Opioid addiction is a severe and debilitating disease. Fentanyl is increasing addiction rates and overdoses in Chicago and across the country. Cook County had over 1,900 fatal overdoses in 2020. More than 70% involved fentanyl. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a solution for people with OUD, but the strength of fentanyl and debilitating withdrawal symptoms scares patients away from MAT. Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than other opioids. Even a tiny amount can be deadly. Withdrawal symptoms are severe and include flu-like symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Microdosing, also known as the Bernese Method, is another way to begin MAT. The emerging treatment for people with OUD has shown excellent results. Learn more about the treatment option and where you can find a specialist.
What is Medication-Assisted Treatment in Peoria?
MAT involves using FDA-approved medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies to provide a “whole-patient” approach to treating substance use disorders. The drugs used in MAT help to normalize brain chemistry, block the euphoric effects of opioids, relieve physiological cravings, and stabilize patients during withdrawal. In short, they make recovery possible for people who otherwise could not quit on their own.
Different medications are approved for different stages of treatment. For example, buprenorphine (Suboxone) is commonly used during the early stages to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Naltrexone (Vivitrol) may be used during the maintenance stage to help prevent relapse.
MAT is an effective treatment for opioid addiction. It has been shown to:
Significantly reduce the risk of death from overdose
Decrease the risk of contracting HIV and other diseases
Help people keep their jobs and stay in school
Improve overall physical and mental health
MAT is not a “quick fix” or “cure” for addiction. It is a long-term treatment that requires commitment and follow-through. But for people willing to do the work, MAT can be a life-saving and life-changing intervention.
What is Microdosing?
Microdosing, also known as the Bernese Method, is an emerging treatment for people with OUD. The treatment starts with a low dose of buprenorphine, and patients continue to use opioids for seven to ten days while increasing their amount. This allows them to transition off of opioids without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Microdosing is an excellent method for reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, which, when combined with counseling, can reduce the chance of relapse.
Microdosing can be an effective way for people with OUD to begin MAT treatment. It’s a safe and comfortable method that allows patients to increase their dose of buprenorphine slowly. This method can make it easier for people to stick with their treatment plan.
The Brightside Clinic is committed to helping people with OUD get the treatment they need. We offer microdosing and traditional MAT therapy to help our patients overcome their addictions. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, please get in touch with us for more information. Contact us to schedule a consultation at 224-205-7863. We have clinics in Ottawa, Peoria, Rockford, Bloomingdale, Northbrook, Tinley Park, and North Aurora, Illinois.
Media Contact
Company Name: Brightside Clinic
Contact Person: Phil Atteberry
Email: Send Email
Phone: 1-224-205-7863
Address:24363 Spring Creek Road, Suite A
City: Washington – 61571
State: IL
Country: United States
Website: https://www.brightsideclinic.com/
