5 Tips For Finding A Suboxone Clinic Near You
Suboxone is a long-acting high-affinity partial agonist that binds to the mu-opioid receptors.[1] It has helped thousands of people recover from their addictions as part of a unified recovery plan.
Buprenorphine, the active opioid ingredient in Suboxone, was invented in the 1970s. It’s a safer alternative than methadone due to its inherent abuse-deterrence qualities.[2] Naloxone is the other active ingredient in Suboxone and acts as an opioid antagonist, primarily reversing the effects of opioids, rather than binding to mu-opioid receptors in the same way as buprenorphine.
Much success has been seen in prescribing suboxone for opioid addiction. Unfortunately, buprenorphine is also vulnerable to diversion and illicit use.[3]
In Sweden, a study compared negative-urine samples in a buprenorphine group vs. a control group. 75% of the participants in the buprenorphine group were simultaneously retained in the program and had negative urine samples. At the same time, 0% were retained in the program with negative-urine samples in the control group.[4][5]
5 Tips to Find a Reputable Suboxone Clinic Near You
Start by asking your own doctor
Your doctor is a wealth of information regarding medication-assisted therapy (MAT). Ask them what options are available to you.
As of 2023, doctors are no longer limited by how many SAMHSA waivers they can obtain to prescribe suboxone (previously 100 in the first year, 275 every year after). All providers who have a current DEA registration that includes Schedule III authority may now prescribe suboxone for opioid addiction in their practice.
Your doctor can review the notes from your treatment team to determine if suboxone is a good treatment option for you. It’s possible that your doctor has a referral relationship with a local clinic that they could recommend for you.
Use the SAMHSA’s suboxone clinic locator
If you don’t yet have a care provider who is authorized to add suboxone to your recovery plan, you can use the buprenorphine practitioner locator tool at SAMHSA’s website.[6]
It’s an extensive list of authorized practitioners on a state-by-state basis. You can input your information and find a provider near you. You are encouraged to research several (if several exist) to find the right fit.
Research online to determine what practitioner works best for your recovery plan.
Have a loved one help you
Our families can be the best source of strength and support during the recovery process.
If you don’t have access to transportation, they can give you a ride to check out potential clinics. They might have some additional perspectives to offer when choosing the right clinic.
If you have friends or family in the healthcare system, ask them which clinics see the most success. Do they have a referral with any suboxone clinic in the area? People in the healthcare system are subject to first-hand knowledge about quality of care which could be invaluable to someone seeking treatment advice.
Make the commitment to get treatment
Ultimately, you have to want to help yourself. The “next steps” part of your recovery plan is only good if you follow through.
It’s tempting to think that you can achieve sobriety from substance abuse by sheer force of will. Relapse rates for substance use disorders are estimated to be between 40% and 60%.[7]
Self-medication with prescription medication like Suboxone and cognitive behavioral talking therapies offers you your best chance for sustained recovery. Both overconfidence and a laissez-faire approach are risk factors for eventual relapse.
Finding Suboxone Clinics For Free Or With Medicaid
As of 2023, the federal Medicaid expansion has been adopted by 40 of the 50 states. Some states cover the full cost of suboxone, while others require you to pay a copay.
Each state agency maintains its own list of accredited health professionals who accept Medicaid payments. Find your state’s portal online and search for practitioners who accept Medicaid and are authorized to dispense suboxone.
Frequently Asked Questions about Suboxone Clinics
Can I miss a dose of Suboxone?
Yes. Missing one dose will not likely have strong adverse effects. However, cumulatively missing multiple doses of suboxone might activate opioid withdrawal symptoms such as:[8]
- Diarrhea
- Nausea/vomiting
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Yawning
Can Suboxone be used for pain?
Suboxone blocks the effects of opioids to break the user’s association between pleasure and drug use. Any drug will still have an effect on the user, but they will not be able to experience euphoria. This is because suboxone binds to your mu-opioid receptors.
While Suboxone is primarily used for opioid addiction treatment, buprenorphine, one of its active ingredients, can be used for chronic pain management under certain circumstances.
Get The Help You Need To Make Recovery Easier
Find a suboxone clinic near you and start your healing journey tomorrow.
Recoveryunplugged
Each piece of content penned by "Recovery Unplugged" undergoes the same rigorous editorial guidelines as any other contributor, ensuring that the information shared is accurate, relevant, and aligns with our commitment to excellence. Whether it's a clinician sharing insights from their therapeutic journey or a counselor reflecting on transformative moments, writings from this account offer a unique blend of professional expertise and genuine passion for the recovery journey.
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