Suboxone — The Medical Miracle

Opioid dependence is very common and has been around for at least 5,000 years—it is even described in the hieroglyphic writings of ancient Egypt.

Opioids include:

hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin, etc.) oxycodone (OxyContin, etc.) morphine (MS Contin, Roxanal, etc.) hydromorphone (Dilaudid, etc.) fentanyl (Sublimaze, etc.) heroin and many others

Unfortunately, when you take opioid drugs, you diminish your body’s natural production of endorphins. This contributes to dependence. Suboxone allows opioid users to achieve a healthy, emotional stable life.

However, taking Suboxone is only one part of the process.

The major part is you—and your work you do to regain control of your life.

Induction

This is the first step of your program. It includes a comprehensive physician evaluation and laboratory tests for your heart, liver, thyroid, diabetes, and other potential health problems. We also include counseling.  Finally, we begin your initial Suboxone treatment.

You must be in withdrawal in order to begin Suboxone treatment—ideally at least 2 days after using short acting opioids (e.g. heroin or OxyContin) and at least 3 days after using methadone.

Please allow at least 2 hours for your initial visit.  We ask that you have a ride home since some people react strongly to Suboxone and should not be driving while under the influence.

Regular treatment

After induction, you will be asked to come in regularly for counseling and general follow-up. We treat you as a individual, with your unique concerns and complex psychological and social situations.

Initially, the visits are typically a week apart, progressing to 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and then monthly as you make progress.

The goal is not just opioid withdrawal or maintenance;  it is helping you to become the person you want to be.  This can involve attention to many different issues – by your request – and you will find that you have far more opportunities to live your life the way you want.

We are here to serve you.  We completely respect your privacy and are non-judgmental.  We will help you in any way we can to bring you closer to your ultimate goals.

Initial monitoring

After induction, you will be asked to come in every week. Individual programs may vary. On each session, there will be further counseling and adjustment of the treatment. The initial period is very important since it is the hardest phase of your recovery program.

Long-term monitoring

After successful stabilization of your recovery, we may typically continuing monitoring once per month for the long-term.   How long will this continue?  People often ask, “How long do I need to take this medicine?”

The reality, of course, is that you do not need to take it at all.   People have struggled for thousands of years with opioid dependency and many have managed to be successful without any treatment.

Suboxone is a tool.  It should be considered the same as any other medication to help you balance your body’s biochemistry.  Just as people with diabetes may need insulin, or people with high blood pressure might need a “water pill”,  Suboxone can help you function better.

Do not be in a hurry to taper down your dose or discontinue the medication.  You will know when it is time to take less, and when it is time to stop.  And we are at your service to help you with these questions and guide your choice.

Some people discontinue in a few months;  some stay on Suboxone for years.   You are a unique individual and you will find what is most appropriate for you.

The cost

The first visit, which includes a comprehensive review and treatment, is $190.  Follow-up visits are $95.

Do I have to have counseling?

Yes. Suboxone is only a tool to help your brain recover from opioid dependence. The counseling helps you regain control of your life. This is the most important goal.

Can I use my health insurance?

Many types of health insurance pay for Suboxone treatment. Some pay for the medication, but not the treatment.

Some people prefer not to use health insurance for their Suboxone treatment because this may cause difficulty in getting health or life insurance in the future.

In any case, we will try to provide your treatment with the greatest convenience and lowest cost.