We are pleased to announce a new outpatient program for the treatment of opioid abuse at the University of Vermont's Substance Abuse Treatment Center (SATC), located at the University Health Center (UHC).
This new program offers free and confidential outpatient treatment
for opiate abuse. We use two medications, buprenorphine and
naltrexone, both of which are approved by the Food and Drug
Administration for the treatment of opiate dependence. The
program is 3-6 months in duration and requires daily clinic visits for
the first 6 weeks of treatment and Monday/Wednesday/Friday visits
thereafter. Over the course of this program, participants are
first stabilized and then gradually tapered from buprenorphine.
Once participants become free from opiates, they are transitioned onto
naltrexone, which is an opiate blocker that has been shown to be a
powerful tool in maintaining opiate abstinence. One of the most
appealing features of this program is that, at the end of the study,
participants may be completely free of opioids, rather than having to
continue taking a drug like methadone or buprenorphine for years.
In addition to receiving medications, participants also receive free
medical evaluations and individual counseling that has been
scientifically shown to be effective in the treatment of opiate
abuse. Throughout the course of the program, participants will
meet regularly with their counselor who can help them to achieve and
maintain opiate abstinence. In addition, counselors can help with
accessing services and problem-solving other needs they may have.
Special attention is given to drug refusal and relapse prevention
skills, educational and vocational training, as well as family, social,
and recreational issues to help ensure a successful transition to
drug-free living.
For more information about the SATC Opiate Treatment Program, call (802) 656-9858.
Last modified March 02 2007 10:26 AM
