Sublocade As A MAT Treatment Option

Sublocade is a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) option offered in many settings, including the justice system. It is used for opioid use disorder, a medical condition that causes changes in a person’s brain and addiction. Sublocade is convenient and well-tolerated. It is only administered once a month by a doctor. You must go into an office physically to get Sublocade administered.

Sublocade is not the same as Suboxone, another form of Medication-Assisted Treatment. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, as well as naloxone, an opioid-blocking drug. Sublocade ONLY contains buprenorphine.

Understanding Subclocade's Role In Treatment

Sublocade contains the drug buprenorphine, which helps block withdrawal symptoms and the desire to get high. Many people choose Sublocade because it’s only once a month, and they can continue to go to work and outpatient treatment they choose.

All Medication-Assisted Treatment works best if a person receives counseling or attends drug treatment. Newly-sober people have much to learn about their disorder and how to manage it. Through therapy and peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, people who take MAT can stay abstinent from opioids and begin to rebuild their lives.

Nobody heals overnight, and therapy is essential to recovering from a substance use disorder. Give yourself a chance! You’ll learn about healthy coping skills and staying sober long-term. You’re worth the effort.

How Often And How Long Do People Take Sublocade?

Sublocade is administered in person in a doctor’s office or treatment facility.

Most people start Sublocade as a 300mg dosage. Over time, a patient will typically be weaned down to a dose of 100mg. Every person’s circumstance is different; this is a decision you and your treatment provider make.

You and your treatment provider will also decide how long you need to get Sublocade injections. Ideally, it would help if you stayed on them for at least a year to help you avoid relapse.

Sublocade Works, According to Research

People treated with Sublocade have high success rates when they use them alongside other support measures. The “T” in Medication-Assisted Treatment refers to therapy and different supplemental types of treatments.

When a person gets started on Sublocade, they will start feeling the effects of the injection within a few hours. Within 24 hours, they will get maximum impact. Sublocade is an extended-release drug, so you only take it every 28 days.

Sublocade works by blocking the reward sensation of opioids; the medication itself attaches to the brain's opioid receptors so that they feel they’ve already been rewarded. This can help prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid Use Disorder Is A Disease

Opioid use disorder is a disease that affects how people think, feel and how they act. Opioids may take over their life and cause problems with relationships, work, or school.

Treatment is available! You don’t have to “hit bottom” to stop using opioids and reclaim your life. Give us a call to learn more about your options at 619-363-4767.