Medication-assisted treatment, known as MAT, is the gold standard for recovery from opioid addiction. These addiction treatment programs combine the appropriate use of medication with at least one form of psychotherapy. One of the medications used in this context is a brand-name prescription product called Suboxone. Suboxone contains two active ingredients that help you complete an opioid withdrawal. In this way, it provides vital support for your recovery process.
At On Call Treatment, Suboxone is one of several medications available in our opioid rehab program. We combine it with therapy daily as part of our comprehensive, customized opioid treatment plans. We’re committed to providing high-quality addiction services in a supportive, caring environment. To learn more about Suboxone, call our team at 866.276.1920.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a product specifically designed to help people addicted to opioids. To achieve this goal, it combines two medications: buprenorphine and naloxone.
Buprenorphine is a partial or weak opioid. It has a relatively modest drug effect compared to fentanyl, heroin, and other strong opioids. It’s also less potent than methadone, another opioid used in addiction treatment. Naloxone is an opioid blocker. When in your bloodstream, it shuts down opioid substances’ ability to produce their typical drug effects.
Suboxone is available as a tablet and a sublingual film. You don’t swallow either of these forms of medication. Instead, you let them dissolve inside your mouth. The ratio of buprenorphine to naloxone in Suboxone is four to one. This balance allows buprenorphine to produce its therapeutic benefits. At the same time, it limits how much buprenorphine is in your system. This cap makes it difficult to abuse Suboxone.
How Does a Suboxone Treatment Program Work?
Suboxone has two important uses in opioid addiction treatment. First, it helps reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle aches
- Abdominal cramps
- Insomnia
- Mental agitation
In addition, it helps you tolerate any ongoing cravings for more potent opioids. Both benefits can make it much easier for you to detox safely from opioids.
You start your program with an initial dose of Suboxone determined by your doctor. Once you pass the peak of withdrawal, this dose will be reduced as needed. When withdrawal is complete, you can stop taking Suboxone.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, we're here to help.
Guidelines for a Suboxone Treatment Program
Several healthcare professionals can legally provide doses of Suboxone, including:
- Doctors
- Physician assistants
- Nurse practitioners
- Clinical nurse specialists
The person administering the medication must have federal approval to do so. Compared to methadone, Suboxone can be given in a much wider range of treatment settings. It can also be safer to use than methadone. For these reasons, many opioid recovery programs rely on Suboxone as their primary medication option.
Suboxone and MAT
Suboxone can provide a benefit when used on its own. However, it’s preferred setting for use is a MAT program. Several kinds of therapy work well in combination with Suboxone treatment. One common option is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Another frequent choice is something called motivational interviewing.
Additionally, family therapy is another option during a Suboxone treatment program. Your plan may include more than one of these options. It may also have other forms of therapy.
Take Advantage of Our Suboxone Treatment Program in Waltham, MA, at On Call Treatment
Want more information on the advantages of Suboxone treatment? Talk to the addiction experts at On Call Treatment. We’ll provide you with full details of how Suboxone programs work. We can also help you determine if such a program fits your needs. On Call Treatment is your source for caring, patient-first addiction services. With our help, stable recovery is a realistic, workable goal. Ready to seek treatment? Call us at 866.276.1920 or fill out our brief online form.
