well.

5. Can a person switch from methadone to Suboxone?
    Submitted on Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Patients can switch from methadone to buprenorphine treatment, but because the two drugs are very different, patients are not always satisfied with the results. A number of factors affect whether buprenorphine is a good choice for someone who is currently receiving methadone. It is also possible for patients receiving buprenorphine to be switched to methadone. Patients interested in finding out more about the possibility of switching treatment should discuss this with the doctor who is prescribing their medication.