In the 21st century, effective recovery from opioid addiction does not rely solely on medication or therapy. Instead, it combines these two forms of care in a medication-assisted treatment program (MAT). While in a MAT program, you may benefit from more than one kind of medication. Today, many people receive Suboxone, a product that provides two medicines in one. Together, these medicines help you complete opioid detox and lay the groundwork for your recovery.
At Evoke Wellness, you receive the expert support needed to overcome opioid addiction. We feature Suboxone among our full range of MAT treatments. In combination with a paired therapy option, this medication can play a vital role in a personalized treatment plan.
Suboxone Basics
Suboxone contains a set 4:1 ratio of two active ingredients. The main ingredient is the partial opioid buprenorphine. Partial opioids are weaker than full-strength opioids such as heroin and fentanyl. That’s true because they only moderately activate the opioid receptors in your body’s nervous system.
In contrast, naloxone is an anti-opioid. Taken on its own, it creates a barrier that stops opioids from reaching your brain. In Suboxone, it acts as a kind of off-switch for the medication’s buprenorphine content. Enough buprenorphine is present to allow Suboxone to function as a temporary substitute for stronger opioids. At the same time, its naloxone content puts a limit on the opioid effects of buprenorphine. This limitation makes the medication safer to use.
What Happens in a Suboxone Treatment Program?
Suboxone’s main purpose is to ease withdrawal symptoms while you detox from opioids. Well-known examples of these symptoms include:
- Cramping in your stomach or abdomen
- Achy or painful muscles
- Problems falling asleep or staying asleep
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Unusual feelings of anxiety or agitation
- Cravings for more opioids
The impact of these issues can potentially derail your attempts to quit opioids. A suboxone MAT program helps prevent this from happening.
Your doctor will determine the level of your first Suboxone dose at the start of detox. This dose will then be adjusted as detox proceeds. The closer you get to the end of withdrawal, the less Suboxone you will need. You can stop taking it when your withdrawal symptoms cease.
If you're ready to start your journey to recovery, we're here to help.
Rules for a Suboxone Treatment Clinic
Suboxone can be given in more settings than methadone, another common MAT medication. Still, a Suboxone treatment clinic must follow current established guidelines. These guidelines state that only doctors and certain other personnel can administer the medication. They also state that all providers must be federally approved to distribute Suboxone.
Other Elements of a Suboxone MAT Program
In MAT programs, Suboxone use is paired with at least one form of psychotherapy. Therapy can help you in ways that medication cannot. Examples here include:
- Improving your understanding of addiction
- Learning how habitual thoughts and behaviors can support continuing addiction
- Developing new habits that have the opposite effect
- Creating strategies for staying opioid-free in daily life
The specific appropriate therapies may vary. Many people benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy or family therapy. Your Suboxone treatment program may also feature other options.
Seek a Suboxone Clinic for Massachusetts at Evoke Wellness
Want to learn more about Suboxone clinics in Massachusetts? Evoke Wellness at Cohasset is standing by. Our expertise allows us to provide you with timely, accurate information. It also helps us determine if Suboxone is right for you.
Evoke Wellness at Cohasset is a premier provider of modern opioid rehab. With our support, you can undertake a customized Suboxone treatment plan. That’s the best possible way to maximize your recovery odds. For more information, call us today at 866.931.6429. You can also complete our online contact form.
