Opioid Dependence Can Be Treated
The Importance of Medication and Counseling

Opioid addiction can be a challenging disease that often requires medication-assisted treatment along with counseling to aid in recovery.  The need to satisfy cravings or avoid withdrawal may be so intense that people may feel desperate, out of control and overwhelmed.Treatment approaches must be tailored to address each individual’s circumstances, but research shows that combining treatment medications with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. 

Dr. Bichefsky focuses on improving your overall health as you progress through recovery.

Suboxone helps treat the medical symptoms--managing the overwhelming withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings so that the patient can stabilize, not feel sick, and begin to think and act rationally.

Counseling helps a person learn to recognize events that can trigger the use of opioids.  He or she may also learn ways to cope with events or social situations associated with past drug use, and gain skills that may help manage triggers that can stimulate carvings.  This may help minimize risk of relapse and will help patients work toward the goal of recovery.

"By working with a person's physical, environmental and spiritual background and any mental health surrounding a person's addiction to provide individualized care, we have an opportunity to improve a person's success in recovery."
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