FAQs

Common Questions

Why choose Bright New Beginnings for addiction recovery?

Bright New Beginnings has been treating addiction in the Louisville community for over a decade, with a holistic evidence-based approach designed to yield life-long results. We are one of the few Board-Certified medication-assisted treatment centers in the region. We offer individualized outpatient treatment in a private therapeutic setting, perfect for working professionals.

What do I need to do to be ready for MY first visit?

Do not use any opioids (pain pills, heroin, etc.) within 12 hours of your appointment, or you risk getting very sick with treatment.

I’M A LITTLE OVERWHELMED. WHAT DOES A FIRST VISIT LOOK LIKE?

The first visit includes a comprehensive physical exam, lab testing and an evaluation to determine if the program is right for you. If our recovery program is a good fit, we proceed with the “induction” phase of recovery. Total office time can be about 1-2 hours on this visit.

What does “induction” mean?

Induction is the term for beginning medical therapy—It happens after a face-to-face consultation and you have been medically cleared for treatment. A clinical opioid withdrawal score (COWS) is obtained to confirm level of withdrawal. The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone can cause immediate severe withdrawal if patients are not already in early withdrawal.

What does “stabilization” mean?

Stabilization refers to finding the medication dosage that treats your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is individualized and happens over the first month of treatment.

How often are my appointments?

In order to be compliant with state and federal laws, new patients being induced will need weekly appointments for one month and then three visits in the second month. After that, if recovery is going well, appointments may be monthly. Transfer patients may have a different schedule.

Is buprenorphine a “wonder drug?”

No—the medication only lets you be you. It controls physical cravings and withdrawal. You still have to address personal growth, maturation, trigger recognition, behavior changes, etc. The medication doesn’t address the hard stuff.

Isn’t this just changing one drug addiction for another?

Simply—No. Buprenorphine products exist as a bridge to transition people off opioids/pain meds. Can people misuse it? Yes, of course. Will you? NO. Not if you stick with the evidenced-based treatment protocol we create for you.

What are names of medications used to treat opioid misuse/addiction?

Suboxone, Zubsolv, Bunavail are all oral, either sublingual (beneath the tongue) or buccal (applied to inner cheek). Those are all combinations of buprenorphine and naloxone

  • Generic—buprenorphine/naloxone films or tabs
  • Sublocade—monthly injection
  • Vivitrol—monthly injection (relapse prevention)

What is the role of naloxone?

In combination with buprenorphine, naloxone is added to prevent misuse of the medication. It is also a potent blocker and can be used in relapse prevention.

Why don’t you take insurance?

People using opioids already deal with enough judgment and stigma.  We aim to keep your treatment anonymous and confidential. Insurance will often pay for your medications–just not the office visit/counselling sessions.

Will insurance cover my medications?

It depends. We try to identify the safest and least expensive therapy for you. Things like out-of-pocket, high-deductible plans all affect what insurance charges.

What does taper mean?

Tapering means to slowly decrease your dosing of medications leading to your lowest effective dose (LED). For most, that means no meds. For some, it means long-term, low-dose treatment.

How long does treatment last?

This is highly individualized. Scientific data supports that it takes approximately 18 months for your brain to rewire and heal from chronic opioid use. However, that time frame only addresses the physical component, not the spiritual and emotional components of addiction. Some people need less time, some need more.

What is relapse prevention?

Many people get nervous as their medication is tapered. Relapse prevention is strategies to help you avoid—you guessed it—relapse, or preventing a lapse in judgment from becoming a major setback. Antabuse, naloxone, and vivitrol are all meds that assist behavioral modifications in this phase.

Are your treatments limited to opioids?

No—Treatment plans are overseen by a physician Board-Certified in addiction. We also address nicotine and alcohol. Behavioral addictions, like gambling, eating, etc., generally require more comprehensive inpatient treatment approaches.

How quickly can I get started?

When you call us, you have already started. Call 502-608-3199

Where can I get more helpful information for me or a loved one?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website has lots of information. www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment.