Medication Management With Suboxone® Programs for Opioid Abuse Treatment
How These Programs work:
Categorized as a partial agonist-antagonist, Suboxone® is a prescription medication given to aid individuals in treatment for opioid addiction. Comprised of buprenorphine hydrochloride as its main ingredient along with Naloxone, Suboxone is given daily via a dissolvable tablet or film that is absorbed into the body. Suboxone Programs aid patients in overcoming addictions to morphine, prescription pain medications, and heroin by reducing cravings for additional opioids, as well as alleviating the painful symptoms often associated with withdrawal.
When patients no longer have to grapple with the physical symptoms of withdrawal, they are able to focus on the emotional aspect of recovery. Suboxone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is one of the few medications noted as being a safe and effective option for treating opioid addiction.
Suboxone Research:
Extensive research has indicated the taking Suboxone is safer than continuing the use of opioids, as Suboxone does not cause vital organ damage when taken. In addition, patients will not experience any impairments to their cognitive functioning while taking Suboxone and allows patients to continue their daily functioning without disruption to their personal lives, such as work, relationships, and school. It is important to note that, as is the case with other medications, side effects can take place while on Suboxone.
Although Suboxone is safe to take under the supervision of a qualified medical professional within a medication assisted treatment program, patients should openly discuss any side effects with their treatment provider in order to alleviate any concern regarding its use while engaged in treatment. Numerous studies have confirmed the effectiveness of these programs for the treatment of opioid addiction. Individuals who have utilized Suboxone within their treatment plan within a medication assisted treatment program have reported a decrease in the cravings for additional opioids, such as heroin, morphine, or prescription pain medications. In addition, patients have also noted that the withdrawal symptoms typically experienced when opioid use ceases are kept under control when Suboxone is utilized. By lowering the physical effects of withdrawal, patients are able to focus on the psychological aspects of recovery.
When prescribed Suboxone:
Patients will often experience the following treatment phases while in these Programs:
Induction: This first phase of these Programs take place when patients are first given Suboxone and takes place shortly after the use of opioids has ceased. Patients in this phase are normally in the beginning stages the withdrawal process.
Stabilization: Patients are no longer experiencing withdrawal symptoms or craving additional opioids during the stabilization phase of treatment. The dosage of Suboxone can be changed during this time depending on the specific treatment requirements of each patient.
Maintenance: When patients enter the maintenance stage of treatment, they are stable enough to begin discussing weaning off of Suboxone or changing to another medication while in treatment. During these phases, it is extremely beneficial for patients to receive counseling services simultaneously. Both individual and group therapies can provide patients with the opportunity to process their emotions during treatment, learn techniques in order to maintain sobriety, as well as share successes and setbacks with others who understand the struggles associated with addiction. Research has shown that patients who receive counseling at the same time as receiving medication assisted treatment are much less likely to relapse.
How to Support Your Loved One During Medication Assisted Treatment:
Those who have a loved one in a medication assisted treatment program for opioid addiction can be of great support to their loved one throughout the course of treatment. As someone who has a loved one in treatment, it is important for you to obtain support for yourself in order to understand the best way to provide support to your loved one. Since substance abuse affects all those who are involved, it is a good idea to actively play a role in your loved one’s treatment in order to gain a better understanding about addiction and improve the relationship that you have with your loved one.
How You Can Be Successful in These Programs:
If you are contemplating taking Suboxone within a medication assisted treatment at Ascend Health, the following are ways in which you can maximize your experience during the treatment process:
1) Follow all treatment suggestions put in place by your treatment provider in terms of taking Suboxone.
2) Attend and play an active role in all group and individual counseling sessions. Voice any concerns that may arise while taking Suboxone. Should an issue arise, it is important to notify your treatment provider immediately so that adjustments can be made to your treatment plan.
3) The Side Effects of Suboxone: Prior to incorporating Suboxone into your treatment regimen, it is important to openly discuss any adverse reactions that could take place due to the medication. By openly communicating any and all medications currently being taken with your physician, you will be able to avoid any serious adverse health reactions from taking place. It is important for individuals considering Suboxone Programs to be aware of the potential side effects that could take place.
Please contact Ascend Health PLLC today to further discuss our treatment options available to stop using opioids, as well as to answer any questions you may have regarding Suboxone Programs for medication assisted treatment. Review the Medication Assisted Programs available at Ascend Health!
If you are unable to read or view this page please call Ascend Health PPLC @ 980-579-4889 or visit our Clinic Home Page.
More information on Suboxone®:
CDC / WebMD
Clinic That prescribes Suboxone® Near Me That Accepts Medicaid
The 4 Best Ways To Search “Suboxone® Doctors Near Me”
