What is the B2-NTX Program?
B2-NTX is an acronym for Bridge to Naltrexone-assisted Treatment (TX is short for treatment). It’s a new protocol* specifically for battling opioid use disorder. B2-NTX consists of three distinct phases of treatment:
- management and recovery that can, in many cases, reduce opioid withdrawal misery
- provide a level of overdose protection**
- followed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and recovery support for opioid use disorder (heroin, prescription pain killers)
Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that has been around for decades. It is not a controlled substance. See FAQ page for more details on naltrexone.
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is becoming more popular in the fight against opioid and alcohol addictions. MAT refers to the use of medications and therapy to treat addiction. Within MAT, there are three medications commonly used. Those are:
- methadone
- buprenorphine (Suboxone is brand that uses buprenorphine)
- naltrexone (Revia, Vivitrol, Naltrexone implants)
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is the most popular MAT medication used currently and it has benefits in certain patient populations, but it is also an opioid and many patients eventually want to stop taking it. Getting off of buprenorphine, methadone, or any opioids can be very difficult due to the need for detox prior to getting on an opioid blocker such as naltrexone. Many times, the fear of opioid withdrawals alone can deter individuals from seeking treatment to wean from opioids completely.
This is where the B2-NTX protocol can help many who wish to transition to naltrexone-assisted treatment. B2-NTX uses no addictive medications and includes essential Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which is often needed for stable, lasting recovery from opioid addiction coupled with long term peer recovery support. Below are the three general phases of B2-NTX in more detail.
*B2-NTX is a protocol that must be supervised by medical doctors and is a decision between patient and physician. There may be other medications and treatment regimens used by the treating physician. Each addiction case is different and B2-NTX is not a cure or panacea. Please consult with your doctor about this or any other treatment protocol.
**It is important to note that one can overdose while receiving naltrexone treatment if enough opioids are used to overcome the opioid receptor blockade provided by naltrexone, especially once naltrexone levels begin to decrease over time from administration. Please consult with a physician experienced in administering naltrexone about the risks associated with naltrexone treatment for opioid use disorder.
1. The Bridge**
A small electronic device about the size of a half-dollar, which is worn behind the ear, delivers tiny electrical signals into the cranial nerves which modulate the transmission of pain signals sent from the spine and brain. It is usually worn during the initial few days of someone’s attempt to detox when the patient’s withdrawal pain and symptoms are most severe. The device utilizes Dr. Arturo Taca, M.D. ‘s Insynergy Bridge Protocol to “bridge the patient over the painful period which is typically associated with opioid detoxification to naltrexone specific medication-assisted treatment.
2. Naltrexone (Sustained Release):
The non-addictive, FDA approved medication naltrexone has been shown to significantly reduce cravings for both alcohol and opioids in oral and injectable form. The B2-NTX protocol includes the use of naltrexone in two forms: injectable and implantable. Vivitrol is the injectable form of naltrexone currently available and there are several types of naltrexone implants available in the U.S. See FAQs for more information on naltrexone implants. Each form of naltrexone has its advantages and disadvantages and the decision should be made between patient and treating physician.
The BioCorRx® Recovery Program currently includes a long lasting naltrexone implant. During a simple 30-minute outpatient procedure, naltrexone pellets, which are prepared by compounding pharmacies upon individual patient prescription, are inserted just beneath the patient’s skin, typically in the lower abdominal area. The naltrexone pellets then dissolve over time, releasing naltrexone into the bloodstream, which can curb cravings for alcohol and effects of opioids in many patients for several months, depending on individual metabolism rates.
3. Proprietary CBT/Peer Support Program:
The third component of the protocol, developed by BioCorRx for patients receiving long-term naltrexone treatment, is a naltrexone specific proprietary CBT program written by addiction professionals with years of experience treating individuals on long term naltrexone therapy. The CBT program is currently being used by independent addiction counselors for patients on naltrexone treatment in implant form. Overlapping and extending beyond the CBT, is a peer recovery support system which include specialists that are many years sober and some of which whom have received naltrexone implant therapy.
The program also includes an algorithmic software tracking program designed to detect potential for relapse. The peer support program assists individuals in their recovery for at least 12 months. Patients are encouraged to participate in any, and all, community programs at their disposal for life. This phase of the protocol is where the real work begins, and perhaps, never ends.