What Are Suboxone Treatment Programs?

Are you struggling with a substance use disorder? You might need more support. Learn how suboxone can treat opioid addiction effectively in a safe environment.

The opioid epidemic, which has devastated people and communities worldwide, requires effective and structured solutions and ways to get help. In response, addiction treatment options, such as suboxone treatment programs, offer a comprehensive approach to help stabilize those battling opioid use disorder and guide them toward long-term recovery. Here’s what to expect from suboxone treatment, how to find a suboxone program, and information on who is best suited for this type of treatment.  

What is suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication that combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors in the brain but produces a much milder effect compared to full opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. This effect helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without creating the euphoric high associated with opioid abuse.

Naloxone, on the other hand, is designed to block the effects of opioids and prevent misuse. If someone attempts to misuse suboxone, such as injecting it, naloxone blocks any potential high, reducing the risk of abuse. 

How do suboxone treatment programs work? 

Suboxone treatment centers offer a structured and supervised environment for people undergoing opioid addiction treatment, by providing them with the necessary support, monitoring, and resources to aid in their recovery journey. Suboxone treatment consists of various treatment phases, including detoxification, stabilization, and maintenance.

During the detox phase, suboxone helps ease opioid withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to begin recovery with less discomfort. Following the detox phase, the stabilization phase of suboxone treatment involves the continued use of suboxone under medical supervision in order to reduce cravings and prevent possible relapse. Finally, the maintenance phase, which may range from months to years, focuses on supporting long-term recovery and, gradually, safely tapering off the medication as appropriate. 

How to find a suboxone treatment center

Having access to a suboxone treatment facility is an important step in recovery from opioid use disorder, as it provides structure and accountability to the patient. Here are some steps to take if you’re looking for a suboxone treatment center: 

• Look for clinics with experienced medical professionals or a specialized suboxone prescriber who can monitor patients’ progress throughout treatment and adjust dosing if necessary. Many addiction treatment centers have specific programs for suboxone therapy.
• Make sure these programs provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT), which combines medication with behavioral therapy to address both the physical and psychological aspects of opioid addiction.
• Search online directories, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), or contact local hospitals and community health centers. 

The benefits of suboxone treatment programs

Here are some key benefits of suboxone treatment programs:

1. Reduction in cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Suboxone treatment is highly effective in helping patients minimize the intense cravings that come with opioid dependence, as well as lessening the physical withdrawal symptoms. This reduction in discomfort alone allows people to focus on their recovery in a way that would be much more difficult to do on their own.

 2. Comprehensive care

The structure of a suboxone treatment program includes behavioral therapy, counseling, and other forms of mental health treatment, as addiction takes a significant toll on both physical and psychological well-being. This holistic approach of combining medication and therapy provides a greater chance of sustained recovery and long-term success in overcoming opioid addiction. 

3. Improved quality of life

As people regain control of their lives through treatment, they are able to make healthier choices that support their overall well-being. As recovery progresses, many people can return to the workforce or pursue new employment opportunities, contributing to their sense of purpose and financial stability. Additionally, people often regain trust in their loved ones and sometimes repair relationships that may have been damaged due to opioid addiction, leading to deeper emotional resilience and more fulfillment. 

Residential suboxone treatment and dual diagnosis

In some cases, people may require more intensive treatment options, such as residential treatment programs for opioid addiction treatment. These programs provide 24/7 support and structure, with full-time access to medical professionals like doctors and mental health professionals, allowing patients to focus solely on their recovery. 

Furthermore, residential treatment is particularly beneficial for those with a dual diagnosis, which refers to people who suffer from both substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. One specific aspect of dual diagnosis treatment is the use of behavioral therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify negative thought patterns and beliefs that may fuel their substance use and learn to challenge and replace them with healthier perspectives. Addressing both disorders through mental health treatment and addiction treatment concurrently is essential for achieving lasting recovery.

Online suboxone treatment for opioid addiction

As advances in telemedicine continue to grow, online suboxone treatment has become a viable option for people who may not have access to in-person treatment. An online opioid treatment program allows people to connect with licensed providers through virtual consultations while receiving prescriptions and engaging in therapy sessions from the comfort of their homes. Having a virtual suboxone treatment option provides greater flexibility and accessibility, especially for those living in rural areas or with transportation challenges. Moreover, it allows for more privacy, making it easier for people to seek treatment without the stigma often associated with addiction recovery.

The importance of support in suboxone treatment

Successful recovery from opioid addiction often involves more than just medication, as family involvement and peer support are crucial for success. Many people attend a gender-specific addiction treatment program, as many of these substance abuse treatment facilities offer specialized support, recognizing that different genders may experience addiction and recovery differently. Programs that provide group therapy and family counseling create a strong support network for patients working to overcome opioid addiction, helping them to build resilience, stay motivated, and navigate the challenges of recovery together. 

In a virtual or post-treatment setting, continued use of therapy and support is important for maintaining recovery in the long run. Community resources, such as substance abuse support groups, help create a sense of belonging between people going through the same process, making people feel less alone in their recovery.

How Charlie Health can help If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for young people and families dealing with serious mental health conditions, including substance abuse. Also, in some states, Charlie Health offers medication-assisted treatment as part of our treatment program. Each medication-assisted treatment plan consists of 9-12 hours per week of curated substance-use disorder groups, individual therapy, family therapy, and psychiatry. With this kind of holistic treatment, managing substance use and mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.