Medical Treatment Is Often Needed to Help With Withdrawal Symptoms
People with opioid dependence may often feel desperate and overwhelmed by their cravings (strong desire for the drug). They may also feel afraid to face the withdrawal symptoms that come when drug use stops. These feelings and fears are very real. While some people try to stop drug use on their own, these attempts are often only a short-term solution. Many opioid-dependent people need ongoing medical treatment and support to overcome their dependence and regain control of their lives.

There Is a Medication Option That Can Help
The number of people seeking help for drug dependence keeps growing.

Fortunately, opioid dependence can be treated in the privacy of your doctor's office. Having an in-office treatment option makes it possible for people to get the treatment they need. Being treated with a medication that is offered through a doctor's office means that:

• People can be treated by a doctor they already know
• Treatment can be at a convenient time
• People feel they no longer need the drug they were dependent on (reduced cravings)
• Treatment can be kept private
• Planning travel is easy because the medication is a prescription approved for take-home use
• Treatment does not need to interfere with normal activities

This office-based medication option may affect a person's ability to perform dangerous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery, especially at the start of therapy and whenever the dose is changed.