Sublocade® Treatment
Its long-acting formulation provides sustained release over time, stabilizing individuals in recovery and reducing the risk of relapse. Sublocade® is often part of a comprehensive treatment plan alongside counseling and support groups.
Sublocade® Treatment Typically Involves Several Stages
Sublocade® treatment typically involves several stages:
- Assessment and Evaluation: Before starting Sublocade® treatment, individuals undergo a comprehensive assessment by a healthcare provider. This evaluation helps determine the appropriateness of Sublocade® for the individual's specific needs and medical history.
- Initiation: Once deemed appropriate, Sublocade® treatment begins with the administration of an initial dose. This usually occurs after a period of stabilization on another form of buprenorphine or after a period of opioid withdrawal.
- Maintenance: Following the initial dose, individuals receive monthly injections of Sublocade® to maintain therapeutic levels of buprenorphine in the body. During this stage, ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare providers are essential to ensure treatment effectiveness and address any concerns or challenges that may arise.
- Transition or Discontinuation: At some point, individuals may transition to a lower dose of Sublocade® or may discontinue treatment altogether. This decision is made collaboratively between the individual and their healthcare provider based on treatment goals, progress, and individual circumstances.
Throughout each stage of Sublocade® treatment, comprehensive support services such as counseling, therapy, and support groups are often recommended to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment and promote long-term recovery.
Medications
The medications used in MAT are powerful tools in treating substance use disorders. They work by minimizing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. For example, buprenorphine (the active ingredient in Suboxone®, Sublocade® & Brixadi®) acts on the same receptors in the brain as opioids. For alcohol use disorder, medications like naltrexone and acamprosate help reduce alcohol cravings, while disulfiram causes unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, discouraging further use.
Behavioral Therapy
Incorporating behavioral therapy alongside Sublocade® helps individuals navigate triggers, manage cravings, and cultivate healthier lifestyles. By creating a supportive environment for exploring underlying issues such as trauma and interpersonal relationships, behavioral therapy strengthens individuals' resilience and equips them with essential tools for long-term recovery. Patients can:
- Improve insights into behaviors that led to addiction and the problems that addiction caused
- Learn to replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones
- Work to repair relationships
- Receive encouragement and motivation to stick to the recovery plan
- Learn to recognize and avoid craving triggers
- Learn how to better manage stress
- Learn how to avoid relapse—strategies
- Find a community that is struggling with similar issues