Sublocade Treatment Programs in Lantana, Florida

Opioid addiction is a serious and devastating condition that affects more than three million Americans and 16 million individuals worldwide. In the U.S., the evolving opioid epidemic worsens each year, with nearly 83,000 individuals dying from opioid overdose in 2022.

While these statistics are grim, there are effective treatment options available. A popular and comprehensive approach to opioid addiction treatment is known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is an integrated approach that combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapy to provide a whole-person solution to recovery. One of these medications used to treat opioid addiction is called Sublocade.

What is Sublocade? Understanding the First Long-Acting Buprenorphine Injection

Sublocade is a brand name for a medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Its active ingredient is buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. Sublocade is the first extended-release monthly injection of buprenorphine that was approved by the FDA in 2017 for the treatment of moderate to severe opioid use disorder. It works by blocking the effects of opioids and reducing cravings.

Sublocade is administered as a monthly injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) and is designed for individuals who have already initiated treatment with a transmucosal (absorbed through the mucous membranes, taken orally) buprenorphine medication, taken at a stable dose for at least seven days.

Buprenorphine helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the same level of euphoria or sedation as full opioid agonists like heroin or oxycodone. However, unlike daily buprenorphine products like Suboxone or Subutex, the Sublocade shot contains a sustained-release formulation of buprenorphine, allowing for continuous delivery of the medication over the course of an entire month.

Sublocade’s extended-release formulation eliminates the need for daily medication and provides consistent levels of buprenorphine in the body, which can help individuals maintain stability in their recovery from opioid use disorder. This is ideal for people who struggle to take medication on a daily basis or those who frequently abuse their medications. Since Sublocade must be administered in a doctor’s office, there is little to no risk for abuse.

Sublocade, like other medications used in opioid addiction treatment, should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, therapy, and aftercare support services to address the complex nature of addiction and support long-term recovery.

Does Sublocade Cause Side Effects?

Sublocade, like any medication, can cause side effects. The most common side effects reported with Sublocade are injection site reactions such as pain, itching, redness, and swelling at the injection site. These symptoms are normal and usually subside within a couple of days.

Other common side effects of Sublocade are:

• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Increase in liver enzymes

While these side effects are possible, not everyone will experience them, and the severity can vary among individuals. Sublocade treatment programs in Lantana will monitor your side effects and tolerability closely to ensure the effectiveness of the medication.

What to Expect at a Sublocade Treatment Program in Lantana, FL

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs in Lantana, Florida may offer Sublocade. Sublocade is used in tandem with counseling, behavioral therapy, and peer support services in this approach. Sublocade treatment may involve:

• Assessment and evaluation – Treatment begins with a thorough assessment by healthcare professionals. This involves discussing medical history, substance use history, current medications, and any other pertinent information. This evaluation helps determine if Sublocade is an appropriate treatment option. The information gathered is also used to create an individualized treatment plan.
• Detox and induction with buprenorphine – After the assessment, individuals transition to detox where they will begin treatment with buprenorphine. They will detox under medical supervision while taking a daily oral dose of buprenorphine. After they are done detoxing, they may start Sublocade treatment if they tolerate buprenorphine well.
• Monthly Sublocade injections – Sublocade is typically administered via a monthly injection under the skin, often in the abdominal area. A healthcare professional will perform the injection following proper medical procedures. After the medication is administered, the liquid forms into a solid, gel-like depot (pronounced dee-poh) that releases a continuous dose of buprenorphine into the system for a month.
• Counseling and support services – Treatment programs in Lantana often include counseling, therapy, or support groups to complement Sublocade injections. These services aim to address the psychological and behavioral aspects of addiction and support long-term recovery from opioid addiction.
• Medication management – Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess the individual’s progress, address any concerns or side effects, and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. The dose can also be adjusted if needed.
• Holistic therapies – Many MAT programs in Lantana incorporate holistic approaches such as yoga, mindfulness practices, or nutritional counseling to support overall well-being during recovery.
• Aftercare planning and support – Before completing a treatment program, aftercare planning is essential. This involves setting up ongoing support, follow-up appointments, and strategies to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.

Find out if Sublocade Treatment in Lantana is Right for You

Sublocade may not be right for everyone, but if you suffer from a moderate to severe opioid use disorder, it may be right for you. At Archstone Behavioral Health, our team of addiction specialists can assess your needs and help you find the right treatment program for you. To learn more about Sublocade or to discuss your other treatment options in Lantana, please contact us today.