Opioid addiction is a serious problem in Florida and across the United States. While there are several approaches available to treat opioid addiction, one of the most effective is medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is an integrated approach that combines behavioral therapy and counseling with prescription medications like Suboxone.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction, a Suboxone treatment program in Pompano Beach could help. Speak with a team member at First Step Behavioral Health today to discuss your treatment options.

The Basics: What is Suboxone?

Doctors and addiction specialists commonly use Suboxone to treat opioid use disorder. The FDA approved the medication in October 2002 and it helps over a million people each year. Suboxone contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates the opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser extent than full opioid agonists like heroin or oxycodone. This reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid dependence while also decreasing the euphoric effects of other opioids if they are taken.

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. Including naloxone in Suboxone aims to discourage medication misuse. The naloxone has a minimal effect when Suboxone is taken as directed (sublingually, under the tongue). However, if someone injected Suboxone to get high, the naloxone would block the effects of the buprenorphine and could precipitate withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are dependent on opioids.

Suboxone is a medicine used daily to treat opioid addiction. It is usually part of a program that includes counseling, therapy, and other support services. Providers prescribing Suboxone must be qualified to administer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence.

Does Suboxone Cause Side Effects?

Suboxone can effectively minimize symptoms of opioid withdrawal, but it can still cause side effects. Common side effects of Suboxone are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Sweating
• Numbness or tingling in the mouth
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irregular heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Back pain
• Drowsiness
• Fainting

When taken long-term, Suboxone can cause physical dependence. It’s important that clients work closely with their physician to slowly taper off Suboxone when they are ready to do so.

Opioid Addiction Treatment With Suboxone: What to Expect

Opioid rehab centers in Pompano Beach often use Suboxone to help individuals regain control over their lives after addiction. Treatment involves:

• Intake and Assessment – Treatment begins with an evaluation assessing your needs. Healthcare experts will decide if Suboxone is suitable for you and make a personalized treatment plan.
• Medical Detox – Withdrawal symptoms may appear in the first hours or days after you stop using opioids, so detox is the first phase of treatment. Doctors may prescribe Suboxone 12-24 hours after your last dose of opioids to help you cope with the symptoms of withdrawal. Throughout detox, nurses and medical staff monitor your symptoms and ensure your safety.
• Medication Management – While Suboxone can treat opioid withdrawal symptoms, it can also help people stay sober during and after treatment. Doctors require clients on Suboxone to attend regular check-ins to assess their progress and address any medication-related issues. They may adjust the dose, as needed, and help individuals taper off the medication when they’re ready. Medication management reduces the potential for misuse and promotes better treatment outcomes.
• Counseling and Behavioral Therapy – Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) address the root causes of substance abuse as well as any co-occurring mental health conditions. Group, individual, and family sessions form a foundation for long-term recovery.
• Aftercare – Aftercare involves ongoing support after treatment ends, including therapy, support groups, and coping strategies to maintain sobriety.

The Benefits of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

By addressing the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with Suboxone provides a more holistic, whole-person approach to recovery compared to counseling and behavioral therapy alone. Research has documented numerous key benefits of MAT, including:

• Improve survival rates of people in recovery
• Increase retention in treatment programs
• Decrease opioid use and associated criminal activity
• Improve clients’ ability to obtain and maintain employment
• Improve the birth outcomes among women with substance use disorders who are pregnant

Suboxone isn’t the only medication used in MAT. Other medications that can treat opioid use disorders include Sublocade (a monthly buprenorphine injection) and Vivitrol (a monthly naltrexone injection). MAT can also be used to treat alcohol use disorder with medications like Vivitrol and Campral (acamprosate).

Find out if Suboxone Treatment in Pompano Beach is Right for You

If you or a loved one are struggling with opioid addiction and searching for a Suboxone treatment provider near you, First Step Behavioral Health can help you explore your options. We are a licensed dual-diagnosis long-term addiction treatment facility that is accredited by the Joint Commission.

Located in Pompano Beach, Florida, our exclusive facility offers a therapeutic environment designed to support your journey to recovery. From detox and inpatient treatment to aftercare, we’ll be there for you every step of the way.

To learn more about opioid addiction treatment with Suboxone or to discuss your treatment options with an admissions counselor, please contact us today.