Lamoille Health Medication Assisted Treatment

When someone uses opioids regularly, they can become physically and psychologically dependent. If someone who is dependent reduces or stops taking these substances, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal from opioids can last a few days to a week and can include:

• Anxiety
• Yawning
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Goosebumps
• Hot/ Cold Flushed
• Shaking
• Bone and muscle aches
• Restlessness
• Nausea/ Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Muscle twitches
• Cravings to use

There are short term medications that can be prescribed to help reduce these symptoms and make stopping opioids more manageable. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder are generally taken for longer periods of time and help reduce cravings and maintain recovery from opioids.

When someone is using opioids, even if they are prescribed, there is a risk of overdosing and possibly dying. Overdoses are more likely to occur is someone is also using other substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or fentanyl. Signs of an opioid overdose are:

• Unconscious or not waking up
• Not responding to shaking and touch
• Not breathing normally (slowly, not breathing at all, or you can hear choking or gurgling sounds)
• Lips or nails are blue
• Skin feels cold or clammy
• The pupils of eye are very small

Narcan is a life-saving medication that can reverse the effect of an overdose. We recommend that everyone carries Narcan, not just people who is using. For access to Narcan and more education on how to administer it:

• Visit the Vermont Department of Health’s Website Opioid Overdose Prevention | Vermont Department of Health (healthvermont.gov) or
• Call the MAT Line 802-888-6009 or visit the North Central Vermont Recovery Center

The Rapid Access to Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (RAM) Program fast tracks people into treatment by allowing them to start a medication within 72-hours or less from when they reach out for help. Research has shown that the sooner someone is able to start a MOUD, the more likely they are to remain in treatment. And are less likely to continue using other drugs. Many of the programs in the Lamoille Area keep times open each week to prevent a delay is starting care. Call today the MAT Line today Team member about the next available RAM appointment.

Care Coordination is the practice of organizing a patient’s care across multiple health care providers or other organizations.  The goal of care coordination is to reduce barriers to care, reduce healthcare costs and unnecessary visits, and to improve overall patient health while working towards patient centered goals. The MAT Team includes Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADC) and Registered Nurses (RN) with specialized knowledge and experience in opioid use and addiction to support the unique needs patients receiving MOUD.

Methadone

A medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) or pain management. When taken as prescribed, methadone is safe and effective and helps individuals achieve and sustain recovery. Methadone can only be prescribed by Hubs when used to treat OUD.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a medication approved by the FDA to treat OUD. Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine is safe and effective and has been shown to diminish withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the potential for misuse. Suboxone is a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Naloxone helps block the effects of other opioids and deter risky use behaviors. Sublocade or Brixadi are long-acting injection formulations of Buprenorphine. Injections are given weekly or monthly depending on the medication and individual treatment needs.

Vivitrol (Naltrexone)

Vivitrol is an injection approved by the FDA to treat OUD.  This medication has been shown to reduce cravings and block the effects of other opioids. A patient must complete opioid detoxification and trial the oral medication prior to the first injection. The Vivitrol injection lasts 30 days and eliminates the responsibility of daily medication. Liver functioning must be monitored regularly to make sure that it is appropriate to continue this treatment.

Vivitrol (Naltrexone)

Vivitrol is an injection approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in patients who are able to abstain from alcohol in an outpatient setting.  This medication has been shown to reduce cravings, prevent relapses, and block the effects of alcohol. A patient must trial the oral medication prior to their first injection. The Vivitrol injection lasts 30 days and eliminates the responsibility of daily medication. Liver functioning must be monitored regularly to make sure that it is appropriate to continue this treatment.

Antabuse (Disulfiram)

Antabuse, is a medication approved by the FDA that is used in the treatment of AUD. Antabuse is an alcohol-sensing agent that is designed to deter drinking by producing unpleasant side effects (vomiting) when mixed with alcohol. Antabuse should only be started after someone has stopped drinking. Other foods or products that contain

Campral (Acamprosate)

Acamprosate is a medication approved by the FDA to treat AUD. This medication helps restore the brain’s natural chemical balance after alcohol use has stopped and withdrawal is complete.  This medication helps prevent relapses and reduce cravings. Acamprosate can be particularly helpful for patients with liver disease because it is not metabolized by the liver.