McKenzie County Healthcare Systems Now Offers Suboxone Clinic

McKenzie County Healthcare Systems Inc. (MCHS) has added many different services to their clinic, and more recently, they have implemented a Suboxone Clinic. This is a program offered to people who are seeking treatment for substance abuse. Anyone who struggles with pain medication addiction or physical or psychological dependence with morphine, dilaudid, methadone, heroin, kratom, codeine, oxycodone, or opioids is encouraged to take advantage of the Suboxone Clinic.

The idea for establishing this program stemmed from a passion of MCHS Dr., Warren Looney, M.D. He started the Suboxone Clinic to help people in Watford City and western North Dakota who have challenges with substance abuse. Dr. Looney said, "I want people to know there is help and resources available out there for those who struggle with substance abuse and there are opportunities that can help them live a normal life without those substances."

According to http://www.rehabcenter.net, suboxone is a medication used to alleviate or reduce withdrawal symptoms from heroin or other opioids. Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication, and naloxone blocks the effects of opioid medication, including pain relief or feelings that can lead to opioid abuse. "Opiates are one of the hardest drugs to get off, and most people who try to get off of them experience bad withdrawal symptoms, so Suboxone is made to help alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms that users will experience when coming off of an opiate."

The Suboxone Clinic is designed to help patients get their lives back while being part of a practical, doable, and effective treatment program that allows the patient to maintain their day-to-day relationships and lifestyle. "Addiction is a very dysfunctional disease; it does not only affect the individual - it affects almost every aspect of their life. Substance abuse is not an issue of will power - they cannot stop on their own - when it comes to this "disease" they need help," explained Dr. Looney.

Like the Suboxone Clinic, medically assisted treatment programs have been shown to be the most effective way to treat addiction. Dr. Looney explained, "It is becoming more and more popular nationwide as it is determined to be the most likely avenue for a successful recovery. But in order for the program to be effective, patients have to be compliant and be willing to make their appointments."

Dr. Looney added, "Suboxone Clinic programs have resulted in many success stories, and we hope that this program at MCHS will produce many more of them." To schedule an appointment for an initial consultation, you can call 701-842-3771.