Intensive Outpatient Program Archives - Garden State Treatment Center

Does Outpatient Rehab Drug Test?

If you or your loved one, like family members, is addicted to any type of drug, you should seek drug treatment that will help you learn how to manage your addiction and lead a drug-free life. Among the most effective treatments is outpatient rehab, which is typically offered through group therapy or individual counseling, as well as partial hospitalization programs. If you’re considering attending outpatient rehab, you may be wondering if drug tests take place during treatment, which will be discussed in the following.

drug screening

Does Drug Testing Take Place During Outpatient Rehab?

Drug testing occurs in most situations when a person attends outpatient rehab. Keep in mind, however, that each treatment program can differ in regards to drug testing and the frequency of testing. If outpatient rehab is court-ordered as part of a criminal conviction, drug testing will always be administered.

The majority of outpatient rehab programs use treatment methods that include drug testing. The reason that drug testing is necessary for outpatient treatment is because of the level of freedom available to people who enter one of these programs.

During outpatient treatment, you can still live in your own home and maintain your everyday responsibilities, which means that you may continue to have access to the drug that you’ve become addicted to. Periodic drug testing is designed to keep you accountable for your actions and help you better manage your addiction.

Benefits of Receiving Drug Testing During Rehab

Even though regular drug testing can feel somewhat invasive, there are many tangible benefits associated with it, the primary of which include:

  • Makes it more likely that you will continue to abstain from drugs
  • Allows you to receive a more tailored treatment plan
  • Helps you maintain physical health
  • Restores trust with your friends and family
  • Gives you the opportunity to celebrate your ongoing success

What Occurs if You Fail Your Drug Test During Rehab?

Even when you’re in a treatment program, avoiding relapsing and taking more drugs is always going to be difficult. Drug testing is designed to help you remain free from drugs while you continue down the path to recovery. If you happen to fail a drug test, this means that you have broken one of the rules that the outpatient facility maintains. In many instances, a failed drug test will result in you being offered an option to escalate your treatment, which can involve switching to a partial hospitalization program from an intensive outpatient program.

Partial hospitalization programs usually involve 5-7 days of treatment for 7-8 hours each day. Residential treatment may be offered if you are currently enrolled in a partial hospitalization program. If you don’t agree to one of these options, you may still be allowed to attend treatment in the program you’re currently in. However, an additional failed drug test will likely result in you being asked to leave treatment.

Addiction is a disease that can affect anyone. Regardless of the severity of your addiction, it’s highly recommended that you enter a treatment program to avoid any additional consequences to your health or livelihood.

FAQ

  • Do IOP programs drug test?
  • Do outpatient rehabs test for alcohol?

Published on: 2022-05-26
Updated on: 2024-04-15

Does Suboxone Make You Sleepy?

Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal. It is made of a combination of buprenorphine and naltrexone – two opioid antagonists that serve similar functions. Suboxone is generally utilized as a part of a Medication Assisted Treatment program, and to be truly effective, it must be combined with intensive counseling or psychotherapy. Medication-Assisted Treatment, more commonly referred to as MAT, is generally only utilized in the case of moderate or severe opioid abuse disorders.

Suboxone is Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment

Commonly abused opioids include illicit drugs like heroin, synthetic drugs like fentanyl, and commonly prescribed painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine. Some symptoms commonly associated with opioid abuse and addiction include:

  • Desiring to cut back on the number of opioids being used but being unable to cut back or quit without professional intervention
  • Experiencing a range of serious consequences as a result of opioid use
  • A lack of motivation to fulfill personal obligations and responsibilities or to participate in activities that were previously enjoyed
  • Building a physical tolerance towards opioids, meaning a larger amount if required for the same effects to be produced
  • Experiencing symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal when use is stopped abruptly

If you or someone you know and love has been struggling with an opioid addiction of any severity, Suboxone might be a good treatment option. However, before committing to any program of Medication Assisted Treatment is important to be thoroughly aware of all potential side effects and risks.

Does Suboxone Make You Sleepy?

What Are the Effects of Suboxone?

Before taking Suboxone, you will want to take the time to look into potential side effects – which might include excessive drowsiness. In short, yes, Suboxone can make you sleepy even if you take it as prescribed. Individuals who are taking Suboxone should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for this very reason. Additional side effects include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Persistent headaches
  • Profuse sweating
  • Numbness of the mouth and pain in the tongue
  • Chronic constipation
  • Problems concentrating and staying focused
  • Changes to heart rate or experiencing an irregular heartbeat
  • Sleep-related issues like insomnia
  • Aches and pains (especially in the back)
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of consciousness/fainting
  • Drowsiness and excessive sleepiness

Suboxone Side Effects Include Being Drowsy and Sleepy

Because the side effects associated with Suboxone can be unpredictable, it is often a good idea to have the administration of this drug closely monitored for at least several weeks. For this reason, taking Suboxone as part of an inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment program is always a good idea. If you would like to learn more about the role that Suboxone plays in comprehensive programs of clinical care, reach out to Garden State Treatment Center today.

Garden State Treatment Center and Medication-Assisted Treatment 

At Garden State Treatment Center we utilize a combination of intensive therapeutic intervention, 12-step program involvement, and medication-assisted treatment whenever we deem MAT necessary. Of course, medications like Suboxone are not appropriate for every individual client. In some cases, medication-assisted treatment will not be necessary at all. This is generally the case if a client is suffering from a mild or moderate substance abuse disorder, or if she or he has been abusing any substance other than opioids. However, in the case of a moderate or severe opioid abuse disorder, medications like Suboxone often prove to be extremely beneficial.

To learn more about the side effects caused by medications like Suboxone or to learn whether or not this treatment option is right for you or your loved one, give us a call today. We are happy to discuss medication-assisted treatment more in-depth, and answer any additional questions or ease any concerns that you might have. At Garden State Treatment Center we consistently offer highly individualized clinical care, always prioritizing the needs and requirements of each client.


Published on: 2021-03-22
Updated on: 2024-02-16

What is the Success Rate for the Vivitrol Shot?

Vivitrol, also known as naltrexone, is a medication that blocks the effects of opioids and is used as a part of treatment for drug or alcohol dependence. Vivitrol is an extended-release injection that is also used for alcohol abuse. It is administered once per month and gives an added level of protection against craving and even withdrawal symptoms.

Vivitrol is an opioid antagonist that directly impacts the brain. During active opioid addiction, natural opioid receptors are activated when the drug is taken causing the brain to release dopamine and other neurochemicals that cause a person to continue to chase a high. Vivitrol blocks the brain’s pleasure center that is activated when opioids are taken or alcohol is consumed.

What is the Success Rate for the Vivitrol Shot?

How Does Vivitrol Help Opioid Addicts?

Since Vivitrol blocks the opioid receptors in the brain it can help a person from relapsing because they no longer crave it. If a person were to use while on the Vivitrol shot, they will not feel the effects they want to get high.

Vivitrol shows a 90% success rate in reducing opioid addiction over 6 months. The same study shows that about 55% of users showed a decrease in feeling opioid cravings. When it comes to Vivitrol for alcohol dependency, this drug reduces heavy drinking by close to 90% According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse:

Extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) resulted in a lower rate of opioid relapse than the rate with usual treatment.

One of the first things people ask when deciding to tale Vivitrol is “ Is this drug addictive?” The good news is that Vivitrol has no addictive potential since it does not activate any receptors In the brain when taken, this means that Vivitrol won’t lead to any dependence or produce any painful withdrawal symptoms. This drug can even be used indefinitely and will not cause any tolerance to be built up.

Downsides to the Vivitrol Shot

One major problem to keep an eye on when it comes to using Vivitrol is that it can still play a role in overdosing on opioids. If it is used properly, this shot helps to block the euphoric and “high” feelings that opioids produce. The problem happens when people try to bypass this barrier by taking more and more to try and get high. The problem is that Vivitrol does not block all of the effects this drug has on the body and can still be toxic at high levels. This can cause a potentially fatal overdose even though they don’t get high. The fact that you cannot feel the high often leads people to believe that they are not at risk for an overdose, but this is far from the truth.

Opioid Addiction Rehab Program

Vivitrol is a very useful medication for opioid addiction, but it is vital to use it responsibly for it to not be dangerous. Once you have safely detoxed, our staff here at Garden State Treatment Center offers many treatment options to help you continue with your journey in recovery and be as successful as possible.

We offer partial hospitalization; intensive outpatient and outpatient treatment medicated assisted treatment, day or night treatment, and even recovery residences so you can stay in a safe comfortable environment while you put your life back together. Drug addiction isn’t an easy thing to face. Luckily you do not have to face it on your own. Our admissions counselors and professionals are available around the clock. We are ready to help you or a loved one overcome the disease of addiction. Now is the time to change your life. Let us help you do it.

  • What is the success rate for the Vivitrol Shot?
  • How does the Vivitrol Shot interact with alcohol?

Published on: 2020-09-23
Updated on: 2024-02-16

Drug Rehab Programs for MTA Employees

The Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) has altered its normal bus and subway schedule to accommodate the recent global viral outbreak. As the novel COVID-19 outbreak continues to claim hundreds of lives daily, extreme measures are being taken to stop its rapid spread. National business closures have left thousands without jobs and any viable source of income. Unemployment offices are slowing to a halt, overwhelmed by a constant influx of requests for government assistance. Millions of lives have already been gravely impacted by the virus in one way or another. At first, the number of bus and subway cancellations was due to the number of MTA employees that were getting sick.

Exposure is extremely high for those working in the field of public transportation, and great numbers of MTA employees have already been diagnosed. Not only do the employees who have come down with the virus need to take extended and mandatory medical leaves, but many healthy MTA employees have been furloughed due to the altered schedule. Overall, the circumstances lend themselves to exceptionally high-stress levels. Unfortunately, many MTA employees who have been laid-off and are experiencing extreme stressors like financial insecurity, an inability to find other work and potential exposure are turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms – such as drug and alcohol abuse.

Drug Rehab Programs for MTA Employees

MTA Employees and Substance Abuse

As a public transportation employee, those working for the Metropolitan Transit Authority must stay drug and alcohol-free at all times – if they don’t, they risk putting lives at risk. Before being hired they each sign an agreement stating that they will remain sober (especially while at work), and that if drug or alcohol abuse is suspected that they might be asked to undergo a random drug test. This in itself is reason enough for most employees to stay away from illicit drug use and the misuse of alcohol.

However, with newly compounded stress levels and because addiction is a non-discriminatory disease, there are MTA employees who do still struggle with substance abuse. A recent study found that within the last 16 months, there was a rail accident once every 10 days somewhere in the country that directly involved a rail employee misusing a chemical substance. Out of these accidents, 370 individuals were seriously injured or killed.

If you are an MTA employee who has been struggling with a substance abuse disorder, or if you have been self-medicating with drugs or alcohol due to a recent layoff, you need to know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you get started on the road to recovery without jeopardizing your career.

At Garden State Treatment Center we offer confidential and comprehensive treatment options for those working in specialized fields. We understand that MTA employees are just as susceptible to addiction and that they want and need their anonymity protected. For those who work full-time and cannot afford to take time away for inpatient treatment, we offer intensive outpatient treatment and partial care.

Drug Treatment Programs for MTA Workers

As it stands, it is illegal to fire someone indefinitely for discriminatory purposes. Additionally, drug and alcohol abuse treatment is considered a valid reason to take medical leave. Unless you were caught intoxicated on the job, you have every right to take time off and enter into an inpatient treatment program. At Garden State Treatment Center we accept many forms of insurance and will work closely with you to ensure that you are getting the treatment you need and deserve at a reasonable price.

Amidst these stressful and unstable times, rates of substance abuse are climbing dramatically. Fortunately, substance abuse treatment is considered an essential medical service. For more information on our treatment services or for answers to any questions you might have about drug rehab programs for MTA employees, please reach out to us today. We are looking forward to speaking with you soon.


Published on: 2020-04-15
Updated on: 2024-02-16