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 / Substances Treated

Types of Substances

What types of substance misuse can be treated with medication?

Ideal Option specializes in the treatment of addiction to opioids such as heroin, pain pills, and fentanyl, but we also treat individuals who have developed an addiction to alcohol, benzodiazepines, marijuana, kratom, tobacco, and stimulants such as methamphetamine and cocaine

Ideal Option uses FDA-approved medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Medication-assisted treatment is considered to be the gold standard for OUD. Medications used for the treatment of OUD include buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Subutex®), and naltrexone (Vivitrol®). We also encourage and refer our patients to seek behavioral health services, such as counseling or group therapy. Many of our locations offer behavioral health services. 

We work with patients on long-term tapering from these substances. Ideal Option can prescribe these tapering doses.   

Although no FDA-approved medication currently exists for treating cocaine use disorder, there is evidence to suggest that counseling combined with medications such as Disulfiram or Topiramat may be beneficial in some patients. Data from our 2023 Annual Patient Outcomes Report show among patients in treatment from initiation to the maintenance stage of care during 2023, cocaine use went down by 90%.

We can help patients quit smoking, smokeless tobacco, and vaping with medication like varenicline (Chantix®) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as nicotine gum, patches, or nasal spray. We also refer patients to 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free phone-based counseling and other support services.

Although there are no FDA-approved medications for marijuana addiction, there are some medications such as N-acetylcysteine that are showing promise and that are prescribed by Ideal Option. N-acetylcysteine has shown to be helpful, especially in younger patients. Targeted referrals to individualized counseling is also provided.  

Recent evidence shows that kratom is addictive and fatal overdoses are possible. We treat kratom use disorder like we do opioid use disorder with medications like buprenorphine and naltrexone along with targeted psychosocial services.  

Alcohol addiction can be managed with medications such as naltrexone (Vivitrol®), acamprosate, and/or disulfiram (Antabuse®). We also make referrals and encourage our patients to participate in 12-Step programs, counseling, and other evidence-based services.

Although there are currently no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder, there is evidence to suggest that medications such as Mirtazipine, Bupropion, and Naltrexone may be beneficial in some patients. We currently offer these medications to patients who meet the qualifications. We can also refer patients for counseling.

It's quite common for our patients to be misusing multiple substances. Every patient has a unique situation, and therefore requires a highly personalized treatment plan. Our goal is harm reduction vs. strict abstinence, so we prioritize treating patients for opioid use disorder even if they continue to struggle with other substances.

Fentanyl is a highly potent, dangerous synthetic opioid that is commonly mixed with other street drugs without the user knowing. Many people find it impossible to stop using fentanyl long enough to transition to buprenorphine without precipitating withdrawal. Our program offers three methods of transitioning to buprenorphine, conventional, low dose, and high dose initation, depending on each patient's unique situation. Your provider will discuss both options with you during your first appointment. 

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