Subutex has served as a beacon of hope for those grappling with opioid use disorder (OUD). This groundbreaking medication offers a safe and effective pathway to recovery when administered by experienced healthcare professionals. 

At Waterstone Counseling Center, Subutex is one of several medication-assistant treatments we provide in combination with personalized therapy and counseling to help our patients reach long-lasting sobriety.

What is Subutex?

Subutex was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2002 and is one of a few medications that are noted as being a safe option for treating opioid addiction. Extensive research has confirmed that taking Subutex is significantly safer than continuing the use of opioids since it does not cause damage to vital organs. 

Subutex is given daily in the form of a dissolvable sublingual tablet that is placed under the tongue. It becomes absorbed into the body to help patients experience less intense withdrawal symptoms. The effects of buprenorphine also help to diminish cravings for additional opioids such as prescription pain medications, heroin, or morphine. By alleviating the physical symptoms of withdrawal, this treatment elicits the mental clarity required for men and women to focus on the emotional aspects of addiction and recovery. 

Subutex does not alter cognitive functioning, which allows patients to continue going about their daily lives without any physical disruption. Patients can maintain their daily responsibilities, such as work and school, while also focusing on their recovery. 

How Subutex Treats Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) 

Composed of buprenorphine hydrochloride as its main active ingredient, Subutex is a partial opioid agonist-antagonist that is prescribed to treat individuals struggling with addictions to opioids. 

This means it binds to the same brain receptors as other opioids but with a crucial difference—it does not fully activate these receptors. The central nervous system is impacted to a far lesser extent compared to full opioid agonists, reducing the risk of severe side effects. 

Numerous studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of Subutex for patients struggling with addictions to opioids. Patients who have incorporated this medication into their treatment plans have reported a decrease in cravings for continued use of opioids. 

In addition, multiple patients who took part in a Subutex treatment regimen reported that the symptoms often associated with opioid withdrawal are lowered, which allows them the opportunity to focus on the other facets of recovery. 

Potential Side Effects of Subutex

It is important for patients to understand that while this medication is considered to be safe, side effects can still occur. If you or someone you love is contemplating incorporating Subutex into a treatment regimen, it is important to first discuss these potential side effects with your physician to determine if Subutex is the most appropriate medication to take. Some can include:

Prior to incorporating Subutex into your treatment plan, it is important to first discuss any potential side effects that may occur. As is the case with most medications, there are risks of side effects while taking this medication. 

By speaking with your physician, you will be able to gain a better understanding of any adverse food, over-the-counter medication, or prescription medication interactions that could take place. It is important for individuals to be aware of potential side effects that can occur. 

The most common side effects are withdrawal symptoms, nausea, anxiety, depression, drowsiness, sweating, weakness, headache, infections, generalized pain, constipation, runny eyes, vomiting, chills, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, and feeling dizzy or nervous. 

The least common side effects may include upset stomach, breathing problems, accidental injury, abscesses, and fever. It is important to make your physician aware should any of these side effects take place so he or she can properly adjust your dosage or medication if necessary.

Subutex should be kept at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain its efficacy and limit side effects. 

The Benefits of Subutex at Waterstone Counseling Center

There are typically three treatment phases for patients who incorporate Subutex into their treatment plans. When prescribed, patients will generally experience the following phases:

• Induction: This is the first phase where a patient receives Subutex. It typically takes place during the start of withdrawal stages, when individuals have recently ceased their use of opioids.
• Stabilization: During the second phase of treatment, patients do not experience the symptoms of withdrawal anymore, and do not crave opioids. During the stabilization phase, a patient’s dosage can be adjusted depending on his or her specific treatment needs.
• Maintenance: Individuals are now able to discuss weaning off of the medication completely or using another medication.

During these phases, it is extremely beneficial for patients to simultaneously attend therapeutic interventions, such as individual and group therapy. Research shows patients are less likely to relapse when they have support and encouragement through therapeutic interventions.

Individual therapy sessions allow individuals to discuss their progression and recovery in a one-on-one setting with a highly qualified counselor. Group therapy gives people the chance to come together with other patients who are struggling with addictions as well. 

At Waterstone Counseling Center, the use of Subutex is embedded in a holistic and patient-centered approach to treating opioid dependency. The benefits of using Subutex at Waterstone include:

• Customized treatment plans
• Counseling and support
• Reduction in opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings
• Lower risk of opioid-related respiratory depression
• Support in managing both physical dependence and psychological challenges
• A step towards long-term recovery and wellbeing

Overall, when Subutex is incorporated into a medication-assisted treatment program for patients struggling with opioid addiction, they have reported extremely favorable results. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does Subutex stay in your system?

The duration varies depending on individual metabolism and the dose of buprenorphine. Generally, it can remain detectable for up to 8 days, with its effects lasting about 24 hours after a dose. 

What’s the difference between Suboxone and Subutex?

Subutex contains only buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. In contrast, Suboxone includes both buprenorphine and naloxone, an opioid antagonist that is added to deter misuse. 

Where can I go to get prescribed Subutex?

It can be prescribed by healthcare professionals certified under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act. These are often found in specialized addiction treatment centers like Waterstone Counseling Center or by doctors with expertise in addiction medicine. 

Subutex Treatment Program In Connecticut

Subutex is an important tool in the fight against opioid use disorder, offering a pathway toward health and sobriety. By understanding how it works, the side effects, and the benefits, individuals seeking help can make more informed decisions about their addiction treatment

Embracing a treatment program that includes Subutex under professional guidance can be a transformative step toward long-lasting recovery. If you or someone you love is interested in receiving a Subutex treatment program in Connecticut, please contact us today. 

For decades, Naltrexone has been one of the most effective medication-assisted treatments for alcohol and opioid dependence. Naltrexone can provide the strength and support patients need to maintain their sobriety and lead a healthier, happier life.

At Waterstone Counseling Center, Naltrexone is one of several medication-assistant treatments we provide as part of a comprehensive treatment program that combines personalized therapy and counseling to create a pathway toward success and sobriety.  

What is Naltrexone?

For decades, Naltrexone has been used to safely and effectively treat drug and alcohol addiction. Naltrexone received FDA approval in 1984 to treat Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). In 2006, the FDA also approved Vivitrol, the extended-release intramuscular injection form of naltrexone.

Naltrexone is classified as an opioid antagonist, which works to block the “high” effects typically associated with heroin and other opioid drugs. This results in reduced cravings and prevents relapse in individuals recovering from opioid dependence.

Naltrexone comes in two forms, a generic low-dose oral tablet which can be administered daily, as well as an intramuscular extended-release injection known as Vivitrol. The dosage and course of treatment will vary based on each individual’s unique situation and care requirements. 

How Naltrexone Treats Addiction

Naltrexone for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) 

As an opioid antagonist, Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects created by opioid drugs. By binding to opioid receptors in the brain, it effectively prevents these drugs from producing their addictive properties and suppresses opioid cravings. 

Vivitrol injections are used to prevent relapse in people who became dependent on opioid medicine and then stopped using it. Naltrexone can help keep you from feeling a “need” to use the opioid.

This dual action of blocking opioid effects and reducing cravings makes Naltrexone a powerful tool for those struggling with addiction. As with any medication-assisted treatment, to be most effective, Naltrexone should be part of a comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery that includes support groups, as well as individual and group therapy. 

Those suffering from opioid use disorder who wish to integrate Naltrexone into their treatment plan should be aware of the precautions to take to mitigate risks. Patients should not take Naltrexone if they are allergic or have experienced the following: 

• Patients are experiencing withdrawal symptoms from drug or alcohol addiction 
• Patients have used opioid medicine within the past 10 days (Fentanyl, Vicodin, etc.) 
• Patients have used methadone or buprenorphine in the past 14 days (Suboxone, Subutex, Butrans, Zubsolve)

Those who discontinue use of Naltrexone may experience a reduced tolerance to opioids. If a patient were to relapse and take an equal or lesser dose of opioids could cause life-threatening consequences. 

Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) 

Before treating alcohol use disorder with Naltrexone, patients must have fully detoxed from alcohol and must not have any physical dependence on alcohol or any other addictive substances such as narcotics. 

Similar to its use for OUD, Naltrexone treats alcohol addiction by binding to endorphin receptors in the body, thereby blocking the effects of alcohol. This can result in many benefits, including the following: 

• Diminished craving for alcohol
• Less quantity of alcohol consumed
• Less urge to drink more 
• Reduced ‘reward’ effects of alcohol use
• Helps maintain abstinence from alcohol

Naltrexone treatments typically last about three to four months, but can vary by person. However, patients are still monitored by practitioners after completing their treatment protocol to ensure their health and safety. 

Drinking alcohol while taking Naltrexone can still produce intoxicating effects such as poor judgment, diminished coordination, and inability to drive or operate machinery. Regular blood tests should be administered to monitor liver function prior to and after the completion of treatment. 

Vivitrol injections are also used to treat alcoholism by reducing your urge to drink alcohol. This may help you drink less or stop drinking altogether. Naltrexone will not decrease the effects of alcohol you recently consumed. You should not be drinking at the time you receive your first Vivitrol injection.

As with Naltrexone treatments for OUD, Naltrexone treatments for AUD should be part of a broader treatment plan that integrates therapy and support to encourage long-term sobriety. 

Potential Side Effects of Naltrexone

Before beginning a treatment plan with Naltrexone, patients should discuss the following issues with their healthcare provider or addiction treatment specialist: 

• If you have any current liver or kidney problems, or any other medical conditions
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• If you are currently taking illegal drugs, prescription medications, vitamins, supplements or any opioid-containing medicines for pain, cough, colds, or diarrhea
• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients or the liquid used to mix the extended-release injection Naltrexone

Naltrexone is generally well-tolerated but can vary depending on the dosage, size, and weight of the patient, and whether other drugs or alcohol have been consumed. Understanding these effects is vital for managing them effectively. 

Common side effects of Naltrexone might include headaches, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, joint and muscle pain, and problems sleeping. Less common but more serious side effects include liver damage, serious allergic reactions resulting in skin rashes, swelling, difficulty breathing, as well as pneumonia, and depression. 

You should not receive Vivitrol if you are having drug or alcohol withdrawal symptoms if you have taken any opioid medicine within the past 2 weeks, or if you are still actively drinking alcohol. 

Call your doctor at once if you have signs of liver problems – nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tired feeling, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Vivitrol can cause liver damage, especially at high doses. You should not receive a Vivitrol injection if you have hepatitis or symptoms of liver failure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Vivitrol vs Naltrexone: What’s the difference?

Naltrexone comes in both injection and pill form. The generic pill form is referred to as Naltrexone (or low-dose Naltrexone), and can be administered daily. The injection form, known as Vivitrol, is an extended-release formulation of Naltrexone that is injected into the buttocks on a monthly basis. 

What to avoid when taking low-dose Naltrexone?

Avoid using opioid drugs or consuming alcohol while taking Naltrexone since it blocks their effects, potentially causing withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, be mindful of certain drug interactions, particularly with medications that affect the liver or central nervous system.

How long does it take low-dose Naltrexone to work?

Individuals typically notice changes within a few weeks. It's essential to maintain consistency in dosing for optimal results.

How long does Naltrexone stay in your system?

The oral tablet has a shorter duration than the injectable form. Factors like metabolism and body composition can also influence how long it stays in your system.

How long does the Vivitrol shot last? 

The extended-release Vivitrol injection usually lasts 28 to 30 days. Monthly injections can be administered to provided continued support for those undergoing treatment for alcohol or opioid addiction.

Why take low-dose Naltrexone at night?

Taking low-dose Naltrexone at night is often recommended to minimize sleep-related side effects such as vivid dreams or disturbances in sleep patterns.

Get Naltrexone Treatment in Connecticut

Naltrexone is a tried and true medication-assisted treatment for those struggling with alchol use disorder and opioid use disorder. It’s ability to reduce cravings, diminish the “need” to use, and block the effects of opioids and alcohol help patients maintain abstinence and sobriety on their road to recovery. 

Embracing Naltrexone as part of a comprehensive treatment program, which includes counseling and support, can significantly improve your chances of a successful recovery. If you’re interested in receiving Naltrexone treatment in Connecticut, please contact us today. 

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) stands at the forefront of modern addiction therapy, offering new hope for those struggling with opioid and alcohol use disorders. This innovative approach combines key medical interventions with the power of personalized counseling and therapy to achieve lasting sobriety. 

Here at Waterstone Counseling Center, we provide medication-assisted treatment in Connecticut, integrating best practices such as motivational interviewing, person-centered treatment plans, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). All these practices are evidence-based and tailor-made for each client, aligning with other effective peer-support programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery. 

Get Medication-Assisted Treatment in Connecticut Today

What is Medication Assisted Treatment? 

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive recovery program to help those suffering from substance abuse disorder. MAT utilizes a holistic approach that combines addiction medicine, psychotherapy, and counseling to provide long-term recovery. MAT is commonly used to help those with opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. 

Scientific evidence shows that MAT increases the likelihood that someone will remain in treatment, and reduces the risk of relapse and overdose. These medications can play a critical role in addiction recovery when used in connection with individualized counseling and therapy. 

Medications Used for Substance Use Disorders

Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)

MAT is the gold standard when it comes to opioid treatment programs. Addiction medicine has helped high-risk patients overcome the physical and mental challenges that arise during their treatment of opioid dependence. Our clinic offers the following FDA-approved medications to help treat opioid addiction. 

Suboxone (Buprenorphine / Naloxone)

Suboxone contains buprenorphine (a “partial opioid agonist”) and naloxone (an “opioid blocker”) and is a safe and effective treatment of opioid addictions when taken under the supervision of a qualified medical professional. Suboxone is a sublingual film or tablet dissolved under the tongue that is used to relieve patients from physical symptoms of withdrawal, reduce cravings, and diminish the effects of opioid use. 

Subutex (Sublocade)

Similar to Suboxone, Subutex is a partial opioid agonist-antagonist that only contains buprenorphine, and comes in the form of a sublingual tablet absorbed under the tongue used to treat opioid addiction. When incorporated into a medication-assisted treatment program, patients using Subutex reported fewer withdrawal symptoms, allowing them to focus more on their recovery. 

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is another one of the popular medications for opioid addiction and comes in pill form. Naltrexone is used to block the effects of opioids, physically reducing cravings and instances of relapse, which can help prevent opioid overdose. Naltrexone is also used to treat alcohol use disorder in the same way by diminishing one’s urge to drink. 

Vivitrol

Technically, Vivitrol and Naltrexone are the same medications, and provide the same benefits used to treat opioid use disorder. The key difference is that, unlike Naltrexone, Vivitrol is given once per month via an injection. Vivitrol injections must be administered under the care and supervision of a qualified medical professional. 

Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use disorders present their own unique challenges. But like opioid dependence, alcohol addiction has been shown to benefit from medication-assisted treatment options. In combination with counseling and therapy, these medications play an important role in supporting patients on their journey to long-term recovery.

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

A key medication used to treat alcohol use disorder is Disulfiram, known commercially as Antabuse. Disulfiram is an oral tablet that acts as an alcohol antagonist that deters alcohol use by creating a sensitivity to alcohol that induces unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed. Symptoms can range from headaches to nausea and vomiting. 

Acamprosate

Acamprosate helps people who are alcohol dependent and have drunk large amounts of alcohol reach recovery by restoring balance to their brain chemistry (neurotransmitters). With their brains working normally again, patients are better able to maintain sobriety and overcome their dependency on alcohol. 

The Waterstone MAT Program

At Waterstone Counseling Center, we provide medication-assisted treatment in Connecticut that is uniquely designed for each patient, leading to sustainable long-term outcomes. We provide individualized and person-centered care, offering weekly medication management and support, ongoing group and/or individual psychotherapy, regular meetings with the prescribing physician, medication monitoring, access to specialty trauma therapy, and more. 

The Waterstone Program consists of 5 core principles: 

1. Provide an effective, non-judgemental opiate addiction treatment using a state-of-the-art treatment model which includes: frequent medication management opportunities and long-term person-centered therapy.
2. Offer the highest quality services available in a highly compassionate, dignified, and safe environment.
3. Offer those services to all major insurances including Medicaid.
4. Facilitate access to services quickly and without delay.
5. Help any individual seeking treatment for addiction to heal, grow, and self-actualize through goal-oriented treatment and individualized care.

Get Medication Assisted Treatment in Connecticut Today

Our end goal is total recovery for each one of our patients. The challenges of substance abuse and mental health issues that follow require time, effort, and dedicated support to overcome. Medication-assisted treatment remains an integral and effective treatment for both opiate and alcohol abuse disorders around the country. 

Our outpatient MAT recovery program utilizes evidence-based medications, combined with personalized counseling and therapy to achieve the best results possible for our clients. If you or someone you know is interested in receiving Medication-assistant treatment in Connecticut, please contact us today.