Understand Sublocade treatment for opioid addiction
When you explore sublocade treatment for opioid addiction, you’re looking at a monthly injectable form of buprenorphine designed to help suppress withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Unlike daily oral medications, Sublocade provides consistent medication levels over 28 days, reducing the need for daily dosing reminders and minimizing the risk of missed doses. As a partial agonist, buprenorphine in Sublocade activates opioid receptors just enough to prevent severe withdrawal without producing the same “high” as full agonists, making it a cornerstone of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Furthermore, Sublocade integrates seamlessly into outpatient recovery plans, allowing you to focus on therapy and holistic support rather than daily pill management. This approach aligns with evidence-based guidelines and has helped hundreds of thousands of people stabilize their recovery journey. Whether you’re new to buprenorphine or transitioning from a transmucosal formulation, understanding how Sublocade works can empower you to make informed treatment decisions.
Compare Sublocade and oral medications
Dosing and administration
- Sublocade: Administered as a once-monthly subcutaneous injection by a trained provider in the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or upper arm [1]
- Suboxone and other oral buprenorphine: Daily sublingual film or tablet taken at home
- Methadone: Daily oral dosing at specialized clinics
- Naltrexone: Daily or monthly oral/injectable opioid blocker
Advantages and limitations
| Feature | Sublocade | Oral buprenorphine |
|---|---|---|
| Dosing frequency | Monthly | Daily |
| Risk of diversion | Low, clinic-administered | Higher, patient-managed |
| Medication level consistency | Steady plasma buprenorphine levels | Peaks and troughs |
| Flexibility in dose changes | Limited between injections | High, adjustable daily |
| Clinic visits required | Monthly | Varies |
Overall, Sublocade reduces the burden of daily dosing and helps maintain steady medication levels, while oral options offer more flexibility for dose adjustments.
Determine eligibility and prepare
Stabilization on buprenorphine
Before beginning Sublocade, you must be stable on a short-acting buprenorphine product such as Suboxone for at least seven days to confirm tolerability [2]. This observation period helps prevent severe reactions and ensures your body is ready for the extended-release formulation.
Medical assessment requirements
Your provider will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including:
- Medical history and co-occurring conditions
- Current medications and allergy profile
- Pregnancy or fertility considerations, as buprenorphine may affect reproductive health [3]
- Risk factors for respiratory depression
After assessment, you’ll receive a personalized plan outlining dosing schedules, supportive therapies, and follow-up appointments.
Follow the dosing schedule
Initial injections
- Day 1: First 300 mg Sublocade injection
- Day 29: Second 300 mg dose (can be administered as early as 1 week after initial dose to accelerate steady state) [4]
- After the first two doses: Transition to once-monthly maintenance injections
Accelerated dosing may help Sublocade build up in your system faster, supporting more consistent cravings and withdrawal management.
Maintenance injections
- Administer 100 mg or 300 mg monthly based on clinical needs
- Nearly half of patients received at least one 300 mg maintenance dose in real-world data [1]
- Steady state achieved after 4 to 6 monthly injections, providing plasma levels around 5–6 ng/mL for higher-dose patients
Your provider will monitor your response and adjust maintenance doses as needed to optimize treatment outcomes.
Monitor side effects and safety
Common reactions
Most patients tolerate Sublocade well, but you may experience:
- Injection site pain, redness or swelling
- Headache
- Nausea or constipation
- Fatigue
These effects typically resolve within a few days. If symptoms persist or worsen, inform your provider.
Serious risks and precautions
- Respiratory depression, especially during initiation or dose increase—monitor closely [5]
- Potential for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome in newborns if used during pregnancy [5]
- Accidental exposure risk—store injections securely to prevent child access
- Overdose symptoms: chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness—seek emergency care and consider naloxone administration if indicated
By understanding both common and rare side effects, you can work with your care team to manage any issues promptly.
Integrate counseling and holistic support
Counseling importance
MAT is most effective when paired with structured counseling and behavioral therapies. You might engage in:
- Individual therapy to address underlying triggers
- Group sessions for peer support
- Family therapy to rebuild relationships
These interventions foster coping skills and reinforce the importance of ongoing recovery efforts. Explore our confidential outpatient mat services for more details.
Holistic approaches
In addition to counseling, consider complementary activities:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Light exercise or yoga
- Nutritional counseling
- Stress-management techniques
Such practices support overall wellness and can strengthen your resilience against relapse.
Navigate insurance and cost
Coverage verification
To confirm your plan benefits, work with an insurance verified mat program team that:
- Reviews your policy for buprenorphine coverage
- Verifies in-network status with major carriers
- Assists with prior authorization
Insurance plans accepted
Ascend Health accepts a wide range of insurance options, including:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield [6]
- Aetna [7]
- Medicaid [8]
- Other major commercial plans
If you lack coverage, private-pay options are available for discreet, high-quality care.
Choose Ascend Health services
Same-day and telehealth access
We know timely care is crucial. At Ascend Health, you can access:
- Same day suboxone appointment for urgent needs
- Telehealth suboxone clinic appointments from home
This flexibility ensures you never miss a dose or a therapy session.
Confidential licensed care
Our licensed clinicians provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support in a secure environment. You benefit from:
- Individualized treatment plans
- Evidence-based protocols
- A supportive team focused on your lasting recovery
Your privacy and comfort are our top priorities throughout the MAT process.
Take the next steps
Schedule your consultation
Ready to explore Sublocade injection treatment? Contact our team to:
- Book an initial evaluation
- Confirm insurance coverage
- Begin your personalized recovery plan
Visit our sublocade injection treatment program page to learn more.
Explore additional resources
To further support your journey, consider:
- Buprenorphine maintenance therapy
- Telehealth mat appointment scheduling
- Outpatient MAT program accepting insurance
By combining medical, behavioral, and holistic care, you gain the comprehensive support necessary for lasting recovery. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
