Substance addiction is a harsh disease that doesn’t just affect one person. It can deeply impact entire families and cause major relationship strains, financial problems, and many other struggles. It can completely change a person’s life in a negative way.
In particular, Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) affects or has affected 16 million people around the world. In the United States, the number is a staggering three million and stems from the push of opioids in the 1990s. In 2020, 74.8% of overdose deaths involved opioids. In 2017, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched a public health emergency in response to America’s opioid epidemic.
Thankfully, there are innovative treatments for opioid addiction. Suboxone is a popular treatment option for those currently struggling with OUD. Dr. Joseph Papotto and the Life in a Blender team offers suboxone treatments for patients in and around Myrtle Beach and Conway, South Carolina.
What are the Signs of OUD?
In order to be diagnosed with OUD, which can only be professionally done by a physician, a person needs to show at least two of the following signs for at least 12 months:
- Overusing their prescriptions, either in too large of a dose or for longer than intended.
- Fruitless attempts at stopping their use of opioids.
- Overwhelming need to use opioids with persistent urges.
- Issues with school, work, or home responsibilities.
- Time-consuming efforts to find opioids.
- Continued use of opioids despite many problems directly related to their use.
- Withdrawing from activities they loved due to preoccupation with opioids.
- Using opioids in dangerous situations, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Continued use of opioids despite physical or mental problems worsening from their use.
- Building a tolerance to high doses of opioids.
- Severe withdrawal from discontinued use of opioids.
If you or a loved one is concerned about their usage of opioids and need help controlling their urges, suboxone is a possible treatment method.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication used to treat OUD by managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It combines buprenorphine and naloxone and dissolves against the cheek or under the tongue.
Buprenorphine was created as another option to common pain medications, like—you guessed it—opioids. It was also recognized as a better and safer medication over methadone. It has been used as an addiction treatment since 2002, with a generic version approved for use in 2018.
Is Suboxone Addictive?
Evidence shows that suboxone and similar medications greatly reduce overdose risk, making it possible to pursue steady employment and a fulfilling life again. Its long-lasting effects allow for alternate-day dosing.
Like many medications, suboxone does carry the risk of addiction if misused, but only if used without proper guidance and supervision. Professionals familiar with addiction treatments who will be able to disperse the proper dosage and monitor the patient closely.
With Dr. Papotto, patients are closely monitored and tapered off of suboxone steadily for maximum results.
Who Qualifies for Suboxone as a Treatment Option?
Many patients who have OUD could be qualified to use suboxone and is typically covered by health insurance plans. Always check with your insurance provider about your plan to see what is covered. Do NOT attempt to find suboxone on your own and self-medicate.
Why Do Some People Not Want Treatment for OUD?
There are several reasons why people do not pursue treatment for OUD and other addictions, whether it is from financial worries or distance from a rehabilitation facility.
One of the biggest reasons? Shame.
The stigma of addiction and the shame it can bring too often prevents people from getting the support they need to beat it. They are afraid of judgment from others and afraid to disappoint their loved ones. There are also many people who believe that addiction is a choice and is from a lack of willpower, causing people to resist treatment or think they cannot be helped.
But help is possible, and Life in a Blender may be the right fit for your recovery.
Dr. Papotto is known for his mission of “Moving From Hurting to Healing”. With his approach, patients are first and foremost treated as humans. Every member of Dr. Papotto’s “A Team” is fully-trained and committed to both the success and happiness of their patients.
Every patient is our priority, including the things that patients wish to achieve during their treatment and goals afterwards. We’ll be your biggest fans the entire way and celebrate as you hit milestones you never dreamed possible.
Despite being known as a clown (yes, an actual trained clown), Dr. Papotto knows how to take his patients seriously and support them however he can. Laughter is great medicine, especially when paired with experienced and empathic care.
What if Treatment Doesn’t Work?
Suboxone is a popular and often effective treatment method. However, we also recognize that not every person is the same and has many different needs.
We’re always ready to find other evidence-based methods that can help patients during recovery, including holistic and alternative ways when possible.
We’re also here to maximize comfort and reduce the stigma and shame from addiction treatment. We work with patients to personalize care and find the absolute best solution for them.
How to Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Papotto
If you or a loved one are ready to take the first steps to recovery, we’re 1. Proud! and 2. Ready to take the first steps with you.
To contact us during working hours, call +(843)347-4900 to speak with Brenda Mohl.
For after hours or for your convenience, use our online contact form.
How Do I Get to Dr. Papotto’s Office?
Your appointment will take place at 132A Professional Park Drive, Conway, South Carolina, 29526.
It can be accessed from Singleton Ridge Road (State Road S-26-1121). The area has several medical offices, including ENTs and pediatricians. Our office is in the gray brick building. Plenty of parking is provided for your convenience.
