The Suboxone Debate

Posted by azdrugrehabctr on March 6, 2015 under Opiate Abuse | Comments are off for this article

The addiction treatment community has been at odds about drug replacement therapy for years. Many are wary to recommend long-term drug replacement therapy, especially given the storied history of methadone. However, Suboxone varies significantly from methadone in that users are less able to abuse the drug and there is less risk of impairment as well. Many treatment centers have begun to administer their programs after a short taper of Suboxone is given to clients.

For several decades the traditional way to approach treatment was the 12-step method. This method subscribed to the idea that in order to overcome an addiction one was to remain completely abstinent and attend 12-step meetings designed to repair the damage caused by addiction both on the individual and on the other components of their lives like; family, work and religion. While this is still a viable option for treatment, many treatment centers have integrated other aspects to treatment that make attaining sobriety much swifter and long lasting. In addition to 12-step meetings, some treatment centers are incorporating trauma resolution – working with the client to get to the bottom of traumatic incidents in their life that may have caused the addiction. Working with trained therapists, an addict is able to confront their past and learn how to deal with problems in the future. This is different from traditional rehabilitation programs in that it provides another layer of treatment in addition to meetings.

Still, other treatment centers have moved away from 12-step altogether and focused instead to the physical and mental aspects of addictions using other forms of therapy. Either way, before a person can successfully focus on their treatment, they have to get over the painful withdrawal symptoms. Instead of quitting cold turkey, which often times is the quickest way to get back on heroin; treatment centers are beginning to introduce a Suboxone taper in their detox programs on a more regular basis. This allows the addict to safely and gradually wean off from heroin and get to a point where they are able to focus their energy into their recovery.

Suboxone and drug replacement therapy can vary in terms of length of time, and it may not be fore everyone, but there is a market out there for a safe way to come off a drug that is killing people otherwise.

Tags: , , ,

UFC Fighter Tests Positive for Cocaine, Seeks Treatment

Posted by azdrugrehabctr on January 19, 2015 under Addiction Trends | Comments are off for this article

Jon Jones is currently ranked as the #1 light heavyweight in the UFC. Recently Jones fought in a much publicized match with Daniel Cormier and won in a unanimous decision. Only a few days after the fight it was discovered that on December 4th Jones tested positive for cocaine. By the time the public was hearing about Jones’ failed drug test he had already checked himself into rehab. While this was the right thing to do, the way the incident was handled brings up questions about professional sports and their desire to handle drug problems or if they just want to brush them under the rug.

In the last several years drug use in sports has been a constant problem. Athletes are often caught using performance-enhancing drugs, and there have also been many athletes arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol, the most recent being Tim Jennings of the Chicago Bears. There is also a lawsuit against the NFL for pushing and illegally prescribing narcotic painkillers. With all of the drug and alcohol problems professional sports is dealing with, it may not be a surprise that Jon Jones fell into the drug trap as well.

The lifestyle of a professional athlete can be very glamorous from the outside looking in. Adoring fans and lots of money can make for a very fast-paced life with the opportunity to do almost anything one desires. Drugs often go hand in hand in a lifestyle like the ones athletes who are at the top of their game often lead.

Checking into rehab was the most effective thing that Jon Jones could have done for himself and his loved ones. It wasn’t mandatory, as the UFC has stricter guidelines when it comes to performance-enhancing drugs like steroids, compared to other illicit drugs like cocaine, especially whether a positive test occurs during the time of being in competition. We certainly hope his rehabilitation is successful and that it serves as an example for other people, athletes and fans alike, to seek treatment for substance abuse problems.

Tags: , , , , ,

home top next »

Pin It on Pinterest