What You Need To Know About Suboxone Induction

People with opioid use disorder suffer from withdrawal symptoms and cravings as they get sober. For many, Medication-Assisted Treatment is a tool to help them stay sober in the longer term. Many people who choose MAT for opioid use disorder choose Suboxone. This decision is always made with the help of a medical professional such as a doctor or NP. Suboxone is a safe and vital tool that has helped thousands of people get and stay abstinent from opioids. The drug itself contains both Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Alongside the medication, a person getting sober from opioids usually will go to a treatment program. One portion of the treatment will be the Suboxone Induction.

Suboxone Induction and Further Treatment

MAT Induction is the first phase of most MAT programs when a person is first getting sober. The induction is a phase that marks the beginning of treatment, as the person acclimates to sobriety. They are still usually in detox mode from opioids and may have some withdrawal symptoms. During this induction, people are usually assessed so that the dose is correct and fits their symptoms. Remember, MAT is medication. Each individual and their healthcare provider work together to make sure that symptoms are minimal.

A person starting suboxone induction must be at least 25 hours sober when they begin their journey. This means they start out in withdrawal and are assessed by their symptoms. The medical professional overseeing the medication will have the user check in and schedule reassessments if needed.  Clients must be completely sober, or the medication can backfire and cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

During induction, a person’s dose may end up adjusted to meet their needs. This is between the medical professional and the patient. The doctor and patient will work together closely, with the patient checking in at frequent intervals for assessment.

Maintenance and Beyond in Recovery

Once a person with opioid use disorder has adjusted to their Suboxone, there’s work to do. Addiction to opioids is a disease and treatment is the time to learn about it and how to manage its symptoms. In recovery programs, a person can learn about their triggers and begin to use new coping skills in daily life.

In the first months of recovery, people usually benefit from the support of addiction medicine professionals, therapists, and peer support groups like Alcoholics or Narcotics Anonymous. People in recovery can begin to set goals and reclaim their lives using these groups. With medication, there is still work to do. A person’s recovery team will help them with their plan of action.  Medication for Suboxone alongside therapy, and treatment, can help a person achieve sobriety. Sometimes people stay on Suboxone for as long as a year, while others may only use it for a few months. It’s up to the medical professionals to decide what is appropriate.

Getting Help for Addiction With MAT

If you or somebody you love needs help with opioid use disorder, we’re here for you. We can help provide you with the program and tools to begin to recover your life. Learn more about your options by calling us at 619-363-4767.