Opioid Use Disorder Services

Opioid use disorders (previously called opioid dependence or opioid addiction) occur when there is a degree of loss of control of the amount or frequency of opioids used and life consequences from the use of opioids that range from mild to severe. At REMI opioid use disorders (OUD) may exist with or without chronic pain. In general either state will be referred to as an Opioid Related Disorder (ORD) to avoid stigmatizing the person suffering from either or both conditions.  State of the art treatment for an ORD involves medication assisted treatment (MAT) with medications such as buprenorphine (Suboxone and Subutex) and naltrexone. The other important component of treatment involves a psychosocial dimension.  The essence of psychosocial treatment is Recovery (described in a general way in the "What Does Recovery Enhanced Medicine Mean?" section of this website). Recovery is a process that helps an individual identify and manage their underlying issues that may predispose them to substance use disorders.  A Recovery approach also can help repair the central nervous system damage caused by chronic substance use by utilizing cutting edge neuroplasticity techniques.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT

All forms of buprenorphine are available including Suboxone, Subutex, Butrans, Bunavail, Belbuca and Dr. McGrath is a certified prescriber for Probuphine (an implantable form of buprenorphine). Naltrexone and other evidenced-based non-controlled medications will be used in easing the induction, maintenance and gradual withdrawal of buprenorphine products as the journey of recovery to the ultimate goal of abstinence is traveled.

Psychosocial Treatment

REMI offers individualized psychosocial assessments to create a workable recovery plan.  A wide variety of individual and group therapies are available.  Cognitive Behavioral and Mindfulness therapy groups, MAT groups, Chronic Pain Anonymous groups, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alanon will be reviewed for appropriateness for each person seeking MAT.

Cognitive Remediation/Recreation Therapy

Chronic use of opioids can have negative effects on the thinking or cognitive functions of the brain.  Attention, focus, judgment, working memory and planning abilities can all be subtly or notably diminished. Cognitive remediation is a program of practicing skills that can improve cognitive functioning. Connecting with recreational/vocational pursuits will be a guiding principle to the structuring of the cognitive remediation tasks for each person.

What REMI patients with opioid use disorder are saying:

“

My experience at REMI opened my eyes to the causes of the suffering and struggles I have had with addiction all my life.

James N.

”