FAQ'S

WHAT IS ADDICTION?

Addiction is characterized by inability to consistently abstain, impairment in behavioral control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problems with one’s behaviors. It also impacts interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.

WHAT IS METHADONE?

Methadone works on parts of the brain and spinal cord to block the "high" caused by using opiates. It also helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms caused by opiate use. The action of methadone is similar to other synthetic medicines in the morphine category. Substances that are derived directly from the opium plant (such as heroin, morphine, and codeine) are known as opiates.

WHY METHADONE?

Methadone does create physical dependency, but you are not just trading one addiction for another. There are a number of differences between methadone and opiates that are very important during treatment. Unlike heroin, methadone is very effective when taken orally rather than by injection. Methadone frees patients from the dangerous practice of injecting, along with the risk of exposure to HIV and Hepatitis C. Methadone is very long-acting and patients take it once a day. The proper oral dose remains fully effective for 24-36 hours in preventing the beginning of withdrawal symptoms. Methadone also takes effect slowly. Patients will not experience the euphoria caused by street drugs because methadone has a slower and gradual effects. Methadone can alleviate not only the physical symptoms of withdrawal, but also the psychological dependency and craving caused by an opioid addiction.

WHAT IS SUBOXONE?

Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid dependence, containing Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Benefits of Suboxone include lower potential for abuse, greater accessibility, and high success rate in the treatment of opiate dependence.

WHAT IS VIVITROL?

Vivitrol, which is also known as Naltrexone is a once a month injectable non-opioid medication that helps patients who are opioid dependent in remission but at a risk of relapse and alcohol dependency in remission.

WHAT IS PHYSICAL DEPENDENCE?

With repeated use of heroin, dependence also occurs. Dependence develops when the neurons adapt to the repeated drug exposure and only function normally in the presence of the drug. When the drug is withdrawn, several physiologic reactions occur; these can be mild to life threatening. This is known as the withdrawal syndrome. In the case of heroin, withdrawal can be very serious, and the abuser will use the drug again to avoid the withdrawal syndrome.

WHAT ARE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS OF USING OPIOIDS OR HEROIN?

Those who are addicted to heroin not only become physically dependent on the substance but are also afraid to stop using for fear of the symptoms they may experience when they stop using. Withdrawal symptoms from heroin can develop as soon as a few hours after sustained use. Someone who is withdrawing from longtime heroin abuse and dependence is at risk of serious medical complications and should seek professional medical personnel for help. Some effects of opioids or heroin withdrawal include:

• Intense craving for heroin

• Extreme sweating

• Nausea and vomiting

• Severe muscle aches and pains

• Cramping in the limbs

• Feelings of heaviness of the body

• Extreme pain in muscles and bones

• Crying jags

• Insomnia

• Cold sweats

• Runny nose

• Fever

• Diarrhea

• Death can occur when other medical conditions are present

WHAT HEALTH INSURANCE DO YOU ACCEPT?

1. PA Medical Assistance

2. Medicare

3. Veterans Affairs

4. Credentialed with major insurance companies that may cover some of the costs of treatment

5. Self-pay

6. We also help provide solutions to patients that do not meet the criteria above

CAN I GET A SAME-DAY APPOINTMENT? DO YOU OFFER WALK-IN CLINIC SERVICES?

We try to see patients as soon as possible; most appointments will be made within 48 hours of contacting us.