Suboxone is a prescribed medication that contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication, known as a narcotic.
Naloxone blocks the effects of opioid medication, including pain relief or feelings of well-being that can lead to opioid abuse. Suboxone, is an integral component of the ongoing effort of healthcare professionals to help people age 16 years and older struggling with opioid drug addiction achieve complete recovery.
The life-saving benefits of Suboxone are beyond question. However, it is not like any other type of treatment that you can simply dive right into. Suboxone can produce severe side effects and withdrawal effects—just like other opioids—if it is stopped “cold turkey.” Suboxone can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in person using the medicine without a prescription.
If you’re struggling with opioid addiction, finding the right Suboxone provider is crucial for ensuring both your safety and successful recovery. Below, we’ve outlined five criteria to consider when choosing a Suboxone provider to help you make a well-informed decision.
Certification, DEA Registration, and Training
First and foremost, your safety, recovery, and overall well-being are too valuable to entrust to the wrong person. Therefore, make sure you find a provider who is trained and certified in addiction medicine and registered with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This gives you the confidence that the person you’re contemplating working with is highly qualified and knowledgeable. You can check for available providers at SAMSHA.gov.
Availability and Convenience
Second, you’ll want to work with a Suboxone provider whose office is located possibly just close to where you live. This is especially beneficial since you will need to see them frequently.
Also, it helps to find out if the provider offers telehealth services, which allow for an efficient and convenient way for you to receive intensive services and talk to your provider about any concerns that you may have regarding your treatment.
Scope of Practice
Third, It is not uncommon for people to have psychiatric issues when struggling with opioid addiction. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or have other mental health concerns, it will greatly benefit you if you choose a provider who is trained in both Substance use and Mental Health Disorders.
Keep in mind that your recovery from opioid addiction entails more than just a pharmacological response, in fact, it requires a holistic therapeutic response to provide the right support as you recover. As a result, you’ll want a provider/team who can effectively teach you to develop healthy coping skills, as you begin to lay down a solid foundation for you to thrive physically, mentally, and socially.
Insurance Options
Fourth, some Suboxone treatment providers take certain insurance plans. In any event, you’ll want to know the total cost of the treatment as well as whether the provider offers other payment plans if you don’t have coverage.
Compassion and Compatibility
Fifth, when choosing a provider who not only has the expertise, qualification, and experience but also seek a provider who has established an excellent reputation for their genuine concern for their patients’ well-being and safety. Treatment outcomes should also be one of your top considerations.
One way to ascertain if the provider is the right match for you is to see them in person. Call their office to arrange a consultation with them. Also, seek out references from your family or friends who have used or currently use a Suboxone provider. In a nutshell, do your research. There is plenty of information at your fingertips.
Suboxone Provider in Danville and Martinsville, VA
At EPIC Health Partners, we are highly committed to providing care and hope for the people in our communities who are struggling with opioid addiction. Through our comprehensive office-based opioid treatment (OBOT), our licensed psychiatrist—who is certified in addiction medicine—will work closely with you to administer Suboxone therapy and employ all necessary interventions to support and guide you along the path to complete recovery and to a productive life.
For more information about our Suboxone treatment, such as how to apply for it, contact our staff today at (434) 835-4601. You may also fill out this form, and we will promptly get in touch with you.
