Sovegna Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to questions we hear most often at Sovegna. If you still have questions after reading, please call (385) 429-9808 or email reception@sovegna.com.

Addiction

  • Addiction is any compulsive behavior that is harmful to oneself. It alters the brain’s reward system and can include substances (alcohol, nicotine, opioids) and behaviors (gambling, pornography, self-harm, purging, rage, etc.).

    Addiction is often characterized by:

    • Avoidance of self or others (fear, guilt, shame)

    • Changes in neurochemistry, hormones, and metabolism

    • Lack of pause between stimulus and response (instant gratification)

    • Typically begins in adolescence

    Addiction is not:

    • Something anyone wants or chooses

    • A moral failing

    • Physical and mental health deterioration

    • Strained relationships

    • Career or life disruptions

  • Severity is classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on:

    • Using larger amounts or for longer periods

    • Inability to stop or cut down

    • Time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from substance use

    • Cravings and urges

    • Neglecting responsibilities or relationships

    • Risky behaviors

    • Withdrawal symptoms relieved by continued use

Alcohol Use

    • Several days up to 2 weeks

    • Typically in a hospital or overnight medical facility

    • Some cases may be managed outpatient or at home

    Medications for detox may include:

    • Benzodiazepines: lorazepam, chlordiazepoxide, oxazepam

    • Anti-seizure medications: gabapentin, valproic acid, carbamazepine, phenobarbital

    • Seizures (rare but serious in ~3% of cases)

    • Hallucinations or delirium

    • Increased heart rate, blood pressure, or temperature

    • Nausea and vomiting

    • B vitamins (B1, B9, B12)

    • Liver support: N-Acetyl-Cysteine, milk thistle

    • Probiotics

    • Amino acids (L-Tryptophan, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, L-Dopa, 5-HTP — under medical supervision)

    • Craving control: naltrexone (oral or injectable), acamprosate

    • Deterrent: disulfiram

Opiates (Heroin, Pain Medications, Kratom)

    • Typically 5–14 days

    • Usually inpatient for safety, with some outpatient/in-home options

    • Buprenorphine products: Suboxone, Sublocade, Subutex

    • Withdrawal support: clonidine, quetiapine, gabapentin, loperamide, methocarbamol

    • Partial agonist: activates opiate receptors partially to block other opiates

    • Reduces risk of relapse, overdose, and death

    • Works best with therapy and community support

    Benefits:

    • Steadier neurochemical state

    • Reduced relapse risk (80–90% → 20–30% at one year)

    Risks:

    • Withdrawal during induction

    • Dependence (requires tapering)

    • Drug interactions with depressants (benzodiazepines, alcohol, some seizure meds)

    • Misuse or diversion can have legal consequences

    Overdose safety:

    • Carry naloxone as a rescue kit; can reverse opioid overdose and save lives

Sedatives (Benzodiazepines, Hypnotics, Barbiturates, GHB)

    • Typically 3–7 days, up to several months depending on taper

    • Usually inpatient initially, outpatient for taper

    • Gradual benzodiazepine taper or switch to long-acting benzodiazepine

    • Anti-seizure medications (gabapentin, valproic acid, carbamazepine, phenobarbital)

    • Seizures (~3% risk of severe seizures)

    • Hallucinations, delusions

    • Rapid heart rate, palpitations, high blood pressure

    • Delirium tremens

    • B-complex vitamins

    • Vitamin D

    • Pharmaceutical-grade lavender essential oil

    • Non-addictive anti-anxiety medications

    • Serotonin-based antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs)

    • Some anti-seizure medications

Medications for Recovery

    • Monthly injection for alcohol or opiate dependence

    • Blocks opiate receptors, reducing cravings and relapse risk

    • Oral test dose required; abstinence from opiates for at least 7 days

    • Reduces relapse and overdose risk

    • Can improve mood and reduce anxiety

    • Possible withdrawal on first dose

    • Rare allergic reactions

    • Possible liver enzyme elevation

    • Blocks opiates for emergency pain control (carry ID)

Dual Diagnosis & Trauma

    • Co-occurring psychiatric and substance use disorders

    • Common but complex, requires integrated care

    • Trauma can create toxic stress in the limbic system

    • Addiction is often a way to avoid painful emotions

    • Sobriety may trigger re-experiencing trauma, increasing cravings

    • Medication (detox, relapse prevention, psychiatric support)

    • Therapy (individual, group, family)

    • Community support and recovery meetings

Therapy & Recovery Programs

    • Individual, group, family, couples

    • Trauma-focused therapies for sustained recovery

    • 12-Step programs (AA, NA, GA, CMA, SA)

    • Dharma Recovery: meditation-based, Buddhist principles

    • Experiential groups: Addict to Athlete, Fit-2-Recover, Full Circle Yoga

    • Professionals Helping Professionals (PHP)

    • Psychiatric care

    • Internal medicine

    • Nutrition & metabolic support

    • Yoga & meditation

    • Sleep optimization