Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) For Opioid Addiction Treatment

The goal of Suboxone treatment is not just to replace one drug with another, but to provide a bridge to recovery by minimizing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Ultimately, the success of Suboxone is contingent on a treatment approach that includes counseling, behavioral therapies, and support services.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication that combines two active ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone. It is commonly used in the treatment of opioid dependence and addiction.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means it binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but produces a weaker effect, allowing it to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. It blocks the effects of opioids by binding to the same receptors without activating them.

If someone tries to misuse Suboxone by injecting or snorting it, the naloxone component is designed to prevent the euphoric effects of opioids and discourage abuse.

The combination of buprenorphine and naloxone in Suboxone is intended to provide a safer option for managing opioid dependence.

What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a treatment option for substance use disorders that combines the use of medications with counseling and behavioral therapies.

MAT is an evidence-based practice that has been shown to help people manage their addiction and work towards recovery. It is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

The medications used in MAT are typically approved by regulatory bodies for the treatment of substance use disorders.

For opioid use disorder, Suboxone is commonly employed. This type of treatment is usually done in an inpatient, as opposed to an outpatient, setting.

How Does Suboxone Support Addiction Recovery?

Suboxone supports addiction recovery in several ways, particularly for people with opioid use disorder.

Reduces Cravings And Withdrawal Symptoms

Suboxone helps to reduce cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for people to abstain from using illicit opioids.

Harm Reduction

If someone attempts to misuse Suboxone by injecting or snorting it, the naloxone component can block the effects of opioids and discourage such behaviors.

This harm reduction feature helps prevent the euphoric effects and misuse.

Stabilizes Opioid Dependence

By providing a steady dose of buprenorphine, Suboxone helps create a more stable state, reducing the fluctuations in mood that often accompany opioid addiction.

This also helps reduce the risk of relapse.

Facilitates Behavioral Therapies

Suboxone is often used as part of a comprehensive drug rehab plan that includes counseling and behavioral therapies.

By alleviating the physiological aspects of addiction, Suboxone can make it easier for people to benefit from therapeutic interventions.

Suboxone Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

At Bedrock Recovery Center, we use Suboxone treatment when needed to serve as a pathway to recovery.

By reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, Suboxone can help people concentrate on more important parts of their treatment.

What Substance Use Disorders Is Suboxone Used For?

Suboxone is primarily used for the treatment of opioid use disorder.

Opioids include substances such as heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications. Suboxone is particularly effective in managing addiction to these opioids.

Suboxone is not intended for the treatment of other types of substance use disorders, such as alcohol use disorder or stimulant use disorder.

When Is Suboxone Prescribed At Bedrock?

Suboxone may be prescribed at Bedrock for people with opioid addiction.

It is always prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside counseling, behavioral therapies, and other support services.

The goal of prescribing Suboxone is to help people reduce their dependence on opiates or opioids, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support their overall recovery from opioid addiction.

How Long Does Suboxone Treatment Last?

The duration of Suboxone treatment is determined on an individual basis, and it will depend on factors like the severity of the opioid use disorder and the person’s response to the medication.

However, generally speaking, substance abuse treatment can be broken into several phases. The induction phase is the initial period of treatment when the medication is first introduced.

The maintenance phase follows the induction phase and involves the ongoing use of Suboxone to support recovery. This phase varies and can last for several weeks.

Finally, there is an optional tapering phase. This is when healthcare providers may decide to gradually reduce the dosage of Suboxone as people progress in their recovery.

Our providers assess factors such as the person’s overall health, response to treatment, and goals for recovery when determining the appropriate duration of Suboxone treatment.

What Are Common Side Effects Of Suboxone Treatment?

Suboxone, like any medication, can cause side effects.

Common side effects of Suboxone treatment may include:

• nausea and vomiting
• headache
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• sweating
• constipation
• sleep disturbances
• mouth numbness or tingling
• inflammation or redness at the injection site

This list is not exhaustive, and people can always consult our healthcare providers for a full understanding of potential side effects and how to manage them.

Supportive Therapies For Suboxone Treatment At Bedrock

Supportive therapies, used in combination with Suboxone, can address the many aspects of addiction, providing support for a successful recovery.

At Bedrock, we offer a range of therapeutic treatment services including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• family psychoeducation therapy
• psychoeducation groups
• group therapy
• community-based support groups
• meetings with individual case managers
• aftercare planning for continued recovery

We also offer specialized programing, including:

• LGBTQ+ group therapy
• Refuge Recovery
• SMART Recovery
• Celebrate Recovery
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• young adult group therapy

Many of the therapies at our Suboxone clinic are covered by insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Effective addiction treatment programs involve a combination of supportive therapies, which can be tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances, including mental health considerations.

Learn About Opioid Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts

If you or a loved one is experiencing opioid addiction in Massachusetts, our addiction treatment center can help. Contact our accredited Bedrock Recovery Center today.