Stacy E. Seikel, MD PA

Suboxone and Outpatient Detox

Suboxone is a medication used for the treatment of opiate dependence. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is typically taken once a day and stops withdrawal and cravings. With the patient’s mind now clear of obsessive thinking about using, one can then focus on the recovery process which includes group therapy, individual therapy and 12 step meetings.

We now understand that the opiate receptor in the brain has been damaged by long term use of short acting opiates. This is why tolerance develops and withdrawal occurs if the drug is suddenly stopped. Suboxone actually allows the opiate receptor to heal while it is being taken. There is recent new evidence that indicates that the opiate receptor takes about 100 days to heal and that it will actually heal while the Suboxone is being used.

A common treatment model I use in my practice is to put the opiate addicted patient on a stable dose of Suboxone for about three (3) months, while they are engaging in a recovery process and developing a relapse prevention plan. After about 100 days on Suboxone, with the opiate receptor now healed, tapers off the Suboxone are typically tolerated very well. Typically the taper takes a few weeks. I like to follow Suboxone treatment with monthly injections of Vivitrol which would block the effect of any opiate if the patient were to have a slip or a relapse (see Vivitrol page).

Get Suboxone treatment answers at our Frequently Asked Questions.

• Buprenorphine Efficacy Shown In Office-Based Practices
  Buprenorphine combined with naloxone (Suboxone) and buprenorphine alone (Subutex) are both safe and effective at reducing opiate use and craving when administered in an office-based setting.
• Extended vs Short-term Buprenorphine-Naloxone for Treatment of Opioid-Addicted Youth
  The usual treatment for opioid-addicted youth is detoxification and counseling. Extended medication assisted therapy may be more helpful.

Contact Dr. Seikel’s office to get treatment for you or your loved one.

View Suboxone patient intake forms and arrive to your appointment prepared.