New Implant Treatment Helps Recovering Opioid Addicts Stay Clean

FALL RIVER (CBS) – Many people addicted to opioids are desperate to quit, but the drug has such a powerful hold over their bodies, they simply can’t fight the cravings. A recovering addict from Fall River who didn’t want to use her real name, so we’ll call her Kate, says opioids took over her life. “When I was using, I was a mess,” she said. “It was lie after lie. I put my mom through a lot of stuff and she never deserved it.” But Kate finally realized, she had to find a way to stop. “Either I’m going to die, or I’m going to get my life back together,” she said. Through counseling and treatment with a drug that keeps withdrawals and cravings in check, she started feeling hopeful. Until she ran into supply problems with the drug she needed at local pharmacies. “I’m sorry, we ran out. You are going to have to go somewhere else,” she said, describing what pharmacists would say to her when she tried to refill her prescription. Probuphine. (WBZ-TV) That is when Dr. Genie Bailey of the SStarr Treatment Center in Fall River suggested she try a new product called Probuphine. Four small rods are implanted under the skin in the upper arm which continuously release that craving-fighting drug for six months. It is the same delivery system used in the Norplant birth control device. (Image credit: Braeburn Pharmaceuticals) Just like the oral medication she was taking, it blocks the brain from any effects of the opioid. So even if Kate started using again, ...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Local News Syndicated Local Confronting The Crisis Dr. Mallika Marshall Health Watch opioid crisis Probuphine Source Type: news