People in the treatment community often display strong feelings regarding the issue of suboxone maintenance. Understandably so. The idea of using narcotic medications to treat an addiction problem seems almost counter-intuitive. But relatively speaking, the scientific community only recognized chemical addiction as a medical disease within the last 50 years. So we should not be surprised that treatment methods are still evolving alongside growing years of research and treatment results. That research continues pointing toward the success of a medication-assisted treatment program like that offered through New Start Recovery.
What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment?
Naltrexone
Known by the brand name VIVITROL, this medication blocks opiate effects and decreases the desire to take opiates. It is also used to treat alcohol abuse. It is taken as an injection or in pill form.
Suboxone
Active ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone. It is used to treat opiate addiction and withdrawal symptoms and is typically administered via sublingual film (dissolving under the tongue). Because it poses some risk for addiction and dependence, it is strictly administered, and clients are tightly monitored.
Sublocade
Extended-release buprenorphine using propriety Atrigel technology. Monthly abdominal injection. Low risk for addiction due to controlled administration method.