Opioid abuse and addiction are serious problems across the United States. From 2019 to 2021, the U.S. saw a 109% increase in the average number of monthly opioid overdose deaths and a 182% increase in deaths involving fentanyl among adolescents.[1] It is estimated that more than 2.5 million Americans struggle with opioid addiction, but only a small percentage receive the help they need to achieve and maintain recovery.
Unfortunately, beating opioid addiction is extremely difficult. Between the painful, flu-like withdrawals that appear in the hours after quitting and the nagging cravings that can last for months, recovery is not easy. However, there are modern treatments available that use medications like buprenorphine to treat opioid addiction.
One of the most popular buprenorphine medications is Suboxone. If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction and are interested in Suboxone treatment in Massachusetts, please reach out to our team of addiction specialists at Elevate Recovery Center today.
WHAT IS SUBOXONE?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that binds to and activates opioid receptors but to a lesser degree than full opioid agonists. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse or block the effects of opioids. Naloxone is added to Suboxone to prevent misuse of the medication.
Suboxone comes in the form of a sublingual or buccal film that dissolves under the tongue or between the cheek and gums. It is a daily medication that doctors may instruct patients to take once or twice daily, depending on their symptoms, age, weight, and dosage.
Patients can start taking Suboxone 12-24 hours after their last dose of opioids. Suboxone can alleviate symptoms of opioid withdrawal and reduce drug cravings. The medication is most effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapy–a comprehensive approach known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
Common side effects of Suboxone are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Headache
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Muscle aches
- Irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety
- Depression
Suboxone should never be taken with other opioids. If you are prescribed Suboxone, only take it as directed by your prescribing physician.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING SUBOXONE TREATMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS
Addiction treatment with Suboxone begins with detox. A few hours after your withdrawal symptoms begin, your doctor may prescribe Suboxone. Suboxone can alleviate symptoms like body aches, restlessness, nausea, diarrhea, cravings, and more. Many people feel ready to move on to inpatient or outpatient rehab rather than spending time in detox once they start taking Suboxone.
Suboxone can aid in opioid addiction recovery, but it doesn’t cure addiction. In order to stay sober, it’s important that individuals identify and treat the root causes of their substance abuse as well as develop healthy coping skills for the future. As a result, treatment typically involves:
- Group and individual therapy
- Mental health treatment
- Holistic therapies (art, yoga, meditation, etc.)
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention counseling
- Aftercare support
Depending on your needs, you may continue taking Suboxone for the duration of your treatment program. At an inpatient program, your medication will be dispensed to you on a daily basis, whereas an outpatient program may send you home with a 14 or 30-day supply of your medication as long as you show up for counseling sessions and provide negative drug screenings.
Drug screenings are an important element of Suboxone treatment. You may be asked to provide a urine sample at random times throughout the week or month for drug testing. Testing ensures that you are not only staying sober from other drugs but also that you are taking your medication as prescribed.
Addiction treatment can last anywhere from 30-90 days, but some people stay on Suboxone for longer than that. How long you stay on Suboxone depends on your individual needs and your progress in treatment. When you are ready to stop taking Suboxone, your doctor will slowly reduce your dose and taper you off the medication.
HOW TO FIND SUBOXONE TREATMENT IN MASSACHUSETTS
Finding Suboxone treatment in Massachusetts is simple. Many MAT clinics and addiction treatment centers in the area offer Suboxone treatment. Our addiction specialists at Elevate Recovery Center can help you begin the process of finding the right program for you.
Verify Your Insurance
First, you should verify your insurance. Addiction treatment and medications are covered by insurance, so it’s helpful to attend a program that your insurance covers. Your insurer or an addiction specialist can help you understand your coverage for you.
Get an Assessment
Suboxone treatment may not be right for everyone, so in order to find out if you qualify, you must undergo an assessment. Your chosen treatment provider will assess your physical and mental health as well as your substance abuse history to determine whether or not Suboxone is appropriate. If you aren’t a good candidate, they will inform you of your alternative treatment options.
FIND OUT IF SUBOXONE TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction and think Suboxone treatment may be right for you, please contact us today. Our team of compassionate admissions counselors is available now to verify your insurance, assess your needs, and help you get started on your recovery. Call now to get started.
References:
- JAMA Network: The White House’s Strategic Plan to Address the Opioid Crisis, Retrieved June 2023 from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2806538
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Buprenorphine, Retrieved June 2023 from https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine