THE PROBUPHINE IMPLANT
At The Recovery Centers, we are providing a potentially life saving treatment option that we are proud to announce as one of our premier protocols. Our Executive Medical Director and President, Dr. Joseph Russo, was the first physician to administer this treatment in all of New England on June 20, 2016. The event has been featured on ABC News and in The Norwalk Hour. As per follow up, our patients have been able to remain comfortable and sober off of opiates, as the epidemic in the United States has continued to flourish. Too many individuals have suffered and died and too many families and communities have been torn apart by the ravages of opioid use. As we all know, it has now become a national health emergency. The Recovery Centers remains the Center of Excellence for the Probuphine Implant which is becoming a true game changer in the fight against opioid addiction.
The Probuphine Opioid Implant
Medications containing buprenorphine (SUBOXONE, SUBUTEX, ZUBSOLV) and methadone have revolutionized the treatment of individuals with opioid use disorder, including those with severe addictions to Heroin, Oxycontin, Vicodin, Percocet, Dilaudid, RoxyCet, or Fentanyl. By controlling cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a high, these medications enable the individual to engage fully in psychotherapeutic interventions and make healthier choices while restoration of brain circuits involved in reward and self-control are being achieved. The major disruption of brain neurobiology involved in opioid addiction almost always requires the use of powerful medication agents. Only then can one truly have a fighting chance at real recovery.
One of the major challenges however is with treatment compliance. If someone decides to stop taking their Suboxone or Methadone, one can go out and get high again. No treatment option will work if it is not adhered to. With the Probuphine Implant, these worries are taken off of the table and compliance is assured. It can cover an individual for 6 months, 1 year or even more as needed. Dr. Russo can perform the implant as an office procedure, where one returns home thereafter and can resume work or other daily activities immediately following. Also, one does not need to interrupt their present individual, family or work schedule.
Unlike traditional Inpatient Rehabilitation, the individual also remains sober and fully compliant but does not have to go away somewhere, disrupt their daily life and pay a small fortune for treatment. The Probuphine Implant lasts much longer, and is markedly less expensive than inpatient treatment. It is also now being covered by insurance.
Dr. Russo is an expert in prescribing and implanting the Probuphine Implant having completed a rigorous certification training program. It may be the best option available in treating opioid addiction and in saving lives.