If you or someone you know struggles with opioid addiction and wishes to find a solution, you may be interested in learning about how Suboxone® can help with your recovery. Call or schedule an appointment with Miki to discuss if Suboxone® is right for you or someone you know.

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What is Suboxone®?

Suboxone® is a medication often used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder (OUD); it is a prescription medication consisting of a combination of two separate medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. Suboxone® has become the preferred treatment medication for opioid addiction and has been shown to lower the risk of fatal overdoses by approximately 50%. It also reduces the risk of nonfatal overdoses which are traumatic and medically dangerous.

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Suboxone® therapy can break the cycle of opioid abuse by helping people stop using opioids by managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. Suboxone® can be utilized throughout the recovery process, even when OUD is in remission. Miki, or your addiction counselor, will help you establish a personalized treatment plan.

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While Suboxone® is an effective medication for opioid addiction, it is utilized as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that incorporates not only medications, but behavioral interventions, peer-support groups and, when needed, treatment for any co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

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Most physicians, addiction experts, and advocates agree that Suboxone® saves lives.

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How does Suboxone® work?

The first phase of Suboxone® use is during the withdrawal phase, where symptoms are most uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Suboxone® helps alleviate, and potentially eliminate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Under Miki’s supervision, you will move from the withdrawal phase to the maintenance phase. Suboxone® can be used during various stages of treatment and offers a long-term solution for managing an opioid addiction. When included as part of a comprehensive recovery plan, the medication eliminates opioid cravings altogether.

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When taken properly, individuals on Suboxone® will have no cravings, have no withdrawal, and will feel ‘normal’… that is why it is so effective.

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How Does Suboxone® Help Addiction Treatment?

Those who take the medication may experience:

• Pain relief

• Calmness and overall well-being

• Perceived fewer worries and reduced stress levels

• Relaxation

Follow-up appointments with Miki are important to ensuring a successful recovery while on Suboxone®.

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What are the risks of Suboxone®?

Contact Miki if you experience any side effects that may be associated with Suboxone®. Some of the symptoms caused by Suboxone® can include:

• Flu-like symptoms

• Vomiting

• Sweating

• Stomach pain

• Low energy

• Headache

 

Some other medications, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause adverse effects when taken with Suboxone®. Below is a condensed list of various products that may lead to complications if consumed with Suboxone®. Make note of all your current medications and speak Miki about any drugs you should refrain from using while on Suboxone®.

• Acetaminophen

• Cholesterol-lowering medications

• Fluoxetine

• HIV-treatment drugs

• Niacin

• Oral contraceptives

• Verapamil

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Additionally, you should not discontinue taking Suboxone® without talking to Miki first. Stopping treatment immediately can cause adverse effects and potentially lead to symptoms of opioid withdrawal, such as:

• Joint and/or muscle pain

• Irritability

• Dilated pupils

• Insomnia

• Feeling jittery

• Diarrhea

 

How Is Suboxone® Administered?

Suboxone® is only available by a prescription. Be sure to follow Miki’s specific directions during each dose. Medication can be administered through the Suboxone® Film or a tablet form.

If you are using the Suboxone® Film, you will need to place it under your tongue for it to deliver the right amount of medicine. While the film is dissolving, it is important to remember:

Do not chew or swallow the film. This can cause the medicine not to work as well.

Do not talk while the film is in your mouth. This may also affect how the medicine is absorbed in your body.

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As time moves on, Miki may change the dose to help wean you off medications altogether.

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The best results with Suboxone® are achieved by using it as part of a comprehensive recovery program. Relying on Suboxone® alone cannot treat your addiction. Instead, use it to complement a complete treatment method that may involve inpatient or outpatient treatment, support groups, and counseling. Taking Suboxone® is not a one-size-fits-all solution for your opioid addiction. While it helps treat dependence, it should be used in combination with other recovery solutions to ensure long-term sobriety.

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Break free from addiction

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You have options

 

Contact Miki to explore available treatment options today