If you or a loved one has been struggling with an opioid dependency, a Suboxone® doctor may help. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Suboxone to treat prescription drug dependency. Such treatment is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) since it combines psychotherapy, antidepressants, or other mental health treatments. This article will explore Suboxone treatment and the doctors who administer it.

What are Suboxone doctors?

As their title suggests, a Suboxone doctor is a medical professional who utilizes Suboxone to treat their clients. There is no specific medical degree for delivering this MAT, just as there is no specific degree for prescribing a certain type of antidepressant. Suboxone doctors are, therefore, also psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, or providers in other healthcare industry sectors.

What to expect at the first appointment

Deciding to consult a Suboxone doctor is a huge step toward recovery. While it can be intimidating, being open and honest about one’s struggles with the doctor is important. The client should expect questions about the following during their first appointment:

Which opioid is the client dependent on
Frequency of use
Last time of use

MAT is not right for every client; other treatments may prove more effective in certain cases. A Suboxone doctor can recommend alternative treatments that are a better fit.

How Suboxone works

Suboxone therapy eases the short- and long-term effects of opioid withdrawal. It does this by activating various parts of the brain.

Suboxone itself is the brand name for buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine activates the same brain receptors as opioids, while naloxone blocks these effects. In short, Suboxone tricks the brain into thinking that it has received an opioid, only for naloxone to then block the euphoric effects. This creates what is known as the ceiling effect in the event the client should relapse on Suboxone: taking a small dose of opioids would not cause much of an effect. Because of the composition of the drug, forming a dependence on it is unlikely.

Depending on the doctor, Suboxone may be administered sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (on the cheek). Either way, it comes as a tablet or film that dissolves within several minutes.

A supplementary treatment

Suboxone is one component of medication-assisted treatment, meaning its original design is not for independent use. Instead, it is meant to supplement other treatments for opioid use disorder to deliver more comprehensive care. For instance, doctors often use it to bolster psychotherapies or talk therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

CBT is a therapy that focuses on replacing negative thought patterns with more helpful ones. While DBT is a therapy that gives clients with intense emotions the tools to accept, manage, and ultimately navigate those emotions to prevent them from engaging in self-destructive behavior.

Talking to a counselor is often recommended for those struggling with opioid dependence. Counseling is a safe space to open up about personal feelings and struggles one may feel uncomfortable sharing with their loved ones. Similarly, support groups and group therapy may be helpful. These modalities offer a place to connect with others with the same struggles. In addition, one can share their experiences and learn from the experiences of other group members.

Additionally, prescription medications (such as antidepressants) may assist clients throughout recovery. With antidepressants, the psychiatrist aims to treat any underlying mental disorder that may have contributed to one’s opioid dependence.

Side effects of Suboxone

While Suboxone has many benefits, there are some side effects clients should consider. Common side effects of this therapy include but are not limited to:

Diarrhea
Constipation
Nausea
Headaches

There is also a chance for more severe side effects, such as chills, fever, pain while urinating, pain in the lower back or side, and feeling faint. If these occur, call a Suboxone doctor immediately.

Navigating relapse and recovery

Recovery is hardly linear. This is true for physical health conditions, mental disorders, and drug dependencies. It is normal to have relapses; in fact, it is expected. A Suboxone doctor helps clients navigate recovery and weather relapses. Be honest with the client’s healthcare provider throughout the process to ensure they get the treatment they need.

Consult a Suboxone doctor

We hope you have found this article helpful. If you or someone you love is seeking relief from opioid use disorder, Suboxone may be part of the solution. A fresh start is within reach. Call our team to learn more about medication-assisted treatment.

Become a new patient today or give us a call: 631-673-3233.