Suboxone Treatment Program
All patients who agree to participate in the Suboxone Treatment Program must agree to strictly adhere to the Policies and Protocols of the program at EmoLogic Clinic.
Suboxone (Buprenorphine) is an oral medication approved for treatment of opioid addiction. It can be used in an office setting on an outpatient basis with monthly visits once patient is stablilized on Suboxone.
Treatment Protocol for patients currently on prescription opiates or non-prescription opiates or Suboxone:
1. Comprehensive Evaluation:
The initial visit involves a comprehensive evaluation for medical, psychiatric and substance abuse problems. The purpose and structure of the Suboxone program, anticipated side effects and compliance requirements for the program are explained in detail. Patient will be given instructions for going off Opiates and will be given medications to help with withdrawal while they wait for the opiates to leave their system. This is essential since Suboxone administration requires that no opiate be present in the body. Administration of Suboxone to a patient on opiates leads to symptoms of precipitated withdrawal, which may range from discomfort to hospitalization depending on the amount of opiates present in the body. Therefore, SUBOXONE IS NOT PRESCRIBED AT THE INITIAL EVALUATION. To summarize, the patient will be given instructions on how to go off opiates and medications other than Suboxone to help with opiate withdrawal as well as an appointment for Suboxone Induction.
2. Suboxone Induction:
Patient will pick up a prescription for Suboxone prior to the appointment. Please do not take any Suboxone before your Suboxone Induction appointment. Patient will undergo urine drug testing, which must indicate an absence of opiates in the body. In the session, Providers will administer Suboxone to the patient under their supervision and determine the dose of Suboxone needed to control the withdrawal symptoms.
3. Follow Up Appointments:
Patient will follow up one week after the suboxone induction to ensure that their treatment is following the course anticipated by the patient and by the practitioner. After the first follow up appointment, patient will come back in 2 weeks, then come back in 3 weeks and finally patient will follow up every 4 weeks. Patient may be required to come in more frequently if their urine drug screens indicate non-compliance with the program requirements.
Treatment Protocol for patients currently on Suboxone from another physician:
1. Comprehensive Evaluation:
The initial visit involves a comprehensive evaluation for medical, psychiatric and substance abuse problems. The purpose and structure of the Suboxone program, anticipated side effects and compliance requirements for the program are explained in detail. Contigent upon the presence of medical records from the previous prescribing physician and a pharmacy history clearly showing the patient’s current Suboxone dose, a prescription for Suboxone may be given to the patient to prevent any gaps in their treatment.
2. Follow Up Appointments:
Patient will follow up one week after the evaluation, to ensure that their treatment is following the course anticipated by the patient and by the practitioner. After the first follow up appointment, patient will come back in 2 weeks, then come back in 3 weeks and finally patient will follow up every 4 weeks. Patient may be required to come in more frequently if their urine drug screens indicate non-compliance with the program requirements.
We highly recommend enrolling in the Here to Help® Program, which provides added support without any cost to the patient.
Urine drug screening is required for all patients at every visit throughout treatment.
Comprehensive evaluation and Induction may both occur during the first visit, depending on the patients needs and doctor’s evaluation. Please understand that insurances will not reimburse for two appointments on the same day.
Suboxone is a controlled medication and must be taken as directed by your doctor. Call our office and obtain doctor’s permission prior to making any dose adjustments. It will be difficult for us to provide you with more medication if you run out due to overuse.