Suboxone® (a tablet with buprenorphine and naloxone) is an FDA approved medication for the treatment of persons with heroin or other opioid addiction. Buprenorphine can be used for detoxification or for maintenance therapy. Maintenance therapy can continue as long as medically necessary.

Why Is Treatment Important?

It is not that simple to just walk away from the opiate addiction. Fewer than 25% of patients are able to remain abstinent from opioids for a full year after quitting “cold turkey”. Help is required to adjust one’s thinking, behavior, and environment. This is where medication-assisted treatment can benefit patients in staying sober while reducing the side effects of withdrawal and curbing cravings which can lead to a relapse. A buprenorphine (semi synthetic opioid) based medication like Suboxone’s suppresses withdrawal symptoms and craving for opioids and blocks the effects of other opiates for at least 24 hours. Since Suboxone does not cause euphoria in patients with opioid addiction, its abuse potential is substantially lower than that of methadone. Success rates for Suboxone combined with therapy, as measured by retention in treatment and one year sobriety, have been reported as high as 40 to 60% in some studies.
At Straun Health, Suboxone is used in conjunction with education, counseling and other supports to regain control – free of withdrawal, cravings and the drug-induced highs and lows of addiction. Medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction and dependence is much like using medication to treat other chronic illnesses such as heart disease, asthma or diabetes where behavioral changes and education are essential components of recovery.
Please note, Suboxone treatment is one of several effective methods for treating opiate addiction. Alternative treatments can include:
  • Naltrexone/Vivitrol – a non-narcotic opioid blocker
  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
  • Inpatient detoxification/rehabilitation
  • Intensive individual therapy and group meetings
  • Methadone maintenance
For information regarding any of the above-mentioned treatment options please contact Straun Health & Wellness (SHAW).