Opiate Addiction and its Treatment

What We Mean by “Opiate”
The word “opiate” commonly is used to describe any drug derived from the opium poppy and includes: morphine, codeine, heroin and pain relievers such as methadone, demerol, hydrocodone and oxycodone.  Hydrocodone is marketed under many brand names including Vicodin, Lorcet and Lortab. Physicians prescribe it for its pain-relieving and cough-suppressant properties. When misused, however, it can be addictive.

Oxycodone is the primary active ingredient in a number of medications prescribed for moderate to severe pain. It is marketed as Oxycontin, Percocet, Percodan, Endocet, Tylox, Roxicet and Roxiprin.

About Methadone
The use of methadone is an important adjunct to counseling. It reduces the risk for diseases such as hepatitis and HIV, which are associated with continued IV drug use. The duration of methadone treatment is determined by state and federal regulations, this program’s admission and discharge criteria, and your individual needs.

If you are a maintenance client who is meeting the requirements of this program, you may begin detoxification at a time that you, your counselor and your physician mutually agree upon. Continued counseling is recommended for at least one year following methadone detoxification. This provides support to help you remain drug-free and avoid relapse.