Put an end to opioid addiction with
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Suboxone (Buprenorphine) is a medication frequently used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). Suboxone helps people stave off the use of opioids by managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. If you or someone you know struggles with opioid addiction, you may be interested in learning about how Suboxone can help with your recovery.
Lower Risk of Abuse
Buprenorphine or methadone? Methadone is a long acting synthetic opioid which is given for replacement therapy for abuse of opiates. Although some may benefit from methadone it still is a full agonist which in pharmacological terms produces the full effect. Unfortunately, some of these full effects can cause harmful outcomes such as excessive sedation and respiratory issues. When combined with other substances such as other opiates or benzodiazepenes such as Xanax, there is an increased risk of adverse effects including overdose. Additionally, methadone can only be given at certified methadone clinics which have strict rules and guidelines and are very inconvenient for those with busy schedules.
Suboxone/buprenorphine, an FDA approved medication, is a partial agonist which binds tightly to the opioid receptor and produces immediate relief of withdrawals, reduces cravings, and most importantly has a more robust safety profile. It produces a ceiling effect at higher doses rarely causing the respiratory depression. Most persons taking maintenance therapy rarely feel sedation and report feeling “normal”. Most importantly treatment may be done in an office setting and requires less supervision. What this means for you is that you will not have to sit in line at a clinic for daily dosing and you have more time for your work and family. Additionally, the naloxone component of Suboxone is added to help deter abuse and causes a withdrawal feeling if not taken correctly such as trying to inject or snort the medication. This adds an additional barrier to abuse.
High Success Rate
Due to the nature of buprenorphine, those who undergo treatment often find it easier to maintain success in treating their dependency as the drug discourages misuse and does not provide the euphoric effects that opioids produce, while still filling the opioid receptors in the brain.
One may continue to live substance free while maintaining a productive life in sobriety. Some may choose to take buprenorphine as a replacement therapy for an indefinite amount of time or some may simply wean to the lowest effective dose and request to be detoxed off the medication. Both treatment strategies are acceptable and is left up to the patient with the support of their treating provider.
Affordable Options
When compared to Methadone, Suboxone™/ Buprenorphine is a far better treatment option for the money you spend. In some cases Suboxone treatment is covered by insurance; however, Dr. Zotos can help you discover even lower cost solutions for equally effective treatment. Unfortunately, there are many in the medical field whose primary concern is profit over patient care, and while some of these bad actors may seem to be helping, they are, in fact, placing a greater burden on the medical care system, insurance carriers, and individual patients who need cost-effective treatment options. Ask Dr. Z about some of the pitfalls of going to treatment centers as opposed to consulting and beginning a treatment plan with a qualified addiction treatment physician such as Dr. Zotos.
Beginning Your Suboxone Buprenorphine Therapy
If you are committed to beginning treatment for opioid addiction, then you have come to the right place. Dr. Zotos specializes in addiction medicine and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). It has never been easier to get the quality care that you need to end the cycle of addiction and its accompanying behaviors. To simplify things for you, here is a high-level overview of what to expect when you begin treatment with Dr. Z.
Understanding the Benefits of
Suboxone™ Buprenorphine
Of all of the benefits of Suboxone™ Buprenorphine, perhaps the most beneficial aspect is the reduction in the symptoms that people who suffer from the disease of addiction face. These symptoms are felt most intensely during periods of withdrawal from the chemical dependencies that plague them. When combined with therapy, counseling, and behavioral adjustments, patients find that the symptoms and driving desire to use are tapered to bearable levels while using Suboxone™ Buprenorphine. Patients find that the symptoms and driving desire to use are reduced and often absent while using Suboxone/buprenorphine.
Methadone has been the “gold standard” in opioid replacement therapy for decades until now; buprenorphine has enjoyed rapid popularity in the past few years. Since it is a partial opioid agonist, rather than a full agonist like methadone, Suboxone/Buprenorphine is less likely to cause fatigue, sedation and is easier to taper to lower doses. Buprenorphine is used as a detox agent in treatment centers while coming off of heroin, fentanyl, and has a much higher safety profile and predictability.
Patients who continue long term treatment improve their overall wellbeing by living responsible and productive lives. They tend to take charge in their lives and begin to experience overall improved health.