What therapies does GRC Erie - Back on Track offer?

The following therapies are included: group therapy, 1-on-1 counseling and more.

What levels of care does GRC Erie - Back on Track offer?

GRC Erie - Back on Track provides residential, accepts patients with prescribed medications for opioid use disorder and more.

GRC Erie - Back on Track: Reviews, Testimonials & Photos (Erie, PA)

Methadone

(Dolophine®, Methadose®)

Reduces opioid cravings

Not Available

Methadone

Common Brand Names

Dolophine®, Methadose®

About this Medication

Methadone is a full opioid agonist, meaning it activates opioid receptors in the brain to produce effects like pain relief and euphoria. It is longer acting than many other opioids, making it useful in medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder.

How It Works

It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings by occupying opioid receptors without causing intense highs. Because it is a full agonist, it must be used carefully to avoid overdose, but it is highly effective when taken as prescribed within a structured program.

Common Side Effects

Summary

Methadone can cause side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, constipation, sweating, and mood changes. In rare cases, it may lead to serious issues like slowed breathing or heart problems, so it should be used exactly as prescribed.

Physical Side Effects

Drowsiness or sedation

Lightheadedness or dizziness

Nausea or vomiting

Constipation

Sweating

Dry mouth

Itching or rash

Mental/Emotional Effects

Mood changes (e.g., feeling unusually anxious, depressed, or euphoric)

Confusion or difficulty concentrating

Serious (Less Common) Side Effects – Seek Medical Attention

Slowed or difficult breathing

Irregular heartbeat

Fainting or severe dizziness

Swelling of the face, lips, or throat (possible allergic reaction)

Hallucinations

Important Note

Because methadone is a full opioid agonist, it carries a risk of overdose, especially when taken with other depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines. It should always be taken exactly as prescribed.

Naltrexone

(Vivitrol®, Revia®)

Blocks opioid effects

Available

Naltrexone

Common Brand Names

Vivitrol®, Revia®

About this Medication

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the brain and prevents opioids from producing effects like euphoria or sedation. It is used to treat both opioid and alcohol use disorders, but does not cause physical dependence or withdrawal.

How It Works

It helps reduce cravings and the rewarding effects of opioids or alcohol, supporting long-term recovery. Because it blocks opioid effects, it should only be started after a person has fully detoxed from opioids to avoid triggering withdrawal.

Common Side Effects

Summary

Nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, trouble sleeping, joint or muscle pain, and in injectable form (Vivitrol®), injection site reactions such as swelling or redness.

Vivitrol® – Injectable Form

Injection site pain, redness, swelling, or itching

Nausea

Headache

Fatigue or low energy

Anxiety

Muscle or joint pain

Insomnia

Cold symptoms (e.g., runny nose, sore throat)

Revia – Oral Tablet Form

Dizziness

Anxiety or nervousness

Fatigue

Sleep disturbances (insomnia or vivid dreams)

Abdominal pain or cramps

Joint or muscle pain

Buprenorphine

(Suboxone®, Subutex®, Sublocade®, Zubsolv®)

Eases opioid withdrawal

Available

Buprenorphine

Common Brand Names

Suboxone®, Subutex®, Sublocade®, Zubsolv®

About this Medication

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist used to treat opioid use disorder. It activates opioid receptors to reduce cravings and withdrawal but has a ceiling effect, meaning it produces less euphoria and respiratory depression than full opioids.

How It Works

Buprenorphine binds tightly to opioid receptors, blocking other opioids from attaching and reducing the risk of misuse. It's often combined with naloxone (as in Suboxone®) to discourage injection misuse and is available in daily or monthly forms.

Common Side Effects

Summary

Headache, nausea, constipation, sweating, insomnia, irritability, dizziness, and mouth numbness (for sublingual forms). Less common but serious risks include respiratory depression, especially when mixed with other sedatives.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Zubsolv® – Sublingual Films/Tablets)

Headache

Nausea or vomiting

Constipation

Sweating

Insomnia

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Mouth numbness or irritation (from sublingual use)

Irritability or mood changes

Buprenorphine (Sublocade – Injectable Extended-Release)

Injection site pain, swelling, or redness (from injectable form)

Nausea

Fatigue

Increased liver enzymes (may show up on lab tests)

Sleep disturbances

Disulfiram

(Antabuse®)

Creates reaction to alcohol

Not Available

Disulfiram

Common Brand Names

Antabuse®

About this Medication

Disulfiram is used to support recovery from alcohol use disorder by causing unpleasant physical reactions when alcohol is consumed. It does not reduce cravings but works as a behavioral deterrent to prevent drinking.

How It Works

Disulfiram blocks the enzyme that breaks down alcohol in the body. If alcohol is consumed, it leads to a rapid buildup of acetaldehyde, causing flushing, nausea, headache, chest pain, and vomiting—often within minutes.

Common Side Effects

Summary

Drowsiness, metallic or garlic-like aftertaste, skin rash, headache, and acne. Drinking alcohol while on disulfiram can cause severe reactions such as chest pain, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and vomiting.

Disulfiram (Antabuse® – Oral Tablet)

Without Alcohol Consumption

Drowsiness or fatigue

Metallic or garlic-like taste

Headache

Skin rash or acne

Nerve pain (tingling or numbness in hands/feet)

Liver function changes (requires monitoring)

If Alcohol Is Consumed While Taking Disulfiram

Flushing

Nausea and vomiting

Chest pain

Rapid heartbeat

Low blood pressure

Shortness of breath

Severe headache

Dizziness or fainting

These effects can begin within 10–30 minutes of alcohol consumption and may last for hours.

Naltrexone

(Vivitrol®, Revia®)

Reduces desire to drink.

Available

Naltrexone

Common Brand Names

Vivitrol®, Revia®

About this Medication

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it blocks opioid receptors in the brain and prevents opioids from producing effects like euphoria or sedation. It is used to treat both opioid and alcohol use disorders, but does not cause physical dependence or withdrawal.

How It Works

It helps reduce cravings and the rewarding effects of opioids or alcohol, supporting long-term recovery. Because it blocks opioid effects, it should only be started after a person has fully detoxed from opioids to avoid triggering withdrawal.

Common Side Effects

Summary

Nausea, headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, trouble sleeping, joint or muscle pain, and in injectable form (Vivitrol®), injection site reactions such as swelling or redness.

Vivitrol® – Injectable Form

Injection site pain, redness, swelling, or itching

Nausea

Headache

Fatigue or low energy

Anxiety

Muscle or joint pain

Insomnia

Cold symptoms (e.g., runny nose, sore throat)

Revia – Oral Tablet Form

Dizziness

Anxiety or nervousness

Fatigue

Sleep disturbances (insomnia or vivid dreams)

Abdominal pain or cramps

Joint or muscle pain

Acamprosate

(Campral®)

Reduces alcohol cravings

Available

Acamprosate

Common Brand Names

Campral®

About this Medication

Acamprosate is used to support recovery from alcohol use disorder by helping to restore brain activity disrupted by long-term alcohol use. It is non-addictive and does not cause withdrawal or euphoria.

How It Works

Acamprosate stabilizes chemical signaling in the brain, especially glutamate and GABA systems, which are often out of balance in people recovering from alcohol use. It helps reduce cravings and the urge to drink, especially when used consistently alongside counseling.

Common Side Effects

Summary

Diarrhea, nausea, gas, upset stomach, headache, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. It does not cause adverse reactions if alcohol is consumed, but it is most effective when used after detox and in combination with ongoing support.

Acamprosate (Campral® – Oral Tablet)

Diarrhea

Nausea

Gas or bloating

Upset stomach

Headache

Dry mouth

Dizziness

Anxiety or depression

Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

Muscle or joint pain

Itching or rash

Acamprosate does not cause adverse effects if alcohol is consumed, but it works best after alcohol detox and when used with therapy or support.

Nicotine Patch

(NicoDerm, Nicorette)

Reduces desire to smoke.

Not Available

Nicotine Patch

Common Brand Names

NicoDerm, Nicorette

About this Medication

NicoDerm is a nicotine replacement patch that releases small, tapered amounts of nicotine throughout the day. Nicorette works the same way, but in the form of a pill or lozenge. Both NicoDerm and Nicorette come in various doses so you can gradually lower your nicotine intake.

How It Works

NicoDerm and Nicorette allow small amounts of nicotine into the body, which can reduce cravings and the desire to smoke a cigarette, or vape. Reduced cravings and improved comfort during withdrawal can both lower the desire to smoke.

Common Side Effects

Skin irritation if using a NicoDerm patch

Dizziness

Headaches

Nausea

Mouth irritation if using Nicorette lozenges

Stomach pain

Non-Nicotine Replacement

(Zyban, Wellbutrin, Pamelor)

Reduces tobacco cravings.

Not Available

Non-Nicotine Replacement

Common Brand Names

Zyban, Wellbutrin, Pamelor

About this Medication

Zyban, Wellbutrin, and Pamelor can all help with tobacco cravings. Zyban has the same active ingredient as Wellbutrin, bupropion, but is used specifically for tobacco cravings. Wellbutrin can address mood conditions and tobacco cravings. Pamelor is a tricyclic antidepressant, but has off-label use for tobacco cravings. Zyban and Wellbutrin shouldn't be used at the same time; a psychiatrist will monitor dosing and manage potential side effects and drug interactions.

How It Works

Zyban, Wellbutrin, and Pamelor all affect various neurotransmitter levels inside the brain (specifically, dopamine and norepinephrine), which can reduce tobacco cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. These medications can be used alongside other smoking cessation tactics, like nicotine patches.

Common Side Effects

Zyban

Dry mouth

Dizziness

Insomnia

Wellbutrin

Blurred vision

Weight loss

Pamelor

Constipation

GRC Erie - Back on Track