Breaking the cycle of opioid dependence can be a difficult challenge, even when you’re determined to recover. Medication-assisted treatment in a Suboxone treatment program has helped many people overcome physical dependence on opioids, focus on treatment, and look forward to the future.
How Does Suboxone Treatment Work?
Suboxone is one of several medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and proven to be a successful component of treatment for opioid use disorders.
Two active ingredients in Suboxone, buprenorphine and naloxone, work to overcome the body’s physical and chemical dependence on short-acting opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers.
- Buprenorphine attaches to the same brain receptors as opioids without producing the good feelings or “high” of addictive drugs. Since buprenorphine has an effect on the brain that’s similar to opioids — in a much smaller and safer amount — a managed dose of Suboxone can diminish painful opioid withdrawal symptoms and, over time, reduce opioid cravings.
- Naloxone is a chemical that blocks the effects of opioids. If someone overdoses on opioids while taking Suboxone, naloxone can lessen the impact of the addictive drugs and even reverse an overdose.
A Suboxone program helps clients manage the discomfort of detox and withdrawal. As they continue with Suboxone recovery, the medication is safe to use for maintenance until they achieve stability. Suboxone is also a medication with low potential for abuse, which means clients in later stages of Suboxone recovery may be able to take the prescribed medication at home without doctor supervision.
Your First Visits to a Suboxone Program
When you arrive at a Suboxone treatment center, the staff will ask you about your medical history and any medications you take. It’s important to be honest about any history of drug use, including opioids. Doctors want to tailor treatment to your physical and mental health needs.
Once you’ve been abstinent from opioids for at least 12 hours, you can begin taking prescribed Suboxone with the guidance of a doctor. Suboxone is taken orally as a film placed under the tongue.
The medication should help relieve any symptoms you’re experiencing in withdrawal. If symptoms continue, the doctor will work with you to find the correct Suboxone dosage amount. You may feel calmer and more relaxed once the medicine starts working.
Most clients will continue receiving daily dosages during their Suboxone recovery period. As you progress at a Suboxone treatment center your dosage may be lowered to a maintenance level.
How Long Does Suboxone Treatment Last?
Everyone’s recovery timetable will be different. For instance, you can receive Suboxone treatment as part of an inpatient or outpatient program depending on your needs.
You, your doctor, and your treatment team will determine how long you should participate in a Suboxone program. Typically, however, Suboxone users take the medication for six to 12 months.
When it’s time to safely discontinue Suboxone use, you’ll taper off the drug gradually with lower dosages under a doctor’s guidance.
Research shows Suboxone recovery has a high success rate. People who take Suboxone or pursue other forms of medication-assisted treatment reduce their risk of relapse and overdose. They’re likely to remain abstinent from opioid use for 18 months or longer.
Therapy, Counseling, and Suboxone Recovery
Medication is only one component of the recovery plan at a Suboxone treatment center. Clients attending on an inpatient or outpatient basis have access to behavioral counseling, including individual and group therapy.
Counseling sessions are safe, nonjudgmental places to talk about the complicated emotions that may surface in recovery. You’ll discuss the underlying causes of your opioid dependence, work on healthy coping skills, and set goals for the future.
Since Suboxone helps manage physical cravings, you’ll be in a more stable place to focus on your needs in therapy.
Start Suboxone Treatment at Lotus Recovery Centers
If you or someone you care about struggles with opioid addiction, Suboxone recovery can be life-changing. Suboxone treatment is available at Lotus Recovery Centers’ locations in Comfort, WV and Prices Corner, DE. Clients are eligible whether they’re attending a residential or outpatient program.
We’re committed to making our programs accessible to as many people as possible, and we accept both Medicaid and private insurance. Get started on the road to recovery by contacting us at 833.922.1615.
