Debunking Myths About Opioid Treatment With Partial Agonists

Opioid treatment with partial agonists involves the use of medications like buprenorphine to help individuals manage opioid use disorder (OUD). These partial agonists are designed to stimulate opioid receptors in the brain, but unlike full agonists, they do so with a ceiling effect, meaning their effects plateau at higher doses. But while these medications play a key role in agonist therapy, it’s important to explain a few common misconceptions about them and how they work.

Let Amazing Grace Center and our substance abuse treatment center in Portsmouth, OH, explain how buprenorphine, methadone, and suboxone can help manage OUD.

Opioids

Myth: Partial Agonists Are Just Substitutes for Other Opioids

Some believe opioid agonist medications simply replace one addiction with another (replacing opioids with a suboxone or methadone partial agonist). In reality, partial agonists work differently than full agonists like morphine or heroin. As illustrated in Harvard Health Publishing, these medications have a maximum effect limit, which reduces the risk of overdose, alleviating cravings without delivering the same euphoric high.

Addiction treatment

Myth: Opioid Agonist Treatment is Only for Certain Patients

It’s easy to assume that Portsmouth opioid agonist therapy is suitable only for severe or specific cases. But Amazing Grace Center and our team understand that early intervention with partial agonists can prevent escalation and lead to better long-term recovery outcomes. All patients are welcome to contact us and discuss the proper dosing of opioid agonist medications.

Opioids

Myth: Treatment with Partial Agonists Isn’t Effective

Some argue that treatment with partial agonists is ineffective. However, medications for opioid use disorder can lower the risk of fatal overdoses by about 50%, and, like with other medical conditions, they can help ensure effective treatment.

Support group

Myth: Opioid Agonist Treatment Leads to Abuse and Dependency

Critics often argue that using medications for OUD fosters more dependency. However, it’s important to note that agonist therapy with suboxone in Portsmouth does not cause intoxication and since it does not cause the same euphoric feeling as opioids, it is much harder to misuse.

Explore Your Options With Amazing Grace Center

Understanding these myths is crucial in fostering a compassionate and informed approach to opioid treatment. By recognizing the facts, we can help more individuals access the care they need. Learn more about how opioid agonist treatment can help you or your family and contact Amazing Grace Center for opioid agonist medication in Portsmouth.

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