Embracing Opioid Addiction Recovery through Shoreham Halfway Houses and Understanding the Uses of Brixadi
Right within Addison County, Vermont, Shoreham offers a quintessential experience. This historic town boasts a charming atmosphere and scenic beauty. Shoreham straddles the banks of Lake Champlain, Vermont’s largest freshwater lake, providing stunning lakefront views and opportunities for water-based recreation. The town also encompasses rolling hills, forests, and farmland, creating a picturesque landscape. Despite Shoreham’s prosperity, beauty, and vibrancy, the city faces challenges of opioid dependence and abuse.
The opioid crisis has had a devastating impact in Shoreham, Vermont. In 2021, there were 218 opioid overdose deaths, accounting for 87% of all drug overdose deaths in the state. In 2022, the number of deaths went up to 263. Dangerous substances such as fentanyl and other opioids have been a driving force in the increase of overdoses in Vermont. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Brixadi (buprenorphine) extended-release injection for subcutaneous use to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder.
Vermont halfway houses support individuals on the path to overcoming opioid abuse. These facilities offer guidance and assistance, creating a collaborative environment for those seeking sobriety. Despite the busy city environment, halfway houses in Shoreham are there to support and encourage individuals struggling with substance abuse. By providing insight about medications like Brixadi and essential support services, they help pave the way for a brighter, substance-free future for those striving for recovery.
What is the opioid problem in Vermont?
Vermont faces a severe challenge within the national opioid crisis. The state has seen a dramatic rise in opioid overdose deaths, with numbers increasing nearly fivefold over the past decade. While there may be signs of a recent slow down, Vermont’s overdose death rate remains high compared to the rest of the country. Rutland County had the highest fatality rates in the state, followed closely by Windham and Bennington counties.
In 2021, 210 Vermonters lost their lives due to opioid overdoses, marking the highest number of fatal opioid overdoses ever recorded in the state. This reflects a 33% increase in overdose deaths compared to the previous year. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, plays a central role in these fatalities. It is extremely potent, even in small amounts, making it a major contributor to overdose deaths. Almost every fatal opioid overdose in Vermont involves fentanyl.
What is Brixadi used for?
Brixadi (generic name: buprenorphine) is a weekly or monthly injection used to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD), which is also known as opioid dependence. It is used for patients who have started treatment with a single dose of a transmucosal buprenorphine product or who are already being treated with buprenorphine.
Brixadi is a medication categorized as a partial opioid agonist. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the body, but with lower potency compared to other opioids. This characteristic allows Brixadi to help reduce opioid cravings while minimizing the euphoric effects typically associated with opioids. This medication is administered via subcutaneous injection. Patients who have started addiction treatment with an oral form of buprenorphine (such as Suboxone) can be changed to an equivalent dose of Brixadi weekly or monthly.
Here are some examples of opioids that Brixadi can help with:
- Heroin: Brixadi is effective in treating addiction to heroin, which is a powerful and illicit opioid.
- Prescription Painkillers (Opioids): Brixadi can be used to manage dependence on prescription opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, or morphine.
- Fentanyl: Brixadi is also suitable for individuals dependent on fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
- Methadone: Although methadone is commonly used for opioid dependence, Brixadi provides an alternative treatment option.
When seeking help for opioid use disorder, drug treatment centers in Vermont are crucial in providing comprehensive care and support. These centers offer evidence-based treatments, counseling, and resources to assist individuals on their recovery journey.
How long does Brixadi last?
Brixadi is an extended-release medication used to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder, has a duration that depends on the dosing schedule:
- Weekly Brixadi: Administered as an injection every 7 days. To avoid missed doses, it can be given up to 2 days before or after the weekly time point.
- Monthly Brixadi: Given as an injection every 28 days. It may be administered up to 1 week before or after the monthly time point.
This medication can alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms that may occur when discontinuing other opioids. Opioid withdrawal symptoms occur when someone stops using opioids, which include prescription pain medications. These symptoms can be unpleasant and range from mild to severe, usually peaking within a few days after the last dose.
Early signs of withdrawal, typically appearing within 12-24 hours, can include anxiety, restlessness, trouble sleeping, runny nose, watery eyes, sweating, and muscle aches. A few days after stopping opioids (2-4 days), more intense symptoms may arise. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, loss of appetite, dilated pupils, chills, and fever.
The severity of withdrawal symptoms depends on various factors like the specific opioid used, dosage, duration of use, and the person’s overall health.
Recovering from Opioid Dependence with Shoreham Halfway Houses and Learning the Uses of Brixadi
Opioid addiction is a serious condition, but there is help available. Brixadi is a medication that can be a valuable tool in recovery. It contains buprenorphine, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to manage the challenges of quitting opioids. In Vermont, prescription opioids have been a significant contributor to the opioid crisis. Many individuals initially become addicted to opioids through legitimate prescriptions for pain management. The misuse of prescription opioids can lead to dependence and, in some cases, transition to illicit opioids like heroin or fentanyl.
Brixadi is unique because it’s an extended-release injection. This means it’s administered under the skin and releases medication slowly over time. This can be particularly beneficial for people who struggle with taking daily medication.
However, Brixadi is just one piece of the puzzle. Opioid addiction recovery is most successful with a comprehensive treatment plan. This includes counseling and other support services. Here’s where halfway houses in Shoreham can be a powerful solution. These facilities provide a safe and structured living environment for individuals transitioning out of inpatient treatment programs. These facilities offer a bridge between the intensive care of a rehab center and independent living. With dedicated professionals and a supportive community, Vermont halfway houses can address specific needs, including addressing concerns related to opioid abuse and addiction, and guiding individuals on their journey to sobriety. Consider calling us today so you can experience wellness!
Resources:
[1] Vermont Opioid Overdose Deaths – Vermont Public
[2] Brixadi – Medical News Today
[3] Opioid-Related Fatalities Among Vermonters – Vermont Department of Health