What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone® is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone used to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is an “agonist” and a blocker, so it helps with opioid withdrawal and cravings without causing a “high.” Because it blocks the opioid receptor, it also helps block the effects of other opiates if they are taken while on Suboxone®. Naloxone is added to prevent attempted IV injection, which will precipitate withdrawal.

Suboxone® is placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve and be absorbed through the mouth.

Suboxone® is NOT “exchanging one addiction for another.” It is exchanging the risk of overdose and death with feeling normal again and getting back your family, job, and life.

What Is Naltrexone?

Naltrexone is a drug that blocks the effects of alcohol and opiates. It is available in a tablet form and as a long-acting monthly injection. It does not treat withdrawal. It does reduce cravings.

Do I Have to Attend 12-Step Meetings or Therapy?

People who attend 12-step meetings or individual therapy or both have a much greater chance at recovery than those who do not. Although they are strongly recommended, especially at the start of treatment, neither is required.

Will I Have to Taper off the Medication?

We do not require tapering off Suboxone®. Evidence shows that forced tapering increases the risk of overdose and death. However, many people are able to slowly taper down or off of Suboxone® once they are stabilized and doing well in recovery, usually after at least a year.

Some patients are able to significantly reduce their medication to a low maintenance dose, but others cannot. We have a lot of people on long-term maintenance living healthy, productive lives.

Naltrexone does not require tapering. We usually recommend people stay on naltrexone for at least a year.

Do you bill insurance?

We do not take any insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. We are a self-pay practice. Our rates are competitive.