Our Services / Suboxone

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication with FDA approval for the treatment of opioid dependence. 

Opioids are a class of drugs doctors prescribe to treat pain. These medications work on certain neurotransmitters in the brain that ease pain and elicit feelings of pleasure. 

Over time, opioids change brain chemistry, and you need to take more of the medication to feel the same effects, leading to dependency.

Anyone can develop an opioid addiction. The team at Corebella Health & Wellness specializes in addiction medicine and takes a holistic and integrative approach to care. 

They use Suboxone as part of their medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for addiction, which includes behavioral therapy. This whole-person approach to opioid dependence may reduce your risk of relapse.

How does Suboxone work?

Suboxone works by easing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It contains two ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is the active ingredient in Suboxone. It’s a partial opioid agonist, which means it works like opioids, but to a lesser degree. The medication reduces cravings and stops you from going into withdrawal.

Buprenorphine also has a ceiling effect, which means taking more of the medication won’t enhance the effects. 

Naloxone

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist (opioid blocker). Naloxone is an inactive ingredient in Suboxone. It only activates when you inject Suboxone instead of letting the medication dissolve in your mouth. 

Once activated, naloxone blocks the opioid receptors in your brain, sending you right into withdrawal.  

What is the process for starting Suboxone?

The Corebella Health & Wellness team reviews the details of your Suboxone treatment after your initial consultation. 

You need to stop taking all opioids before starting Suboxone. If you have opioids in your system and take Suboxone, you go into withdrawal.

Your provider at Corebella Health & Wellness starts you out at a low dose and has you return within a day or two to assess your cravings and symptoms. Your provider increases your dose until you reach a point where you no longer have cravings for the drug — this is your maintenance dose.

You continue on your Suboxone maintenance dose while you go through counseling.

How long do I take Suboxone?

You and your addiction medicine specialist determine how long you need to take Suboxone. You can take the medication for the rest of your life if needed.

However, when you reach a point in your recovery where you feel confident you can maintain your sobriety without medication, the team can help wean you off of Suboxone.

To find out more about Suboxone and how it can help your drug addiction, call Corebella Health & Wellness or schedule an appointment online today.