We have all been affected in some way by opioids. Whether you call it a crisis or epidemic, the tragedies surrounding opioid use in the US and here in Tennessee have been staggering. Every story is different – perhaps you have a son who accidentally took fentanyl at a party because his friends said the pills were “safe.” Maybe you have a husband who was injured at work and couldn’t stop taking the pain medicine the doctor prescribed. Or, maybe you dabbled in opioids growing up and you have come close to experiencing an overdose. No matter how opioids have affected you or someone you love in your life, one thing is certain: there is hope.
But how do you know you will receive treatment in a safe, comfortable, and reliable environment? Chances are, you have probably had bad experiences with doctors, and are nervous about stigmas surrounding medication-assisted treatments. This is where finding a reliable Suboxone doctor comes into play.
In Tennessee in 2019, enrollment for a substance use disorder program in a single day was 28,899 people. At ReVIDA® Recovery, we understand how scary facing opioid addiction can be. With very few programs that offer both medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and services such as therapy and skill-building, we understand our role in the Appalachian area. Our dedicated team of Suboxone doctors, licensed therapists, and compassionate case managers are ready to help you reclaim your life from opioid use disorder today.
What Is a Suboxone Doctor at ReVIDA® Recovery?
A person must have a medical degree and proper licensure in order to prescribe Suboxone. The degree must be for a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Suboxone is considered a controlled substance, which is why it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and why licensed medical professionals monitor doses. Typically, the doctor will have a background in treating addiction.
At ReVIDA® Recovery, our team of Suboxone doctors are one of the integral parts of our complete recovery program. They will communicate with therapists and case managers to monitor your progress and make sure you are adhering to the program. The Suboxone doctor will also address any adverse side effects and make changes to your dosage as needed.
The Role of a Suboxone Doctor at ReVIDA® Recovery
A Suboxone doctor is solely responsible for dispensing Suboxone. While they do take note of your progress, their main role is to ensure you are receiving the right dose of Suboxone at the right times. They work with therapists and other members of your recovery team, however, they do not provide skill-building or coping techniques. The doctor monitors your dosage and side effects while answering any concerns you have about taking Suboxone.
At ReVIDA® Recovery, our medical team is always available to discuss any questions and concerns you have about taking Suboxone. The main goal is to provide a safe space for healing and work together with your team of advocates to make sure your needs are fulfilled. Our Suboxone doctors have all the credentials necessary to prescribe and provide the treatment you are looking for. The responsibilities of our Suboxone doctors include:
- Prescribe and manage the dosage of Suboxone
- Note any and all side effects and prescribe other medications where necessary
- Answer questions about Suboxone and treatment
- Ease the transition as dosage and treatment change
- Note progress and report to therapists, psychiatrists, and care coordinators
Who Can Prescribe Suboxone?
As stated above, only a licensed medical professional can prescribe Suboxone. At ReVIDA® Recovery, we employ only credentialed professionals who are well-versed in treating addiction and prescribing Suboxone. There is no need to worry about if you are taking the right dose or even if Suboxone is right for you. Our team is dedicated to your success, and they will make sure all of your needs and concerns are addressed properly and in a timely manner.
What Happens if You Relapse While Taking Suboxone?
At ReVIDA® Recovery, if a return to use happens, we do not turn our backs on you. A return to use is sometimes part of the recovery journey. You will sit down with your care team and reevaluate what your needs are and if they are being met. A return to use does not make you a failure, and your treatment does not just end there. Our only goal is to empower you to make your own choices and be your own person. Your recovery is important to us, and as long as you are willing to put the work in, we will be there to support you.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a form of buprenorphine, and is technically an opioid. It can be taken as a tablet or film dissolved in the mouth, but there are other methods of dispensing such as injections. Suboxone works as an opioid agonist, meaning it attaches to opioid receptors similar to how heroin and fentanyl work. However, Suboxone has a ceiling effect, and even at higher doses, the effects will stay the same. It also is only a partial agonist, meaning it will not affect the opioid receptors fully as heroin would. Suboxone also contains naloxone, an opioid antagonist, which aids in the ceiling effect. It is commonly used during the withdrawal phase to lessen the severity of symptoms.
One of the biggest hurdles in treating opioid addiction is facing stigma. While Suboxone is an opioid, it has been clinically proven to help prevent a return to use and overdose, as well as curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The truth behind Suboxone is that it is a helpful tool for those who need extra help that AA/NA and therapy cannot provide. In the end, Suboxone saves lives, and is regulated by a Suboxone doctor as part of a comprehensive treatment program.
Studies have been conducted involving those taking Suboxone daily and those who only took it during detox. The results speak for themselves:
- The treatment failure rate for those who took Suboxone only for detox was 100%
- The treatment failure rate for those who were taking a daily Suboxone regime was 25%
- Patients who were not retained in treatment experienced a 20% mortality rate
- Those taking Suboxone daily were 1.82 times more likely to stay in treatment
- Suboxone decreased the number of opioid positive drug screens by 14.2%
Suboxone is not for everyone, and an assessment will be given to see if you would benefit from a treatment regime. The point to remember is that Suboxone is not a treatment alone, and a full program will need to be followed while taking it. This includes therapy, 12-step meetings, support groups, and meetings with your care team.
What is Suboxone Used For?
Suboxone is mainly used for treating withdrawal symptoms to make them more tolerable. Because Suboxone is an opioid, it will help the body taper off opioids instead of stopping all use at once. This lessens the severity of withdrawal symptoms and eases mental distress. By using Suboxone during detox, the person will feel more comfortable and be ready to begin their therapy and other treatment classes.
Suboxone can also be used long-term to prevent a return to use. By taking doses of Suboxone, cravings for opioids are lessened, which lowers the risk of overdoses and returns to use. The doses are always monitored and dispensed by a licensed professional, reducing the risk of misuse. All in all, taking Suboxone on a regular schedule as opposed to misusing opioids at random times is a beneficial tool to help reduce the risks of overdose and promote a healthy recovery.
Suboxone Treatment in Tennessee and Virginia
Finding a Suboxone doctor can be difficult, as there are not many options throughout the Appalachian area. By enrolling in a program like ReVIDA® Recovery that provides treatment with Suboxone, you will have access to a doctor who can answer questions and recommend treatment options that fit your needs. Suboxone has been proven effective in treating opioid use disorder and preventing overdoses. Finding a Suboxone doctor can make the difference in your recovery today. ReVIDA® Recovery has a full program and a staff of licensed and credentialed Suboxone doctors as well as therapists and care coordinators who are ready to help you rediscover yourself and break free from opioid addiction. We believe in empowering you to make your own decisions, and have seen how helpful Suboxone can be in the recovery journey.
At ReVIDA® Recovery, our team of dedicated professionals is here to help you reclaim your life from opioids. With locations throughout Tennessee and Virginia, we are able to serve a variety of people and help them get connected with a Suboxone doctor. To learn more about our Suboxone and MAT programs, call 423-631-0432.
FAQs
Suboxone and methadone are similar in the fact that they are opioid agonists. However, Suboxone is only a partial agonist, meaning it does not fully stimulate the opioid receptors.
Suboxone is not prescribed for anxiety, but as withdrawal symptoms and cravings become more manageable, some have reported their anxiety improving.
Some common side effects of Suboxone include dizziness, nausea, sweating, insomnia, drowsiness, and constipation. If these side effects become severe or interfere with your day-to-day life, speak with your doctor.
