Suboxone is an opioid treatment medication that can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. It is a highly effective treatment medication that, when combined with therapy, can help individuals struggling with opioid abuse stay sober. However, Suboxone treatment isn’t for everyone. Here are the different qualities that make for a good candidate for Suboxone treatment in Massachusetts.
People Who are Deeply Committed to the Idea of Sobriety
People Who are Deeply Committed to the Idea of SobrietyThe primary concern for anyone seeking addiction treatment is whether or not they are motivated to stay sober and live a better life. No matter what type of rehab you choose, if you don’t want to get sober or aren’t planning on staying sober long term, treatment may not work. Although everyone has some level of reluctance when it comes to going to rehab, showing a willingness to get help and change your behaviors is essential.
If you are not committed to the idea of getting sober or staying sober, Suboxone can’t help you. It may reduce your cravings and your withdrawal symptoms in the beginning, but no medication can convince you that sobriety is worth it. On the other hand, if you are motivated to work on yourself and attain lasting sobriety, Suboxone treatment may be right for you.
People Who Have Relapsed After Traditional Drug Treatment
Unfortunately, relapse is a common occurrence among people in recovery from opioid addiction. Relapse rates for addiction are comparable to those of other chronic illnesses like asthma and hypertension. Between 40-60% of people relapse at least once.[1]
Usually, people who relapse return to treatment. However, if you’re someone who has been to treatment one or more times and has tried all of the standard treatment methods, Suboxone treatment in Massachusetts may be the next step.
Suboxone treatment programs combine medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with a comprehensive treatment approach consisting of counseling, behavioral therapy, and peer support. This method addresses the psychological, social, and physical effects of opioid addiction, providing for a “whole-person” treatment approach that is now the gold standard in addiction treatment today.
People Who are Enrolled in Rehab or Therapy
Suboxone is approved by the FDA to treat opioid use disorder, however, it must always be used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies.[2] When combined with therapy, Suboxone can have many benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of opioid overdose
- Reduced risk of relapsed
- Improved patient survival rates
- Improved treatment retention rates
- Decreased illicit substance use after rehab
- Improved birth outcomes in pregnant mothers with opioid addiction
- Improved ability to maintain employment in early recovery
Suboxone does have a risk for abuse. Although treatment with Suboxone doesn’t require you to check-in with the rehab facility every day, you are expected to attend your therapy sessions or be enrolled in a rehab program. Counseling and therapy teach you the skills you’ll need to stay sober when you stop taking Suboxone. They also give you the tools you need to be happy and successful in your recovery.
People With a Strong Sober Support System
Suboxone treatment programs don’t require daily clinic visits to get your medication unlike methadone programs do. While you do need to be participating in therapy, you will be able to take your prescription home with you.
Without a strong sober support system in place, it may be easy to skip your therapy sessions, stop taking your medication, or abuse your medication – all of which threaten your sobriety. A strong support system will help hold you accountable to your treatment program and increases your likelihood of staying sober.
People Who Have Abused Opioids For Extended Periods of Time
The prime candidate for Suboxone treatment in Massachusetts is someone who has abused opioids for an extended length of time, generally 6 months or more. This is because the longer people abuse opioids, the more damage they do to the brain and the reward system.
While opioids can be habit-forming in as little as one week, short-term opioid users usually do not have as difficult of a time getting sober and staying sober as long-term opioid users do.[3] As a result, the longer you have been using opioids, the better fit you may be for Suboxone therapy.
Find Out if You Qualify for Suboxone Treatment in Massachusetts Today
Addiction treatment is a highly personalized process, and your clinical needs cannot be determined via an internet article. Instead, you should speak with an addiction treatment professional to discuss your treatment needs. Then, a clinical team can help you come up with a treatment plan and determine whether or not Suboxone is right for you. You should never start taking Suboxone without first talking to your doctor.
Are you or a loved one interested in starting your journey free from opioid addiction? If so, give us a call today. We’re standing by to help.
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