THERAPY EASES DETOXIFICATION

New At United Health Services

A new therapy that eases the detoxification process for those addicted to
heroin or prescription narcotics is now available through the New Horizons
addiction treatment program.

Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, buprenorphine
therapy is a safe and effective alternative to methadone for patients who
require pharmacological intervention to break a dependence.

Buprenorphine is a semi-synthetic opiate that activates the same brain
receptors as heroin, but does not produce the same level of stimulation. It
is administered in pill form and can be prescribed for detoxification or as
a maintenance drug.

According to Alan Wilmarth, director of addictions and outpatient mental
health services, when compared to other therapy methods, patients who
receive the buprenorphine therapy tend to feel more comfortable during the
withdrawal stage and are less likely to develop cravings when the treatment
is completed.

Some types of detoxification therapy can cause patients to be physically
ill and to lose their ability to concentrate. These negative side effects
can lead to a high percentage of patients who drop out of the detox
program, Wilmarth said. With buprenorphine, they are more likely to stay in
the program and attend group therapy sessions.

Physicians wishing to provide buprenorphine to their patients must take
eight hours of training and be certified by the Department of Health and
Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.