Suboxone Opiate Treatment Program
For individuals suffering from Opiate dependence, Arrowhead Behavioral Health offers a Suboxone Treatment Program.
Stage I- Induction: Patients are assessed for candidacy, both psychologically and physiologically, to receive the first doses of Suboxone on an Inpatient basis. The patient is observed for adverse effects and medicated with enough Suboxone to control the narcotic withdrawal symptoms. The induction period usually lasts 1-3 days. Many patients have medical and psychiatric complications that make Induction best achieved in the controlled Inpatient setting.
Stage II- Stabilization: The patient’s dose of Suboxone is adjusted to their own therapeutic level that alleviates withdrawal and cravings that may lead to a relapse. Utilizing Partial Hospitalization or Intensive Outpatient (IOP), the patient is engaged in psychosocial counseling and urine testing to ensure compliance. Stabilization typically takes 2 days to 4 weeks.
Stage III- Maintenance: Patients continue on appropriate dosage of Suboxone while attending weekly group therapy sessions. Urine/lab testing and Suboxone prescriptions secure stability of recovery. The Maintenance Stage is individualized and can last weeks to months.
Detoxification:
Medically supervised discontinuation of Suboxone.
Detox can occur quickly, immediately after a brief Induction/Stabilization has been completed within approximately 4-5 days. Or, Detox can occur slowly after an individualized maintenance of appropriate length. Supportive treatment during and after Detox is encouraged.
Benefits of Arrowhead Behavioral Health Suboxone Treatment:
- Individualized treatment regimen
- Certified Psychiatrist to oversee treatment
- Medically supervised detox
- Withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Increases chances of sustaining abstinence
- Can be used on a maintenance basis for weeks to months, while the patient stabilizes their emotional, physical and mental well being
Facts on Suboxone and Opiod use:
- Dependence is on the rise and is currently estimated to be approaching one million people.
- Increased use is occurring at all ages, but especially young adults.
- Heroin, Percodan, Vicodin, Methadone and Oxycontin are the common opiods used for pain relief and euphoria.
- Since 2003, the Drug Addiction Treatment Act allows qualified physicians to obtain certification and prescribe Suboxone to treat opiate dependent people in a variety of Outpatient and Inpatient settings.
- Suboxone is a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone, and the leading drug of choice to treat opiate dependence in the non-federal setting.
- The Buprenorphine component of Suboxone is a "partial" opiate capable of satisfying the body's need for narcotics, but does not cause the euphoria or dangerous respiratory depression of "full" opiates.
- The Naloxone component cancels the opiate effect of Buprenorphine if Suboxone is misused by snorting or IV injection… therefore Suboxone has little or no abuse/diversion potential.
Signs and Symptoms
- Needing to increase amount of drug to get the same effect
- Employment issues, missing work, working less, etc.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when attempting to quit
- Trying to stop, but can’t
- Increasing doses outside of the prescription
