Suboxone Treatment Stages

Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine hydrochloride and naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate, is made by Reckitt Benckiser and is the first opiate addiction treatment that allows its users to avoid enrolling in a methadone clinic or drug treatment center in order to recover from opiate addiction.

Unique in its dispensation, Suboxone is taken by placing it under the tongue and allowing it to dissolve. You can speed up the process by drinking some water before hand to make sure that your mouth is moist. If you are prescribed more than one tablet, it is best to take them two at a time, placing one under the left side of the tongue and the other under the right, making sure that the first two dissolve completely before moving onto the next pair. Don't talk while you're waiting. It can take between five and 20 minutes for the pills to dissolve, though the average is about 10 minutes.

Suboxone Treatment Stage 1: Precipitated Withdrawal

It's important that you be in the midst of opiate detox and experiencing mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms before you begin your buprenorphine addiction treatments. The time that must elapse between your last dose of your drug of choice and your first dose of buprenorphine will vary depending upon whether your drug of choice is a short-acting or long-acting opiate. You will most likely be asked to wait between 36 and 72 hours before you begin your Suboxone treatment. This process is called precipitated withdrawal and it's important that you wait long enough to allow the Suboxone to be effective.

Suboxone Treatment Stage 2: Intake and Induction

Now that you've stopped taking your drug of addiction, you're ready to come into Meditox for your intake and induction appointment. This appointment will last a few hours and allow our medical staff to fully assess your physical and mental state and determine whether or not you are a good candidate for Suboxone treatment. We'll need your medical records and drug history, a physical exam, and we'll talk to you about the pros and cons of the treatment and answer any questions you may have. If you and Suboxone are a good fit and you're ready to proceed, the rest of this appointment will be dedicated to developing a personalized treatment plan for you, including a dosing schedule. We'll go over with you what to expect and what you need to do to make your opiate detox a success and make sure that you have all the information you need to feel comfortable.

Suboxone Treatment Stage 3: Stabilization

Once you become accustomed to your dose of Suboxone, your body will stabilize on the drug. This means that you won't feel opiate withdrawal symptoms or experience cravings. Any side effects you may have experienced at the beginning will fade and you will maintain this dose for the amount of time that you and your Meditox doctor determine is appropriate for your situation.

Suboxone Treatment Stage 4: Tapering Off

The last stage of Suboxone treatment is a detox off of Suboxone. Slowly, dose by dose, you taper off of Suboxone, actually taking less of the drug or increasing the number of days between doses until, finally, you are off of it completely. When done correctly, you should feel only mild withdrawal symptoms. If you have any questions or concerns or are uncomfortable, consult your Meditox doctor and discuss adjusting your dosing schedule accordingly.

Suboxone Treatment at Meditox

For some, the entire Suboxone treatment may be completed in as few as six weeks. For others, a longer detox may be required. The important thing is to minimize your discomfort and keep you physically and mentally at ease throughout the entire process. Meditox counselors and medical professionals are available to you 24 hours a day should you need anything at all.

Get started on your Meditox Suboxone treatment today. Call now.

If you feel that Meditox might be the right solution for you or your loved one, please call us for a toll-free and private consultation:

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“Today is week #5! I have my life back, this morning my husband told me he hadn't seen me like this in three years! My daughter told me "your back Mom"! My Fybromyalgia is down to 2 to 3 percent of what it was, I am fully able to live with the Joy and Love and Laughter which has always been my way.”

Mother, Real Estate Agent, 49
August 11, 2006

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