Here are some commonly asked queries about the heroin detox program in Rhode Island and their answers. These questions are general questions about the treatment program and do not pertain to any one treatment center. These are meant to give a brief outline of how the detox program works for people with heroin addiction in the state.

Q1. What is the most popularly used medication for heroin detox treatment in Rhode Island?

Methadone is the most commonly used medication for heroin detoxification in Rhode Island. This medication has been in use since over three decades and is still going quite strong. Despite the introduction of several new methods of heroin treatment in recent times, methadone is still prevailing in the state.

Q2. What are the plus and minus points of methadone heroin treatment in Rhode Island?

The biggest advantage in using methadone is that it is the oldest form of treatment and hence is the most tried and tested. People and even the treatment providers themselves rely on this method of treatment more. Also, methadone is known to be a very effective agent in controlling a person’s cravings for heroin and is thus a quite efficient heroin addiction therapy.

The drawbacks of using methadone are many as listed in the heroin detox program in Rhode Island. Firstly, methadone is habit-forming. In many cases, it has happened that the person has been able to come out of the heroin dependency but has then become hooked to methadone. This is one of the biggest risks in using this medication due to which methadone is always provided in an inpatient mode of treatment, under careful medical supervision. Secondly, methadone is contraindicated for several health complications and cannot be used with several prescription drugs. Even pregnant and lactating women are not permitted to use methadone. Quite simply put, the use of methadone in the heroin detox program in Rhode Island is under a lot of restrictions.

Q3. Is there an alternative to the methadone treatment for heroin addiction in Rhode Island?

The alternative to methadone heroin treatment in Rhode Island has made its arrival about ten years ago under the name of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is an opiate just like heroin is, but it is not as habit-forming as methadone. For that reason, it can be safely used for the treatment. Formulations containing buprenorphine have also been specially prepared. These are medications such as Subutex (a pure form of buprenorphine) and Suboxone (a mixture of buprenorphine and naloxone, which is added to reduce the habit-forming nature of buprenorphine.

Q4. Why is the buprenorphine heroin addiction treatment program in Rhode Island becoming so very popular?

Organizations such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have introduced the Buprenorphine Initiative that has played an instrumental role in making the drug popular for heroin treatment in the state. However, a very important reason for the popularity in the drug lies in the great benefits that it has. It is less habit-forming than methadone is and has therefore made outpatient programs for heroin addiction treatment in Rhode Island a possibility.

Also, by adding ingredients such as naloxone, the addictive nature of the substance can be completely reduced. Buprenorphine is also permissible for people with most health conditions and is also suitable for patients who have some or the other kind of mental illness. The drug is not quite contraindicated with most other prescription drugs. Hence it can be safely used.

Q5. Why is it important to know what kind of medication is used in the heroin detox program in Rhode Island?

There are many reasons. The progress of the treatment will depend on whether methadone or buprenorphine is used. Every person has a different internal constitution and based on that it is usually decided whether they will be more suitable with a buprenorphine treatment or a methadone treatment. Also, the costs of the treatment will be influenced by which kind of medication is being used.

Q6. What other points need to be seen when selecting a heroin detox program in Rhode Island?

The first thing to check is whether methadone or buprenorphine will be used for the treatment. Once that is done, you must check whether the treatment center has a license to conduct a heroin detox treatment program. It is also a good idea to check what kinds of accreditation the center has. If it has an accreditation, it means that the program has been reviewed by an external organization. Also, check up on the affiliates that the center has. This indicates how well-supported the treatment program is.