Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) assists those who are addicted to opioids to fight drug cravings. MAT should be used in combination with counseling and behavior modification therapy. Using medication to treat addiction can help your loved one attain and sustain recovery. Read on to find out what to expect as your loved one begins suboxone treatment.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat addiction. It contains naltrexone and buprenorphine. Suboxone reduces drug cravings and is considered safe and effective. If your loved one has expressed an interest in suboxone treatment, consider it a sign that they are ready to make a positive change. Suboxone treatments are tailored to your loved one's individual needs, but many providers treat patients using three stages. The time each patient remains in each stage will vary depending on their individual needs. Review what to expect with each stage.

Introductory Stage

In most cases, your loved one must not be under the influence of an opioid when they begin treatment. That allows the caregiver to evaluate them as they experience withdrawal and to prevent any interactions between suboxone and any opiates in your loved one's system. A dose of suboxone is administered in a medical setting so that the patient can be observed for adverse reactions. From that point on, your loved one's suboxone intake is continuously adjusted to find the right dose

Stabilization Stage

Once the proper dose is established, your loved one will be evaluated for any side effects of suboxone. When your loved one reports that they are free of any opioid cravings, they are well on their way to the final step. The frequency and amount of suboxone can vary even at this stage as the medical practitioner works to provide the optimum dosage that can be given to help eliminate drug cravings. In most cases, your loved one won't build a tolerance to suboxone, and the dose should remain relatively stable once established.

Maintenance Stage

At this stage, your loved one should be on a stable dose of suboxone. Some loved ones worry at this point about the length of treatment. Unfortunately, there is no way of predicting how long the suboxone will continue to be needed. However, suboxone is safe for long-term use if that sort of treatment is needed. While your loved one may be able to discontinue the use of suboxone in the future, many continue to require the help of MAT for several years.

Speak to a treatment provider to learn more about suboxone and available treatments in your area.