What Does Treatment With Suboxone Involve?
Here at Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc. one of the opioid addiction treatment medications our physicians use is Suboxone. Our Suboxone treatment centers use this FDA-approved medication alongside mental health therapy to safely and effectively treat opiate addiction. Medication-assisted treatment can help ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support victims of opioid use disorder in leading a normal life. But how exactly does Suboxone treatment work? What do the steps toward sobriety look like? Below, we outline what Suboxone is, how treatment works, and what you can expect from a comprehensive Suboxone treatment program.
Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc. offers buprenorphine treatment and psychiatric services for opioid addiction and mental health in Gainesville, Orange Park, Perry, Palatka, and Ocala, Florida. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation!
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is one of a handful of prescription medications approved by the Food & Drug Administration proven to be a successful component in treating opioid use disorder. The two active ingredients in Suboxone are buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid, is a key ingredient in Suboxone to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce drug cravings. Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, is included in Suboxone to block the opioid effects of buprenorphine and discourage intentional misuse. Suboxone is considered to be one of the safest opioid addiction treatment medications on the market because of its low abuse rate.
How Is Suboxone Taken?
Suboxone is typically prescribed as a tablet or a dissolvable sublingual film. If you receive the Suboxone film, the medication must be placed under the tongue so it can be absorbed correctly. It’s important to remember not to chew, swallow, or talk while the Suboxone film is in your mouth to ensure it works as intended. Suboxone films dissolve in your mouth within eight minutes, and the effects typically begin 20 to 60 minutes following ingestion. The medication reaches its peak level within two to three hours, and its effects can last up to 72 hours.
The Phases Of Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone treatment typically occurs in three phases: induction, stabilization, and maintenance. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these phases don’t always occur in a consecutive manner, as each patient’s unique struggles and treatment plan may vary. Below, we outline each phase in detail.
Phase 1: Induction
During the induction phase, patients meet with a Suboxone doctor to discuss treatment, review history, develop a dosage plan, and initiate the use of Suboxone. To begin Suboxone treatment the patient must be in the early stages of withdrawal and not have used for at least 12 hours.
Phase 2: Stabilization
During the stabilization phase, the patient will have already begun Suboxone treatment and will be experiencing fewer or no cravings. During this phase, patients and their doctors will focus on making any necessary dosage adjustments based on how treatment has progressed.
Phase 3: Maintenance
Finally, during the maintenance phase, the Suboxone treatment should be showing results and the patient should be well into recovery. In the maintenance phase, the patient and their doctor will focus on maintaining progress and developing a plan to prevent relapse.
How Long Does Suboxone Treatment Last?
The typical Suboxone user takes the medication for 6 months to a year, however, every patient’s treatment is unique and everyone’s recovery timetable will vary depending upon a number of factors. While some treatments will be shorter and some may be longer, the important thing to note is that Suboxone is safe for use in the short term and the long term. When your doctor determines it’s time to discontinue the use of Suboxone, you’ll be gradually tapered off of the drug with lower doses.
Our Suboxone Treatment Program
Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc. combines buprenorphine treatment and outpatient psychiatric care to provide a holistic approach to recovery. With effective buprenorphine medications, such as Suboxone or Subutex, the patient can stop abusing opioids safely and focus on mental health care to address the underlying causes of their substance abuse disorder. Take the first step towards recovery with the help of our experienced and supportive doctors and psychiatrists. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation at our Florida opioid addiction treatment center.