SUBOXONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
Suboxone treatment is effective and safe method for patients suffering from pain killers or other opiate addictions and abuse. In order to be able to 
prescribe Suboxone, physicians have to obtain a separate DEA number after fulfilling certain educational requirements.
What are the side effects of Suboxone?
Some side effects of Suboxone include, but are not limited to, constipation, nausea, headache, insomnia and possibly withdrawal syndrome. Respiratory depression can also occur although at a much lower frequency compared to full opiates. Please refer to the manufacturer website for more details.
Who can take Suboxone?
The medication is indicated for patients with dependence on pain killers and other opiates if their physician sees appropriate. It is not indicated for patients below the age of 16 and has not been studies in children. Please refer to the manufacturer website for more details.
Is Suboxone safe for pregnant women?
Buprenorphine is not FDA approved for use during pregnancy. Studies to show safety of Buprenorphine for these patients are still lacking and thus methadone is still the first choice for pregnant women. Please refer to the manufacturer website for more details. The information herein is merely the opinion of the author and may not reflect the appropriate nature of the medicine mentioned. For factual description of the medicine please visit the manufacturer website or contact the manufacturer directly.
The Suboxone Maintenance Programis a 3 to 9 month program with concentrated emphasis on tapering the use of Suboxone to achieve no use of anti-craving medication. The program is a step-down from an Ambulatory (Outpatient) Detoxification Program or direct admission as a result of prolonged use of opiates.
Individuals are eligible for admission to the Suboxone Maintenance Program if they meet the following criteria:
- DSM-IV criteria for Opioid Dependence
- TDI Guidelines for Admission into outpatient substance treatment
- Approved by the Medical Director for this level of care.
The Suboxone Maintenance Program requires individuals to adhere to the following:
- Attend weekly individual therapy sessions with assigned therapist.
- Attend weekly medication monitoring with staff nurse after individual therapy session where refill of prescribed medication will be called in to pharmacy at the discretion of the Medical Director and staff nurse.
- Complete a physical examination conducted by Medical Director monthly with payment of assigned fee.
- Enroll in and participate in services offered by The Here To Help Program starting on initial visit.
- Report on progress with services provided by The Here To Help Program weekly.
- Enroll and complete an outpatient substance abuse treatment program if participant has not made significant progress towards established treatment goals and/or has had two (2) positive drug screen results during participation in program.
- Submit to random drug screens at the participant's expense.
Intake and Induction - Each individual is given a comprehensive substance dependence assessment, as well as an evaluation of mental status and physical examination. If the individual meets the criteria listed above, they will be switched from their current opioid (heroin, methadone or prescription painkillers) to Suboxone. At the time of induction, the individual will be asked to provide a urine sample to confirm the presence of opioids and possible other drugs. The individual must arrive for the first visit experiencing mild to moderate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Arrangements will be made for the individual to receive their first dose in the office while it is monitored. If necessary, the individual may receive additional medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms. Since an individual's tolerance and reactions to Suboxone vary, daily appointments may be scheduled and medications will be adjusted until the individual is no longer experiencing withdrawal symptoms or cravings. Urine drug screens are typically required at each visit during this phase of the program. Intake and Induction may both occur at the first visit, depending on the individual's needs and the doctor's evaluation.
Stabilization- Once the appropriate dose of Suboxone is established, the individual will remain on this dose until steady blood levels are achieved. The individual and the Medical Director will discuss treatment options from this point forward.
Maintenance - Treatment compliance and progress are continually monitored. Participation in behavioral counseling is scheduled on a weekly basis; however, as treatment progress improves and goals are met, bi-monthly visits will eventually be considered sufficient. The length of treatment depends on the individual needs of the client.
Contact us today for more information. We are ready to help you get to your next level of sobriety.
