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FACT SHEET:AN INTRODUCTION TO MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENTCurrent Crisis:Accidental deaths related to opioid addiction outnumber deaths from car accidents. State of Florida Office of the Governor Executive Order Number 17-146: Opioid Epidemic?Types of Opioids:HYDROCODONE (VICODIN)OXYCODONE (PERCOCET, OXYCONTIN)CODEINEMORPHINEFENTANYLCARFENTANILHEROINPhysical Effects:Opioids impact various body systems, as well as the brain.Although tolerance and what causes someone to become addicted are multifactorial, the belief is that opiates stimulate receptors in the brain, especially the reward center, that cause a large release of dopamine. The brain responds to this increase and rapidity of stimulation by “downregulating.” This is where the brain either decreases the number or efficiency of those brain receptors. Therefore, the person needs more and more drugs to get the same effect. Eventually the brain is so downregulated that many people are just taking the drug to stave off withdrawal or to just get their brain dopamine levels back up to a normal range so they can function.Most people do not die during opioid withdrawal; however, they will feel like they are dying. Some have died from severe withdrawal symptoms due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. Many people withdrawing from opiates have other substances in their system that may cause more life threatening issues. Some people are hesitant to enter treatment because they fear withdrawal symptoms.Shaking, vomiting, irritability, insomnia, and rapid heart rate can occur during withdrawal. Medication-Assisted Treatment:Medication-Assisted Treatment combines medication with counseling, allowing for:Stabilization: enabling people to withdrawal comfortablyEngagement: helping people enter treatment by relieving cravingsBehavioral Change: maintaining long enough to focus on recovery and make behavioral changesMAT MISCONCEPTION #1: MAT substitutes one drug for another False. People on MAT can live productive lives. MAT MISCONCEPTION #2: Lower doses are better False. One size does not fit all and dosage is a medical decision.MAT MISCONCEPTION #3: MAT should be short-term False. Studies show that forced tapering increases risk of relapse and death. People may be on MAT for 18 – 24 months before tapering off of the medication.Tapering should be based on medical issues, support systems, behavioral change, and dose stability.MethadoneWHAT IS IT? schedule II narcoticreduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by blocking the “high” and preventing the intense euphoric rushallows people to avoid the physical and psychological highs and lows caused by changing levels of opiates in the blood, decreasing the chance of relapseHOW IS IT USED?prescribed by a physician with a Drug Enforcement Agency registrationdispensed by Opioid Treatment Programsusually administered by liquid dose, daily, and supervisedmay be needed for several years or longerBuprenorphineWHAT IS IT?schedule III narcoticHOW IS IT USED?prescribed by a doctor with a Drug Enforcement Agency registration who has received a special waiver and training to treat addiction with medication dispensed by an Opioid Treatment Program taken as a sublingual pill or strip, implant, or a 30-day injection (Sublocade)TYPES OF BUPRENOPHINESubutex (sublingual tablet)Suboxone (sublingual tablet of buprenorphine combined with naloxone, which is used to deter people from misusing the medication as prescribed since it will cause withdrawal if it is injected)Naltrexone (Vivitrol)WHAT IS IT?not an opioid or controlled substance; does not produce physical dependence or withdrawal when stopping the naltrexone decreases cravings HOW IS IT USED?injected monthly in a physician’s office, Opioid Treatment Program, or licensed treatment programmust be off all opioids for 7-14 days before usingbetter in later stages of recovery962025281305Naloxone (Narcan)WHAT IS IT?blocks the effects of opioidsno side effectsHOW IS IT USED?carried and administered by first respondersnasal and injectableall opioid users and their families should carry itcan be purchased at stores such as CVS and Walgreens without a prescription00Naloxone (Narcan)WHAT IS IT?blocks the effects of opioidsno side effectsHOW IS IT USED?carried and administered by first respondersnasal and injectableall opioid users and their families should carry itcan be purchased at stores such as CVS and Walgreens without a prescription ................
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