Comprehensive Care Center
Providing:
- Addiction Treatment
- Infectious Disease Management
- Complex Disease Management
Addressing Opioid Dependence
Opioid dependence is a chronic disease affecting many people within our community and across the country. It occurs when receptors in the brain adjust to regular use of legally prescribed or illegal forms of opioid drug use.
The HMC Comprehensive Care Center can help. Our board-certified physician manages the use of prescription medication to treat opioid dependency, while licensed mental health counselors with River Valley Counseling Center provide psychological treatment and substance abuse counseling.
Criteria
Eligible patients must be diagnosed with substance use disorder, complete an initial medical evaluation and be screened for associated illnesses. The program treats patients who are:
- age 18 and older
- self referred or referred by a healthcare provider
- have a desire to stop opioid use
Comprehensive Treatment
The program offers a comprehensive, confidential treatment option for people looking to quit prescription painkillers, heroin and other opioids. The program takes a whole-patient approach, blending effective and safe medication with mental health care.
Patients are prescribed buprenorphine-naloxone (trade name Suboxone) to help break their addiction so they can focus on healing. “Buprenorphine interacts with brain receptors to reduce cravings and euphoria while naloxone prevents misuse as it blocks the effects of opioids,” says Dr. Jaworek.
