Addiction Medicine Program

The intensity of opioid cravings can make it difficult to overcome opioid use disorder on your own. If you’re ready to break free from a dependence on opioids, you can benefit from the medication-assisted treatments available at Internal Medicine PGH. In addition to personalized care plans, the medical team provide ongoing recovery resources to lower your risk for relapse. Call the Pittsburgh or Uniontown, Pennsylvania, office today to find out if you’re a candidate for medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, or book an appointment online.

What is opioid use disorder?

Prescription opioids, including codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine, are sometimes used to treat chronic pain. The medications work directly on the opioid receptors of the brain, which regulate breathing, intestinal processes, pain sensations, and other biological functions.

The euphoric effect that opioids produce can trigger a person to take more of the drug than prescribed. Ongoing misuse of the medications can lead to opioid use disorder, a chronic disease that makes it difficult for someone to stop using opioids despite the negative consequences it has on their life.

Internal Medicine PGH offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plans for individuals seeking recovery from opioid use disorder. 

The experienced medical team uses the latest medications to help you achieve and maintain long-term sobriety.

What are the warning signs of opioid use disorder?

Opioid use disorder describes a pattern of opioid misuse within 12-months. As a result of taking too much of a prescription opioid, a person can experience issues like:

• Strong cravings for opioids
• Engaging in reckless behaviors to obtain opioids
• Personal and legal problems due to opioid use
• Needing to take more of a medication to achieve the same euphoric effect

Those who try to quit using opioids can also experience physical withdrawal symptoms, such as widespread body pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe enough to cause a person to start taking opioids again to achieve symptom relief.

If you or a loved one misuses opioids or has signs of opioid use disorder, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Internal Medicine PGH. The team offers comprehensive health evaluations to determine if you’re a candidate for a medication-assisted treatment plan.

How does medication-assisted treatment address opioid use disorder?

Internal Medicine PGH’s MAT plans use FDA-approved opioid agonist medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone to reduce strong opioid cravings and minimize the withdrawal effects.

The experienced medical team helps you find the best delivery method for the medications, which are available as sublingual tablets, patches, injections, and oral pills. 

They also combine medications with psychotherapy and other supportive resources to help you quit using opioids for good. Follow-up appointments are available in-person and through telehealth.

Call the Internal Medicine PGH office near you today to learn more about the benefits of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, or book a consultation online.