Frequently Asked Questions & Responses
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1. Who SHOULD seek treatment at Pantops?
Submitted on Monday, July 12, 2004According to the National Institute on Health, medication-assisted treatment is the best approach for persons chronically addicted to opiate drugs including heroin and synthetic narcotics.
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2. What IS a chronically addicted Person?
Submitted on Monday, July 12, 2004Persons chronically addicted have developed a high tolerance and compulsively seek narcotics on a daily basis to the degree that normal psychosocial functioning is no longer possible for them. As the cost of their addiction increases, many resort to theft and crime in order to afford the drugs they need.
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3. Why is medication-assisted treatment preferred?
Submitted on Monday, July 12, 2004Treatment professionals have observed that most opioid addicted persons return to drug use after ?detox? or other abstinence-based care. Those patients having completed such treatment complain of ?not feeling normal? or continued drug craving. This is what causes relapse. We now know that craving is BIOLOGICAL not PSYCHOLOGICAL. Medication eliminates craving and allows the addicted person to ?feel normal?.
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4. Is that substituting one drug for another?
Submitted on Monday, July 12, 2004Many chronic illnesses require daily medication to restore normal functioning. The medications used to treat opioid addiction (methadone and buprenorphine) do NOT get patients ?high?.
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5. What about the abstinence-based treatment philosop
Submitted on Monday, July 12, 2004Abstinence-based treatment remains the best alternative for most substance abusers. However, research continues to find medication that will assist treatment and improve overall outcomes. The important thing in providing treatment is an individualized treatment approach based on available science and patient need.
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6. Can Bup help those addicted to pain meds?
Submitted on Thursday, September 16, 2004Prescription pain relievers like oxycodone and codeine are opioids. Buprenorphine is used to treat addiction to opioids. Buprenorphine prevents withdrawal symptoms so that a person can stop taking the opioid drug to which he or she is addicted. A doctor who is qualified in the use of buprenorphine can determine if it is a good choice for a patient who is addicted to opioid pain relievers.
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7. Can a person switch from methadone to Bup?
Submitted on Thursday, September 16, 2004Patients can switch from methadone to buprenorphine treatment, but because the two drugs are very different, patients are not always satisfied with the results. A number of factors affect whether buprenorphine is a good choice for someone who is currently receiving methadone. It is also possible for patients receiving buprenorphine to be switched to methadone. Patients interested in finding out more about the possibility of switching treatment should discuss this with the doctor who is prescribing their medication.
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8. What type of insurance do you accept?
Do you acce
Submitted by Karen on Tuesday, January 11, 2005Unfortunately, we do not accept any insurance as a direct, third party payer. However, we would be happy to assist you in filing for direct reimbursement.
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