What Is Suboxone Treatment?
Suboxone treatment involves the use of two different drugs, buprenorphine and naloxone, to
help alleviate and even eliminate opioid withdrawal symptoms. These drugs work together to help patients manage what
can often be a painstaking detoxification process. It comes as a film or tablet placed under the tongue taken daily.
Suboxone treatment occurs in four phases:
- Induction: During this phase, the patient will participate in an intake assessment to help determine the proper dose.
- Stabilization: The patient can then receive additional support services to help treat the underlying causes of their addiction without worrying about a physically debilitating withdrawal process.
- Maintenance: This is when the patient can maintain their treatment and get their life back on track.
- Taper: The patient and our staff will work together to start lowering the required dose until it is no longer needed at all.
Suboxone works by blocking a person’s opiate receptors, reducing the urge to use. It also reduces anxiety,
depression, and other withdrawal symptoms. That allows the patient to approach treatment in a more stable frame of
mind.
Reasons to Seek Suboxone Treatment
For those amid opioid addiction, the fear of withdrawal associated with the detox process is enough to keep them from
seeking treatment. Suboxone treatment provides a more comfortable detox period than attempting to quit alone and can
help reduce the risk of a relapse. Studies have also shown that Suboxone treatment can lower the risk of a fatal opiate overdose by about 38%.
Suboxone treatment is a good option for patients who:
- Struggle with addiction to heroin or prescription painkillers
- Can take medications at a scheduled time
- Will check in with our staff regularly for monitoring
- Can keep from consuming alcohol
- Are not pregnant or breastfeeding
Suboxone provides several unique benefits. It relieves the more painful withdrawal aspects, such as body aches,
muscle spasms, and seizures. This relief helps patients focus on treatment and recovery as opposed to uncomfortable
symptoms of withdrawal. Research has also shown that there is a lower potential for misuse.
Benefits of Professional Suboxone Treatment
Professional Suboxone treatment has several benefits. Unlike the more commonly known methadone treatment, Suboxone is
the first prescribed medication to treat opioid addiction and can be taken at home instead of a treatment facility.
This ease of use allows patients to keep up their daily routines, such as going to work or school.
Since it is highly effective at relieving cravings and withdrawal symptoms, the patient can more readily participate
in other social support programs. It also improves patient survival rates, increases patient retention in treatment,
and decreases illegal opiate use. Studies have shown that more than half of patients who
stop Suboxone treatment early return to their opioid addiction.
Combination with Other Treatment Methods
Suboxone treatment is typically the first step in a more comprehensive drug treatment program. After learning to
manage the withdrawal symptoms effectively, a patient can focus on the root cause of their addiction. Prescribers
recommend combining any medications used to combat drug addiction with behavioral counseling for what is known as medication-assisted treatment.
A complete recovery plan will also include counseling and therapy to help the patient find new ways to cope with
common triggers, such as stress and pain, to prevent a relapse. Some patients may even require inpatient or
outpatient treatment. Our team works with each patient to ensure Suboxone treatment is complementary to the rest of
their treatment plan.
Follow-Up Care
During follow-up appointments, the patient can evaluate how their treatment progresses and discuss any potential
relapses or new cravings. They also receive a refill for their prescription during these visits. Patients will have
to submit to a drug test to continue treatment and bring their medication with them, so our staff can keep track of
the recovery process.
Once patients reach a stable dose and cravings have decreased or are eliminated, follow-up appointments will stretch
and eventually end. Depending on the patient and their case, self-monitoring practices and activities may be
recommended to keep them in recovery even after eliminating Suboxone and any other medications. We always recommend
patients continue group or individual therapy sessions to help them stay on track.
Visit Us Today
Do not let the fear of withdrawal keep you from seeking treatment. Suboxone consultations and treatments are
available at our office. Our team at MD Care Now looks forward to treating you and helping you ease through
recovery. Suboxone treatment may help you or your loved one finally break the cycle of opioid addiction. Call our
office at (203) 878-1006 to learn more or schedule an appointment. We also accept walk-ins, no appointment necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suboxone Treatment
What is in Suboxone treatment?
Suboxone treatment consists of two different medications, buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid
medication, and naloxone blocks the effects of opiates, such as pain relief and feelings of well-being. Together,
they provide the effects of an opiate and its suppressant, allowing for subdued cravings and reduced withdrawal
symptoms.
What are the benefits of Suboxone treatment?
Suboxone helps to relieve withdrawal symptoms, cravings and reduces overdose risk. When used as part of
medication-assisted treatment, research indicates that 75% of
patients will still be in recovery a year later. Suboxone can help patients feel healthier—and if taken as
directed—allows them to maintain quality of life.
What is the difference between Suboxone and methadone?
Both methadone and Suboxone help relieve withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction. Methadone has been used for
decades, while Suboxone came out more recently. Suboxone is considered to be safer than methadone and can be
prescribed by a medical professional. A prescriber can provide methadone only through licensed treatment programs.
What is medication-assisted treatment?
Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction occurs when medication such as Suboxone is used to treat an
opioid-use disorder. It is most effective when used along with counseling and therapy. That allows patients to get
to the root of their addiction and address its triggers.
How long does Suboxone treatment last?
You and your medical provider will work together to determine how long you will stay on Suboxone. Research has shown
it is safe to take long term. Its effectiveness also does not decrease over time, so patients can take it as long as
needed.