According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, more than 5 people die every day from an opioid-related overdose in Arizona alone. Opioid use has been on the rise, but it’s never too late to start your recovery journey. There are many options available for both detox and inpatient and outpatient programs, but maybe you’ve heard of someone going to a Suboxone clinic before, and you have some questions.
One of the first steps to starting a treatment program is usually detox. This is because when someone has developed a substance use disorder, their body has become accustomed to a substance being regularly present and altering the way it functions in some way, shape, or form. When you then stop putting the substance into your body, your body has to adjust to it not being there. This process is known as withdrawal and it can come with a myriad of side effects.
Not every substance has intense withdrawal symptoms, but substances like alcohol and opioids can have very strong side effects. One of the ways that medical professionals address this is by utilizing FDA-approved medications such as benzodiazepines and Suboxone. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery, we believe that discussing the various methods and treatment options available for those looking to recover from substance use is important. Not only can it make people informed about their options for recovery, but it can help reduce stigma as well. Today we’re going to be looking at Suboxone and discussing what Suboxone treatment is.
What is Suboxone Used For?
Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Naloxone, when prescribed by itself, is primarily used for medication-assisted treatment of alcohol addiction. While buprenorphine has a number of brand names depending on delivery, such as Suboxone (films/strips) or Subutex (subcutaneous injection), and is primarily for the treatment of opioid use disorders.
When someone utilizes medications to help with their withdrawal symptoms, this can be known as medication-assisted treatment or MAT. Some people worry that this is “substituting one substance for another.” However, many studies have shown the use of FDA-approved Suboxone reduces the chances of relapse and works to treat withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone also increases the likelihood that people will remain in treatment, which as a whole, reduces overdoses, HIV transmission, and the potential for involvement in the criminal justice system.
Suboxone for Detox
Detoxification from any substance is a common first step in treatment for substance use and drug addiction. Suboxone is the first medication that was ever approved for outpatient treatment settings, and it complements detox particularly well.
The main ingredient in Suboxone is scientifically proven to suppress withdrawal symptoms and even decrease cravings during the detox process. Suboxone treatment typically includes:
- An intake procedure that will determine your needs and the benefits of taking Suboxone
- Starting Suboxone and becoming stabilized to combat any unpleasant cravings or withdrawal symptoms from the opiate addiction
- Maintenance of Suboxone regimen and medically supervised withdrawal for stopping Suboxone altogether
How’s Suboxone Administered to the Patient?
Suboxone is an ingestible medication, usually in either a pill form or a film form. There is an injectable version as well, this is known as Subutex. The exact dosages will vary depending on the client’s specific needs as determined by their doctor or medical professional.
Suboxone Side Effects and Benefits
As with any medication, there is always a chance for side effects. If you notice these side effects and they’re negatively impacting you, don’t be afraid to reach out to your doctor to discuss what your options are. This could be because of dosage, how it’s reacting in your body, or if you’re taking any other medications or substances, the side effects could be because of those as well.
Substance Use Disorder Treatments That Involve Suboxone
Not all substance use disorder detox or treatments will need medications like Suboxone or benzodiazepines. In fact, Suboxone is used specifically for those who are wanting to address an opioid use disorder. This also includes other forms of opioids such as heroin or fentanyl. Suboxone was designed specifically to address opioid receptors in the body to assist people going through detox and withdrawal.
At Pinnacle Peak Recovery, we recognize that having treatment options at a treatment center that cares for you is essential. A treatment center that thoroughly understands the science behind addiction and the evidence-based treatment options provided by Suboxone clinics and Suboxone doctors is a big deal. We also know the importance of a family environment and compassionate staff who care. We’ve been treating addiction since 2011 here in the Scottsdale area.
Our facility will utilize Suboxone treatment within our residential program if it is determined that it would be beneficial for the client involved. We always work on an assessment basis in order to make certain that the treatment programs we are utilizing for each individual client are what is going to best suit their specific needs.
At Pinnacle Peak Recovery we do not offer Suboxone on an outpatient basis. We are not a Suboxone clinic. We can refer clients to clinics near them if they wish to continue their Suboxone treatment plan after residential treatment.
For those looking to recover from opioid use, we offer everything from detox programs to inpatient and outpatient rehab programs. Inpatient allows clients to stay on-site for several days in order to be in an environment that allows them to focus solely on their healing goals. From there, some will transition into our outpatient program, while others might start with outpatient.
Our outpatient program offers the same evidence-based therapy and treatment programs as our inpatient, but clients stay home at night and only visit a few times a week or more depending on what is deemed best for them. As a person is going about their daily life, outpatient programs can offer support and address triggers as they are encountered.
Our phone lines are also always open for any questions that you may have about Pinnacle Peak, our treatment options, or what the next steps are. Don’t wait, your first steps into the journey of recovery start here, and we are ready to help. Call us today at 866-377-4761
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Call To Talk To One Of Our Substance Use Disorder Treatment Professionals Today!
FAQs About Suboxone
What is suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication utilized to treat the symptoms and side effects of an opioid use disorder while someone is going through substance use treatment.
How long does it take for suboxone to take effect?
Suboxone normally takes anywhere from 30-60 minutes to take effect.
Will suboxone show up on a drug test?
Suboxone won’t show up on the average drug test, but it can show up on a 12-panel screening. If you are concerned about a positive result, make sure you show the lab your prescription for Suboxone so they can take that into account when reporting to your employer.