23MPHELP’s Outpatient Treatment Program

How does Suboxone work?

So, what's the correct Suboxone dosage for you? This depends on various factors, including your history of opioid use, body composition, and sensitivity to medications. You'll have to consult a healthcare provider for an individual dosage recommendation.

Most OUD treatment plans start with an induction process, which means Suboxone is given at a lower dosage to help the body build tolerance to eventually reach a therapeutic dose. This may be administered after the patient has ceased their current opioid use; the process of Suboxone is conducted specifically to avoid any precipitated withdrawal. The dosage may then be steadily increased in increments until an effective dosage is reached.

There are also alternative approaches, such as microdosing. This involves starting a person on smaller doses of Suboxone while they're still using opioids. The ratio of substances is then adjusted over time, so that the dose of Suboxone is gradually increased while opioid use is decreased. In other instances, healthcare providers may recommend macro-dosing, which means starting with a big dose and then dialing down. 

As you can see, the approaches for Suboxone induction are highly variable. That's why it's so important to get a personalized treatment plan from a qualified healthcare provider that's tailored to your distinct needs.

After the induction period is over, the maintenance period begins. This is when the patient's Suboxone dose is stabilized.

WHAT DOSE OF SUBOXONE SHOULD I EXPECT?

WILL I HAVE TO TAKE SUBOXONE FOREVER?

Yes, your Suboxone treatment should be private and confidential. Healthcare providers are bound by laws and ethical standards that require them to protect the confidentiality of their patients' medical information, including information related to Suboxone treatment.

Here are some ways in which your Suboxone treatment should be kept private and confidential:

HIPAA Compliance: In the United States, healthcare providers are required to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets standards for the protection of patients' medical records and other health information. This includes information related to Suboxone treatment.

Confidentiality Policies: Healthcare providers typically have confidentiality policies and procedures in place to safeguard patients' privacy. This includes measures such as secure record-keeping systems, restricted access to medical records, and protocols for handling sensitive information.

Professional Ethics: Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and counselors, are bound by professional ethics that require them to maintain the confidentiality of patient information. Breaching patient confidentiality without consent can result in disciplinary action.

Informed Consent: Before initiating Suboxone treatment, your healthcare provider should discuss confidentiality and privacy considerations with you and obtain your informed consent for treatment. This includes explaining who will have access to your medical information and under what circumstances information may be shared (e.g., in emergencies or as required by law).

Limited Disclosure: Healthcare providers may only disclose information about your Suboxone treatment to other individuals or entities as necessary for your treatment, with your consent, or as required by law (e.g., reporting certain information to public health authorities).

If you have concerns about the privacy and confidentiality of your Suboxone treatment, you should feel comfortable discussing them with your healthcare provider. They can provide reassurance and address any questions or issues you may have regarding confidentiality.

IS MY TREATMENT PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL?

Whether or not you will need to take Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) indefinitely depends on various factors, including your individual circumstances, treatment plan, and progress in recovery from opioid dependence.

Suboxone is commonly used as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD). MAT involves the use of medications like Suboxone, along with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a comprehensive approach to recovery. The goal of MAT is typically to help individuals reduce or stop their use of opioids, improve their quality of life, and prevent relapse.

Here are some factors that may influence whether you need to take Suboxone indefinitely or for a shorter duration:

Severity of addiction: If you have a severe opioid use disorder, your healthcare provider may recommend long-term maintenance treatment with Suboxone to support your recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

Treatment response: Your response to Suboxone treatment can vary. Some individuals may achieve stable recovery and be able to taper off Suboxone over time with support from their healthcare provider, while others may require ongoing maintenance treatment.

Individual needs: Your healthcare provider will consider your individual needs and circumstances when determining the appropriate duration of Suboxone treatment. Factors such as co-occurring mental health disorders, past treatment history, and social support network may all play a role.

Relapse risk: If there is a high risk of relapse or if you have experienced multiple relapses in the past, your healthcare provider may recommend continuing Suboxone treatment for a longer duration to help prevent relapse.

The cost of Suboxone treatment can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, healthcare provider fees, insurance coverage, dosage, and duration of treatment. However, to provide a rough estimate:

Medication Costs: The cost of Suboxone medication itself can range from approximately $150 to $500 or more per month, depending on the dosage and whether you are using brand-name or generic formulations. Generic versions of Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) tend to be less expensive than brand-name options.

Healthcare Provider Visits: In addition to medication costs, there are typically fees associated with healthcare provider visits for Suboxone treatment. These visits may include initial evaluations, follow-up appointments, medication management, and counseling or therapy sessions. Healthcare provider fees can vary depending on factors such as location, provider specialty, and services rendered.

Additional Services: Depending on your individual treatment plan, there may be additional costs associated with supportive services such as counseling, therapy, laboratory tests, and other medical or behavioral health services. The frequency and duration of these services can impact overall treatment costs.

Insurance Coverage: If you have health insurance, the cost of Suboxone treatment may be partially or fully covered by your insurance plan. However, out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance may still apply. It's essential to check with your insurance company to understand what services are covered and what your financial responsibilities may be.

Financial Assistance Programs: Some pharmaceutical companies and nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance programs or patient support services to help individuals afford Suboxone treatment. These programs may provide discounts, coupons, or other resources to reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals.

Overall, the total cost of Suboxone treatment can vary significantly depending on individual circumstances and factors such as insurance coverage and available resources. It's essential to discuss the cost of treatment with your healthcare provider and explore options for managing costs, including financial assistance programs if needed.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The time commitment for Suboxone treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the specifics of your treatment plan, individual needs, and the requirements of your healthcare provider. Here are some general aspects that may influence the time commitment for Suboxone treatment:

Initial Evaluation: The process typically begins with an initial evaluation with a healthcare provider who is qualified to prescribe Suboxone. This evaluation involves discussing your medical history, substance use history, treatment goals, and any other relevant factors. The initial evaluation may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more, depending on the complexity of your case.

Induction Phase: The induction phase of Suboxone treatment involves starting the medication and adjusting the dosage as needed to achieve stabilization. During this phase, you may require frequent visits to your healthcare provider for monitoring and adjustments. These visits may occur multiple times per week initially and gradually decrease in frequency as you stabilize on the medication.

Stabilization Phase: Once you have reached a stable dose of Suboxone and your symptoms are under control, the frequency of healthcare provider visits may decrease. However, you will still need to attend regular follow-up appointments for medication management, monitoring of progress, and ongoing support. These follow-up visits may occur every one to four weeks, depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.

Counseling and Support Services: In addition to medical management with Suboxone, many individuals receiving treatment for opioid use disorder benefit from counseling, therapy, and other support services. The time commitment for these services can vary depending on the type and frequency of sessions recommended by your healthcare provider.

Long-Term Maintenance: Suboxone treatment may be recommended for a period of months or years, depending on your individual circumstances and treatment goals. Long-term maintenance typically involves regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor progress, adjust treatment as needed, and provide ongoing support for your recovery.

Overall, the time commitment for Suboxone treatment can vary depending on the stage of treatment, individual needs, and the specifics of your treatment plan. It's essential to discuss the time commitment and expectations with your healthcare provider so that you can plan accordingly and ensure that you receive the support you need throughout your recovery journey.

WHAT IS MY TIME COMMITMENT?

"Yes, as part of our comprehensive treatment approach, we conduct urine testing. Urine testing helps us monitor your progress, ensure medication adherence, and detect any substances that may interfere with your treatment. It's a standard practice in addiction medicine and allows us to tailor your treatment plan to best support your recovery journey. Rest assured, your privacy and confidentiality are paramount, and the results of these tests are used solely for treatment purposes. If you have any questions or concerns about urine testing or any aspect of your treatment, please don't hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider."

DO YOU DO URINE TESTING?

We understand that recovery from opioid use disorder can be a challenging journey, and relapse is a common concern for many individuals. If you experience a relapse, it's essential to remember that you are not alone, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

If a relapse occurs, we will work closely with you to assess the situation, identify any triggers or underlying issues that may have contributed to the relapse, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. This may involve:

Non-judgmental Support: Our team is committed to providing compassionate, non-judgmental support during this time. We understand that relapse is a part of the recovery process for some individuals, and our goal is to help you learn from the experience and move forward in your recovery journey.

Reevaluation of Treatment Plan: We will reevaluate your treatment plan to determine if any adjustments are necessary. This may include changes to medication dosage, counseling or therapy sessions, or additional support services to address specific needs or challenges.

Identifying Triggers and Coping Strategies: We will work with you to identify any triggers or situations that may have contributed to the relapse and develop strategies to cope with these challenges effectively. This may involve learning new coping skills, practicing mindfulness techniques, or making lifestyle changes to support your recovery.

Reinforcement of Support Network: We will reinforce the importance of your support network, including family, friends, peers, and our treatment team. Building a strong support system can help you navigate challenges and maintain your commitment to recovery.

Continued Monitoring and Follow-up: Following a relapse, we will continue to monitor your progress closely and provide ongoing follow-up care to ensure that you receive the support you need. This may involve more frequent appointments, additional counseling sessions, or other interventions to help you regain stability and momentum in your recovery.

It's important to remember that relapse does not define your journey, and it's an opportunity to learn and grow stronger in your recovery. Our team is here to help you overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve your goals for a healthier, more fulfilling life."

WHAT HAPPENS IF I RELAPSE?

We understand that finding childcare can sometimes be challenging, and we want to make your treatment as accessible and supportive as possible. While we strive to create a welcoming environment for all our patients, we also need to ensure that our treatment spaces remain conducive to focused and confidential discussions.

With that in mind, we encourage you to make arrangements for childcare during your appointments whenever possible. This will allow you to fully engage in your treatment without distractions and ensure the confidentiality of our discussions.

However, we recognize that there may be exceptional circumstances where bringing your children to appointments is unavoidable. In such cases, we ask that you please inform us in advance so that we can make any necessary accommodations. While we cannot guarantee a child-friendly environment, we will do our best to accommodate your needs within the constraints of our treatment setting.

Additionally, we can provide resources and referrals to childcare services or support organizations in the community if needed. Our priority is to support you in your recovery journey while also respecting the needs of all our patients and maintaining a professional treatment environment.

If you have any concerns or questions about bringing your children to appointments, please don't hesitate to discuss them with our team. We are here to support you in any way we can.

CAN I BRING MY KIDS TO MY APPOINTMENTS?

The duration of outpatient buprenorphine rehabilitation can vary depending on several factors, including your individual treatment needs, progress in recovery, and treatment goals. At our center, we offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique circumstances.

While some individuals may achieve their treatment goals in a relatively short period, others may require ongoing support over a longer duration. Generally, outpatient buprenorphine rehabilitation involves a phased approach, which may include:

Induction Phase: This initial phase focuses on stabilizing your condition by initiating buprenorphine treatment and addressing any immediate withdrawal symptoms. The length of this phase can vary depending on your response to medication and other factors.

Stabilization Phase: Once you have achieved stabilization on buprenorphine and your symptoms are under control, you will enter the stabilization phase. During this phase, we work together to address underlying issues, develop coping skills, and support your progress in recovery.

Maintenance Phase: The maintenance phase involves ongoing medication management, counseling, and support to help you maintain stability and prevent relapse. The duration of this phase can vary depending on your treatment goals and progress.

Tapering Phase: For some individuals, the ultimate goal of outpatient buprenorphine rehabilitation may involve tapering off medication and transitioning to a drug-free lifestyle. The length of the tapering phase will depend on your individual needs and response to treatment.

Throughout your outpatient buprenorphine rehabilitation journey, our team will work closely with you to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and provide ongoing support. We understand that recovery is a unique and individualized process, and our goal is to empower you to achieve lasting success in your journey toward a healthier life.

If you have any questions or concerns about the duration of outpatient buprenorphine rehabilitation or your treatment plan, please don't hesitate to discuss them with our team. We are here to support you every step of the way.

HOW LONG DOES OUTPATIENT BUPRENORPHINE REHABILITATION LAST?

We understand that navigating payment for treatment can be a concern. We offer several payment options to ensure access to our services:

Insurance Coverage: We accept various insurance plans, and our team can help you verify your coverage and understand any out-of-pocket expenses, such as copayments or deductibles.

Self-Payment: If you prefer to pay for treatment out-of-pocket, we offer flexible payment options and can discuss payment plans tailored to your needs.

Financial Assistance Programs: We also provide information about financial assistance programs or sliding scale fees for those who qualify. Our goal is to make treatment accessible to everyone who needs it.

Government Assistance: Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for government assistance programs that can help cover the cost of treatment. We can provide guidance on accessing these resources.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): If your employer offers an EAP, it may cover or partially cover the cost of treatment. We can assist you in understanding your EAP benefits and how they apply to our services.

Our dedicated staff is here to support you throughout the payment process and answer any questions you may have. Your focus should be on your recovery, and we'll work with you to find the best payment option that meets your needs.

WHAT ARE MY PAYMENT OPTIONS?