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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will treatment last?
Due to the chronic nature of addiction, the need for continuing MAT should be re-evaluated periodically. There is no maximum recommended duration of maintenance treatment, and for some patients, treatment may continue indefinitely.
What about withdrawal?
We understand that withdrawal can be a scary and uncomfortable experience. NextStep provides expert medical management of withdrawal from opioids as well as alcohol. Some patients are able to complete the withdrawal process at home. For others, it is safer to be in the hospital. In either case, we prescribe medications to help manage the symptoms of withdrawal.
For patients who require hospitalization, we provide withdrawal management (“detox”) at a private hospital in the East Valley.
What is Substance Use Disorder?
Addictions to different drugs, or “substances,” are called Substance Use Disorders.
When addictive substances are taken in excess, they can activate the brain’s reward system to produce feelings of pleasure, or a “high.” The body’s reward system is normally used to reinforce behaviors and produce memories. Substance abuse activates this normal reward system so intensely that normal activities may be neglected and forgotten about in favor of the “high” of drug use.
Over time, excessive substance use can even change the brain’s reward system so that an addicted person becomes physically dependent on the drug. Substance addiction involves using a drug compulsively, and to be overwhelmingly involved in finding, getting, and using that drug. When reducing or stopping drug use, addicted persons often experience pain and other uncomfortable symptoms (called withdrawal).
Addiction also usually involves some drug tolerance, or the need to take higher doses of a drug to feel the same effects. All addictions are brain disorders. Some people, based on their heredity and environment, are more vulnerable or more likely to become addicted. Addiction is not due to lack of will power, is not a moral failing, and is not done on purpose. Often a substance addicted person resists treatment, but treatment options should be continuously encouraged. Relapse is also common and indicates that more or different treatments are necessary.