addiction center drug ontario treatment

addiction center drug ontario treatment

Simpson, D.D.; Joe, G.W.; and Bracy, S.A. Six-year follow-up of
opioid addicts after admission to treatment. Archives of General
Psychiatry Nov; 39(11): 1318-1323, 1982.
Simpson, D.D. Treatment for drug abuse; Follow-up outcomes and
length of time spent. Archives of General Psychiatry 38(8): 875-880,
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Narcotic Antagonist Treatment Using Naltrexone for opiate addicts
usually is conducted in outpatient settings although initiation of the
medication often begins after medical detoxification in a residential
setting. Naltrexone is a long-acting synthetic opiate antagonist with
few side effects that is taken orally either daily or three times a week
for a sustained period of time. Individuals must be medically
detoxified and opiate-free for several days before naltrexone can be
taken to prevent precipitating an opiate abstinence syndrome. When
used this way, all the effects of self-administered opiates, including
euphoria, are completely blocked. The theory behind this treatment is
that the repeated lack of the desired opiate effects, as well as the
perceived futility of using the opiate, will gradually over time result in
breaking the habit of opiate addiction. Naltrexone itself has no
subjective effects or potential for abuse and is not addicting. Patient
noncompliance is a common problem. Therefore, a favorable
treatment outcome requires that there also be a positive therapeutic
relationship, effective counseling or therapy, and careful monitoring of
medication compliance.