Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Houston, TX

Suboxone^® satisfies the part of the brain that craves opioids and causes withdrawal symptoms. It helps patients feel better by stopping the brain from signaling for drugs, but Suboxone doesn’t give off a “high” and the risk of overdose is almost non-existent because Suboxone is only a partial opioid. It doesn’t fully activate the opioid receptors in the brain, but fits just enough to satisfy the receptor.

If drugs like heroin, OxyContin or Vicodin are used, they can’t attach to these opioid receptors because the Suboxone is blocking them. The drugs can’t give off the “high” feeling, so there won’t be much motivation to continue using. You can get Suboxone in Houston today at Symetria’s on-site pharmacy.

Methadone is a low-potency opioid taken daily. It calms receptors in the brain that crave opioids. Because methadone is satisfying the opioid receptors, they don’t trigger withdrawal symptoms. With methadone occupying these receptors, opioids like heroin, morphine, or Oxycontin can’t produce the “high” feelings, if they are used. Without giving off the high, these drugs lose appeal.

Naltrexone helps prevent or lessen cravings for drugs or alcohol. The medication blocks opioid receptors in the brain. (Non-opioids like alcohol, meth and cocaine interact with opioid receptors even though they aren’t made to attach directly). By blocking opioid receptors, drugs and alcohol no longer activate reward centers in the brain. If alcohol or drugs are used, they give the negative hangover-type symptoms without the positive high feelings. There’s little motivation to continue using drugs or drinking alcohol while on naltrexone. Further, naltrexone is non-addictive, does not cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped, and doesn’t require taking any medication at home. It’s a great choice to make staying sober so much easier.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) involve individual or group therapy sessions held three times per week (ideally). This type of therapy is typically less expensive than rehab. With IOP, patients live at home and get real-world support and accountability. Studies show IOP is just as effective as inpatient rehab. At Symetria’s Houston clinic, patients go through an IOP and have access to unlimited one-on-one therapy sessions and anti-craving medications, as well as diagnosis, medications, and therapy for underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety as needed.