Integrating the Science of Addiction Medicine with the Art of Addiction Psychotherapy

Suboxone FAQs

What is SUBOXONE?
Buprenorphine (brand names SUBOXONE, SUBUTEX, ZUBSOLV) is a prescription medication for treating people who are addicted to opioid drugs such as Percocet (oxycodone), Vicodin (hydrocodone), Oxycontin, and heroin. Because Suboxone substitutes for these other drugs, it can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and eliminate drug cravings. Medication alone is not a complete treatment for addiction. Suboxone works best when given in combination with supportive counseling and relapse prevention therapy.

What are the advantages of SUBOXONE?

1. Suboxone prevents opioid withdrawal symptoms
2. Suboxone reduces or eliminates drug cravings and obsession
3. Suboxone blocks the effects of other opioid drugs and thus removes the motivation to use them.
4. Because Suboxone is prescribed by private doctors, visits to an addiction clinic or program are not required to obtain the medication.
5. Because Suboxone does not typically cause an intense euphoria (“high”) in people who are addicted to other opioids it is less likely to be abused.
6. Suboxone has a “ceiling effect” which means that unlike other opioids taking higher doses of Suboxone generally does not produce a more intense “high” (or none at all) or suppress breathing to the point of causing fatal overdose, unless combined with sedative or depressant drugs.

How can I get started on SUBOXONE?
The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with one of our doctors. The consultation will include a discussion of your substance use, other life issues, and treatment goals. We will help you decide whether Suboxone is the right treatment for you and work with you to design a treatment plan that allows you to start or continue on the medication as quickly as possible-- usually at the first visit. The initial goal of your treatment here will be to determine a dose of Suboxone that will allow you to stop taking other opioids without experiencing withdrawal symptoms, obsession, or drug cravings. Over the first 2-3 weeks, the prescribing physician will adjust your daily Suboxone dose (up or down) in order to find a stable regimen that feels right to you. Together with your doctor, you can decide to stay on Suboxone indefinitely until such time that you feel ready to detox or you can begin the detox process shortly after you stabilize on the medication and plan out a specific detox schedule. Because we do not regard the medication by itself as sufficient treatment, we require all patients taking Suboxone to participate in some form of ongoing counseling. You will have the choice of individual and/or group therapy sessions to help you make the changes necessary to support recovery and prevent you from relapsing to drug use. The therapy will also address other issues that may be related to your substance use. If you want to get started on Suboxone treatment as soon as possible, call us today to set up your initial consultation (212) 969-1899.

For more information on our Suboxone treatment, download our FAQ sheet here.

Get Help Today
If you want more information about our Suboxone treatment, please call us today. We will gladly answer your questions and/or schedule an appointment to get you started.
(212) 969-1899