Break free from addiction

Treatment Plans

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We use two main medications to deal with opioid dependence: Buprenorphine and naltrexone. These medications are not cures for addiction, but they do help to treat the withdrawal symptoms that come with stopping opioids. Addiction is a complex disease that cannot be treated by medication alone. In order for our treatment program to succeed, you must be willing to break all of the bad habits that come with addiction, including parting ways with other users and bad influences that pressure you into using, as well as finding alternative ways to deal with stress and anger that might trigger the desire to use.

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Buprenorphine/Naloxone

Buprenorphine/naloxone can be prescribed as Suboxone, Zubsolv, or generic buprenorphine-naloxone.  Your dosage will gradually decrease over the course of your treatment plan. You need to be in withdrawals from opioids for 24-48 hours before you take your first dose, or you risk becoming extremely sick. You should not take buprenorphine with alcohol or other opioids. Make sure your doctor knows about every street drug/prescription medication you take on your first visit. Buprenorphine/naloxone can react dangerously with certain medications. 

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Sublocade

Sublocade is a brand-name medication used to treat opioid dependence. It contains the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people who are opioid dependent. Sublocade is unique in that it is an extended-release injection that is given once a month by a healthcare provider. This means that patients do not need to take a daily medication, which can improve compliance and reduce the risk of diversion or misuse.

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Naltrexone

Naltrexone is a medication used to treat alcohol and opioid dependence. It works by blocking the effects of opioids and reducing cravings for alcohol. Naltrexone is available in different forms, including oral tablets, injectable formulations, and implants. The oral tablets are typically taken once a day, while the injectable and implant forms are administered less frequently. Naltrexone is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling and support. It can help people stay abstinent from alcohol or opioids by reducing the reinforcing effects of these substances. It is important to note that naltrexone should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider who is experienced in the treatment of addiction. It is not a cure for addiction, but rather a tool that can be used to support recovery.

The naltrexone tablets are much like the buprenorphine tablets; you will take them 3-4 times daily, and your dosage will slowly decrease as your treatment plan progresses. In order to safely take the naltrexone tablets, you must be in withdrawals from opioids for at least seven days. Alternatively, you may opt for the naltrexone injectable known as Vivitrol. This is a once-monthly intramuscular injection. Some of our patients find that the injection works better for them because it also helps break the addictive habit of taking something orally every few hours. Like Suboxone, naltrexone (tablet and injection) should not be taken with alcohol or opioids, nor should it be taken by pregnant women.