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(Methadone or Buprenorphine Taper)

Long-Term Detox Program

The Long-Term Detox Program is a structured program utilizing methadone or buprenorphine over a six-month period. The goal is to first help the patient stabilize, then gradually taper off medication with clinical monitoring and recovery support.

A stabilization dose is achieved in the first few weeks of treatment. Patients remain on the stabilization dose for approximately three months and then gradually taper off the medication over the final three months.

Long-Term Detox Program

This program is designed for patients who need medication-supported stabilization but are working toward a planned taper. The structure gives patients time to reduce withdrawal symptoms, build recovery skills, participate in counseling, and prepare for the next stage of care.

The Long-Term Detox Program includes individual and group counseling, access to on-site groups, referral services, naloxone access, limited medical services, and discharge planning.

Because opioid recovery needs vary by patient, the treatment team helps evaluate whether long-term detox is clinically appropriate based on the patient’s history, stability, goals, and medical needs.

The Long-Term Detox Program focuses on the following recovery goals:

  1. 1.Medication-supported stabilization
  2. 2.Gradual taper with clinical oversight
  3. 3.Counseling, referrals, and discharge planning
Long-Term Detox Program

Stabilize first. Taper with support.

Long-term detox provides a structured six-month path using methadone or buprenorphine, counseling, referrals, and discharge planning.

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Other Benefits
Include:

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  • Structured six-month treatment plan
  • Stabilization support during the first phase of treatment
  • Gradual tapering during the final phase of treatment
  • Individual and group counseling support
  • Access to on-site groups
  • Referral services for ongoing needs
  • Narcan/naloxone access
  • Limited medical services
  • Discharge planning
  • Support for transition into long-term recovery

The Long-Term Detox Program includes, but is not limited to, the following services:

  1. 1.Medication-supported treatment utilizing methadone or buprenorphine over a 6-month period
  2. 2.A stabilization dose achieved in the first few weeks of treatment
  3. 3.Approximately 3 months on the stabilization dose
  4. 4.Gradual medication taper over the final 3 months
  5. 5.Individual counseling
  6. 6.Group counseling
  7. 7.Access to on-site groups
  8. 8.Referral services
  9. 9.Narcan/naloxone
  10. 10.Limited medical services
  11. 11.Discharge planning

Methadone Maintenance Program

  • A detailed history and physical exam
  • Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
  • HIV and Hepatitis C testing
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Buprenorphine Program

  • A detailed history and physical exam
  • Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
  • HIV and Hepatitis C testing
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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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