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Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Opioid Treatment

Explore the innovative opioid addiction treatments at CORE Medical Clinic in Sacramento, guided by the expert insights of Dr. Randell L. Stenson. This article delves into the risks and benefits of Methadone and Buprenorphine treatments, highlighting the clinic's commitment to individualized care and medically well-supervised recovery plans.

August 8, 2023

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic Team

pros and cons choice

Risks Versus Benefits: Understanding Opioid Addiction Treatment in Sacramento with CORE Medical Clinic

Opioid addiction is a complex issue, but finding the right treatment shouldn't be. At CORE Medical Clinic in Sacramento, we believe in understanding the risks and benefits of various medications, including Methadone and Buprenorphine, in treating opioid addiction. In this article, we'll explore the essential insights provided by Dr. Randell L. Stenson, a leading figure in the field at our clinic.

Understanding the Role of Medications in Treatment

Just as lowering cholesterol through medication has saved countless lives, medications like Methadone and Buprenorphine are providing life-saving treatment options for those struggling with opioid addiction. These treatments are further enhanced by holistic approaches, such asnot smoking, losing weight, and regular exercise.

Comparing Buprenorphine and Methadone

In the words of Dr. Randell L. Stenson at CORE Medical Clinic,patients can look at Buprenorphine or Methadone as they do Atorvastatin for cholesterol.If there are side effects, dose adjustments or shifts to other medications may help achieve the best results. Methadone and Buprenorphine come with potential side effects like constipation, sedation, and weight gain. Still, the good news, as highlighted by Dr. Stenson, is thatthe best remedies for these side effects promote improved health and longevity.

Proven Benefits of Careful Methadone Dosing

CORE Medical Clinic, led by professionals like Dr. Randell L. Stenson, understands the importance of proper Methadone dosing coupled with supportive counseling. Contrary to myths about Methadone,medical evidence shows that it improves health significantly.

Comprehensive Treatment Options in Sacramento

CORE Medical Clinic offers a range of treatment options for those seeking opioid addiction treatment in Sacramento.With dedicated professionals like Dr. Randell L. Stenson and modern medical techniques, we focus on individualized treatments, including slow and precisely measured dose reductions.

Conclusion

Seeking help for opioid addiction? CORE Medical Clinic in Sacramento stands ready to assist you with a medically well-supervised withdrawal plan, tailored treatments, and the compassion to guide you through your recovery journey.Trust the experience of professionals like Dr. Randell L. Stenson, and reach out to CORE Medical Clinic today.

Educational content from Core Medical Clinic. This article does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

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