Treatment for Opiate Dependence

At PROMETA Center® Inc. medical practices, we believe that opiate dependence is a disease, and that an integrated treatment approach combining pharmacological and psychosocial elements offers the best chance for sustained recovery. Physicians practicing with PROMETA Center medical practices use a variety of treatment methods for opiate dependence, and our experienced staff assists each patient with a customized Continuing Care program.

Pharmacological Treatment for Opiate Dependence
The PROMETA Center offers patients dependent on opiates individualized pharmacological treatment, which may include Suboxone® (buprenorphine), a partial opiate agonist that is effective at reducing opiate withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. In addition to helping relieve the uncomfortable side effects of opiate cessation, we work to help patients deal with the troubling psychological side of opiate cravings. Like all other addiction treatments, pharmacological treatments need to be supported by psychological and social changes.

• If a PROMETA Center physician has determined that a patient is a candidate for buprenorphine, his or her first day of treatment by the PROMETA Center typically consists of an initial assessment, including a comprehensive medical examination with urine and possibly blood analyses.
• The Induction Phase, when patients receive the initial doses of buprenorphine, is closely managed by the patient's physician. The Induction Phase generally lasts about 48-72 hours. Over time, patients receive lower doses of buprenorphine, and can most often administer their medication at home. Pharmacological intervention can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the patient. An individualized psychosocial treatment plan, including a nutritional consultation and recommendations, is developed and implemented for each patient.
• An essential part of the Prometa Treatment Program involves a comprehensive Continuing Care plan. Our clinical team will work with you to find the plan that is best for you.

Continuing Care
Dependence is a complex disease, and the best outcomes are believed to derive from a combination of pharmacological treatment and Continuing Care. The PROMETA Center offers individualized referrals through our relationships with behavioral clinicians, in order to ensure that our patients can access the best and most appropriate Continuing Care programs.

Learn more about Continuing Care