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Suboxone Treatment

Meta Medical Center

Ronnie C. Parker, D.O.

Family Medicine & Substance Abuse Treatment located in Pikeville, KY

More than 20% of people prescribed opioids for pain control misuse these drugs, and as many as 12% develop an addiction. Suboxone® treatment eases cravings and withdrawals, helping those struggling with an opioid addiction recover. Dr. Ronnie Parker, DO, at Meta Medical Center in Pikeville, Kentucky, specializes in substance abuse and offers Suboxone treatment for opioid addiction. To get help, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Suboxone Treatment Q & A

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication that’s FDA-approved for the treatment of an opioid addiction. Opioids are a class of drugs that interact with the opioid receptors in your brain. 

Doctors prescribe opioid medications to treat acute and chronic pain. However, because of how the drug affects the brain, addiction is common, even when the medications are prescribed. 

Suboxone helps people struggling with an opioid addiction by reducing cravings for the drug and preventing withdrawal symptoms. 

Am I a candidate for Suboxone treatment?

Dr. Parker is an experienced substance abuse physician and conducts a comprehensive evaluation when you come in for help with your addiction to determine the best treatment. 

He prescribes Suboxone to treat opioid addiction and uses it in combination with behavioral counseling as part of his medication-assisted treatment program for opioid addiction.

If you or someone you love is struggling with an opioid addiction, Dr. Parker can help. 

How does Suboxone treatment work?

Suboxone is a sublingual (under the tongue) film prescription that eases opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The medication has two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is a short-acting opioid that helps ease your cravings and prevents withdrawal symptoms. 

Naloxone

Naloxone prevents opioid overdose by reversing the effects of the opioid. In Suboxone, naloxone sends you directly into withdrawal if you misuse opioids.

Before starting Suboxone for medication-assisted treatment you must stop using your opioid for at least 12 hours to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Parker starts you at a low dose and gradually increases your prescription until you reach a point where you no longer have cravings.

You continue to take Suboxone while you undergo behavioral counseling. 

Do I need Suboxone treatment for the rest of my life?

You can safely take Suboxone for the rest of your life if it supports your opioid recovery. However, you can stop the medication once you reach a point where you feel you can control your addiction.

Dr. Parker can talk to you about your Suboxone prescription and help wean you off the medication when you both agree it’s the best thing for you.

To find out more about Suboxone and how it can help you or your loved one, call Meta Medical Center or book an appointment online today.