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Alcohol and Opioid Addiction
As defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) addiction is a “treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among a person’s brain… [system], genetics, environment, and…life experiences. People with addiction use substance despite harmful consequences. Prevention efforts and treatment approaches for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases."
At Well & Being for Women, we offer office-based treatments for both alcohol-use and opioid-use disorders (AUD,OUD) addictions. Dr Petrongelli is a certified clinical trauma specialist and has earned specialized training as a Buprenorphine Practitioner, credentialed by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in Illinois. She has experience in prescribing office-based buprenorphine-containing medications which have been proven to be an effective treatment for clients who are addicted to opioids. In addition to the use of medications, psychotherapy is incorporated such elements as Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, preventative education and interventions in case of relapse. Treatments for women with AUD or OUD's vary depending on the severity of the addiction, pre-existing or co-occurring medical and mental health conditions, and other social variables. Some women require higher levels of care, within structured either out-patient or in-patient facilities. Our practice offers only office-based treatments for both additions.
Alcohol-Use Disorder (AUD)
The most common substance of abuse in the US is alcohol. Approximately 20% of men have an alcohol-use disorder (AUD) compared to between 7% and 12% of women. Yet recent studies show women’s drinking habits are falling more in line with their male counterparts. Adolescent females between the ages of 12 and 20 have higher rates of underage drinking and binge drinking than males of the same age.Women are more likely to develop a dependence at lower drinking levels than men.
Accordingly, in terms of health consequences, women are more likely to develop alcohol-related disease and damage – even if they’ve abused alcohol for a shorter period of time. Drinking also carries a higher risk of breast cancer in some women.
Opioid-Use Disorder (OUD)
Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Among the many public health crisis affecting women, men, children and society, is opioid dependency, also known as opioid-use disorder (OUD). Women with OUD have unique care needs and require a broad range of medical, mental and behavioral health, and social services to meet these needs.
OUD often involves the use of illegal or prescription opioids. This disorder results in health problems, disability, and difficulty meeting major responsibilities at home, work, or school. Women who seek care for OUD show courage and strength. Seeking help can further add anxiety about their addiction, treatment and recovery because of social stigma and fear of involvement from legal perspectives.
Commonly Abused Prescription Opioids:
- MS Contin (morphine sulfate)
- Oxycontin (oxycodone)
- Percocet (oxycodone and acetaminophen)
- Combunox (ibuprofen and oxycodone)
- Vicodin (hydrocodone with acetaminophen)
- Demerol (meperidine/pethidine)
- Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
- Duragesic, Fentora, Subsys, Abstral (fentanyl)
- Tylenol 3, Tylenol 4 (codeine with acetaminophen)
- Ultracet (tramadol and acetaminophen)
*The most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include methadone, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
Addiction Treatment
All clients in need of addiction treatment begin an intake by scheduling an initial psychotherapy appointment. This comprehensive visit affords our provider the ability to assess and exam a client's current medical health , mental health and determine a treatment plan. Prior to starting office-based medication treatment and/or buprenorphine-containing medications, clients will have agreed and consented to a Buprenorphine Treatment Agreement. This agreement is a contract between a client and provider, identifying the importance of a client's compliance and ethical conduct as they are in treatment. In the event a client breaches such contract, or should unethical conduct occur, a client will be discharged from care and other referrals will be provided.
Once buprenorphine-containing medications have been prescribed, OUD clients are required to receive Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). This involves the use of medications in-combination with psychotherapy, counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. MAT is ESSENTIAL AND REQUIRED for all clients being prescribed buprenorphine-containing medications. OUD treatment requires a collaborative approach whereas a client will require multiple settings for care (i.e. self-help groups, social support services). In an effort to optimize a client's success, our practice will provide resources and referrals to assist them during their journey to recovery.
