Find Freedom: Why You Should Consider Sublocade Today

Understand Sublocade’s purpose

If you or a loved one is searching for a path toward lasting freedom from opioid addiction, Sublocade could be a significant step forward. Sublocade is an FDA-approved, once-a-month injection containing buprenorphine that helps manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid use disorder. By offering a steady release of medication into your system, Sublocade can reduce the daily burden of treatment while targeting the processes in the brain that drive addiction (Sublocade).

Choosing the right option for treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating the physical, mental, and emotional complexities of recovery. At Freedom Treatment, we understand the unique challenges you face, and we strive to provide the support necessary for lasting recovery. In this informational guide, you will learn what Sublocade is, how it works, and why you might consider it as part of your journey to freedom.

Explore how Sublocade works

Sublocade begins as a liquid injection that forms a gel-like “depot” under your skin, typically in the abdomen, thigh, buttock, or back of the upper arm (Sublocade). This depot gradually releases buprenorphine throughout the month, blocking the rewarding effects of opioids. When buprenorphine attaches to your brain’s opioid receptors, it significantly decreases the likelihood that other opioids will “take hold,” effectively reducing cravings while helping stabilize your overall state of mind. According to a 12-week study featuring 39 non-treatment-seeking adults, Sublocade was effective at blocking the high typically associated with opioid use (Sublocade).

Because Sublocade offers a continuous delivery of medication over an extended period, it can help you avoid the peaks and troughs often encountered with shorter-acting alternatives. Instead of dealing with daily ups and downs, you maintain steadier levels of buprenorphine in your system, potentially easing withdrawal symptoms. This sustained environment of stability may prove essential for focusing on other factors in your recovery, such as counseling, personal development, and rebuilding supportive relationships.

Embrace the monthly advantage

Avoid daily medication requirements

Some people with moderate to severe opioid use disorder find daily medication routines tiresome. Missing a daily dose or feeling pressured to maintain a strict schedule can introduce stress into an already difficult situation. Sublocade streamlines this by providing a once-a-month solution. After establishing tolerability with oral buprenorphine, you can transition to a monthly Sublocade injection, thus eliminating the daily decision-making around your medication routine (Medical News Today).

This monthly regimen does more than simplify logistics. It can free you to focus on forming healthy habits, attending substance abuse counseling, rebuilding family connections, and reengaging with activities you find meaningful. By minimizing the constant reminders of opioid use, Sublocade lets you invest your emotional energy in moving forward.

Maintain consistent medication levels

Another key feature of Sublocade is its capacity for maintaining consistent levels of buprenorphine in your body over an extended period. In contrast, daily oral medications can occasionally create stressful fluctuations. These ups and downs sometimes trigger cravings, uncertainty, or physical discomfort. A monthly injection that releases buprenorphine gradually can reduce these fluctuations, which supports a calmer, more stable path to recovery.

Once you have your injection, the controlled release of the medication lasts for about four weeks. Studies show that some individuals experience steady-state levels after 4-6 monthly injections, resulting in a more predictable routine with fewer disruptions to your life (SublocadeHCP).

Reduce relapse risk

While relapse can be part of the journey for many, research suggests that Sublocade can help reduce both cravings and the “reward” that opioids typically produce when misused (American Addiction Centers). When cravings are diminished and the enjoyable effects of opioids are significantly blocked, it becomes easier to resist temptation. The monthly injection also creates a protective buffer, as you do not have a daily pill to skip or misuse. With Sublocade in place, you may find it more manageable to keep your focus on long-term recovery goals.

Consider potential side effects

Like any medication, Sublocade carries the possibility of side effects. You might experience constipation, headache, nausea, or pain at the injection site (Sublocade). Some individuals also report increases in liver enzymes, which is why regular monitoring or bloodwork included addiction care might be recommended for you during treatment (Drugs.com).

If you have certain co-occurring conditions or if you frequently use other central nervous system depressants (such as benzodiazepines or alcohol), you will want to discuss potential risks with your healthcare provider. Sublocade can, in some cases, cause life-threatening breathing problems when combined with other depressants. Because of the seriousness of this interaction, Sublocade is available only through a restricted program called the Sublocade REMS Program. It’s vital to receive Sublocade as directed by a certified healthcare professional and avoid attempting to self-inject, as this can be dangerous.

By having honest and open communication with your provider, you reduce the likelihood of complications. At Freedom Treatment, we’re committed to providing comprehensive care under a watchful clinical eye. We can help you navigate any challenges associated with Sublocade so you feel supported and informed at every step.

Discover Freedom Treatment’s approach

Choosing Freedom Treatment means selecting a supportive environment that understands your unique challenges. Our approach revolves around combining evidence-based treatments like Sublocade with personalized counseling, group therapy, and a variety of specialized services. We know that medication alone is rarely enough to sustain sobriety. Instead, our philosophy aligns with a holistic view of addiction treatment, focusing not just on your physical health but also on emotional well-being, social support groups, and lifestyle factors that impact recovery.

Here are a few examples of how we help you or your loved one succeed:

• Designing individualized treatment plans shaped by your history, goals, and preferences
• Providing a safe and empathetic environment where you can be honest about your struggles
• Encouraging active participation in therapy sessions for mental and emotional growth
• Offering resources for co-occurring mental health conditions through co occurring disorders counseling
• Integrating medication options, such as Sublocade, Suboxone, or methadone treatment program, if it’s deemed the right fit

This comprehensive approach is grounded in the belief that each individual face their own set of triggers, motivations, and life experiences. By treating all aspects of your life, we equip you with the support necessary for lasting recovery.

Learn why you might choose Sublocade

Stay focused on deeper healing

The once-a-month injection schedule for Sublocade can permit you to focus more deeply on counseling, personal reflection, and sustainable lifestyle changes. When your day is not disrupted by medication timing, you can channel your energy into activities like individualized therapy or group support. You might also explore additional support services such as our outpatient relapse prevention planning, which will sharpen your skills for navigating high-risk situations.

Sublocade essentially reduces the “clutter” of medication details, letting you put your energy where it makes the greatest positive difference. It can be transformative to discover how much more room you have for meaningful growth when your treatment routine is simplified.

Balance medical needs and personal life

Balancing work, family, and addiction recovery is often challenging, especially when scheduling daily medication visits. Monthly Sublocade shots, administered at your routine appointments, can reduce that scheduling friction. At Freedom Treatment, we also offer supportive programs like flexible evening addiction appointments and saturday outpatient addiction services. These flexible appointment options can be invaluable for those who juggle demanding jobs or family obligations.

In freeing you from strict daily routines, Sublocade means you spend less time worrying about your medication and more time reconnecting with your ambitions, goals, and the people who matter most to you.

Improve your sense of stability

Opioid addiction can sometimes lead to cycles of highs and crashes. Daily medication, while effective, can leave you with daily reminders that can stoke anxiety, frustration, or worry about the next dose. With Sublocade, many people experience less of a tendency to see-saw between feeling overmedicated and undermedicated. Instead, you may find a more level emotional experience, which is vital when cultivating healthy coping skills. This sense of stability can be a major motivator for continuing therapy, participating in group sessions, and maintaining your dedication to recovery.

Prepare for Sublocade treatment

If you decide that Sublocade is a good fit, you will begin by steadily preparing your body and mind. Before starting Sublocade, you usually need at least seven days of buprenorphine therapy (taken under the tongue or inside the cheek) to ensure you can tolerate the medication (Medical News Today). Once you’re ready:

1. You and your provider will establish your starting dose. Often, the first two Sublocade injections are 300 mg to stabilize medication levels in your system.
2. After that, typical monthly maintenance is set at 100 mg, though your doctor may adjust to 300 mg if necessary.
3. During your monthly visit, a certified healthcare professional administers Sublocade subcutaneously into one of the approved injection sites. Over time, the gel-like depot dissolves, releasing a steady supply of buprenorphine.

Should you ever miss a scheduled appointment, consult your treatment provider as soon as possible. Delays of up to two weeks might not significantly impact your progress, but it’s always best to stay on track for consistent support (Sublocade).

Integrate therapy with Sublocade

Medication does not do the entire job of recovery. At Freedom Treatment, we encourage you to combine Sublocade with counseling and supportive programs that help you manage the deeper layers of addiction. Whether you opt for weekly therapy sessions, group discussions, or specialized services like individualized medication assisted therapy, the important aspect is that you involve your mind and emotions as much as your body.

Benefit from counseling synergy

Counseling covers a variety of strategies. Options might include:

• Substance abuse counseling
• Group therapy addiction counseling
• Family therapy outpatient program
• Individual therapy addiction

By opening up about past trauma, personal triggers, or relationship struggles, you can develop healthier ways to cope. Here, the stabilizing properties of Sublocade help you stay present and engaged during counseling sessions. When cravings are tempered and withdrawal symptoms are minimal, your mind has more capacity to process emotional topics and learn new behavioral responses.

Address co-occurring disorders

If you have a co-occurring mental health condition—such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD—it’s essential to address both the addiction and the mental health issue, ideally in tandem. Sublocade can help reduce opioid cravings, making it easier to focus on treatments specific to other challenges. Often, your care team will tailor your therapy plan so that medication, psychological support, and skill-building therapies work in harmony. This integrated approach promotes holistic healing, underscoring the comprehensive care we provide.

Compare Sublocade with other options

Sublocade vs daily buprenorphine

Both Sublocade and daily buprenorphine (like Suboxone) help lessen cravings, but Sublocade stands out as a once-monthly injection. Some individuals prefer the convenience of not managing a pill routine or film strips every day. Additionally, the stable bloodstream concentration may result in fewer cravings between doses. However, daily options offer direct choices for people who want more frequent one-on-one contact with providers or prefer the routine of a daily ritual.

Sublocade vs methadone

Methadone is a long-established treatment that must be taken daily under supervised conditions, typically in specialized clinics (what is methadone). This structure can be helpful for some individuals who want daily accountability or who benefit from close-knit, in-person interactions. Sublocade, on the other hand, can be administered monthly in an approved clinical setting. If you crave more autonomy and prefer not to make frequent visits, the monthly injection might fit your lifestyle better. However, any changes in medication regimens should be explored with a medical professional to ensure the best match.

Sublocade vs naltrexone (Vivitrol)

Vivitrol is another once-monthly injection used to block opioid receptors. However, Vivitrol does not contain a partial opioid agonist like buprenorphine. Instead, it prevents opioids from binding to receptors by occupying them fully, often requiring a detox period before beginning the injections. Sublocade, by contrast, partially activates the receptors, reducing withdrawal and cravings in a different way. The choice between these medications often hinges on how well you handle withdrawal, your medical history, and your individual response to different treatments.

Experience our supportive environment

At Freedom Treatment, you’ll encounter a compassionate environment built around empathy, guidance, and personalized care. We recognize the isolation and shame that sometimes accompany addiction, and we work to alleviate these feelings by offering:

• Educational programs that help you understand how medications like Sublocade work
• Confidential opioid clinic services to ensure privacy
• Supportive structures for men, women, and families alike, such as a specialized pregnancy addiction treatment program or postpartum addiction therapy program
• Peer group support focusing on open dialogue, accountability, and shared learning
• Comprehensive relapse prevention planning that includes a strong follow-up strategy once you complete your primary program

By embracing a gender-sensitive or family-inclusive approach, we aim to reduce the complexities that can arise from personal background, family dynamics, or co-occurring mental health issues. Our staff stays informed about the latest techniques in medication management, including Sublocade, so you receive forward-thinking solutions at every stage.

Anticipate life after Sublocade

The length of Sublocade treatment can vary. You may use the injection for six months, a year, or even longer, depending on how your body and mind respond (Porch Light Health). As you progress, you and your care team might decide to taper off with smaller dosages or a switch back to oral buprenorphine. This is determined by factors like your overall comfort, mental and emotional readiness, and stability in daily life.

Taking steps toward a life after Sublocade usually involves a continued focus on therapy and healthy living strategies. Ongoing support, whether through aftercare substance abuse program involvement or occasional check-ins with your therapist, can keep you grounded. Building a relapse prevention toolkit, surrounding yourself with positive social networks, and reinforcing constructive coping methods are central to sustaining long-term stability.

Seek comprehensive care at Freedom Treatment

If Sublocade aligns with your treatment goals, Freedom Treatment is here to guide you. Our approach is grounded in comprehensive care, meaning we do more than simply administer medication. We integrate multiple therapeutic methods to address the complexities of addiction and mental health:

• Medication management opioid use disorder: We ensure your dosage is monitored, appropriately adjusted, and supported by thorough medical guidance.
• Customized substance abuse counseling: We tailor your counseling experience based on your personal background, challenges, and aspirations.
• Telehealth addiction treatment: We respect that commute, distance, or privacy may matter to you, so we provide telehealth sessions to keep you connected with our supportive team.
• Urine drug screen covered insurance: Regular monitoring can help verify that your treatment plan is on track and give you further accountability.
• Doctor that offers sublocade: Working with an experienced provider ensures your questions about Sublocade, injection frequency, or possible side effects will always be addressed.

All these elements converge to create an environment where every aspect of your well-being is valued. When you opt for Sublocade at Freedom Treatment, you are choosing a welcoming, professionally equipped clinic dedicated to your success.

FAQs about Sublocade

1. How does Sublocade differ from daily buprenorphine?
   Sublocade is a once-monthly injection, while daily buprenorphine formats (like Suboxone) require a daily dose. Sublocade’s extended-release system maintains consistent medication levels for steady relief from cravings and withdrawal.

2. Will Sublocade completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms?
   Many people find that monthly Sublocade helps significantly reduce withdrawal symptoms, but no medication can guarantee the complete absence of discomfort. Much depends on your overall health, mental well-being, and how you engage in additional counseling or support programs.

3. Do I still need therapy if I’m on Sublocade?
   Absolutely. Sublocade is most effective when combined with behavioral therapies, group counseling, or substance abuse counseling. Addressing the emotional and psychological sides of addiction is as important as physical stabilization.

4. How long will I be on Sublocade?
   The duration varies from person to person, often depending on your progress, any co-occurring conditions, and your comfort level. Many individuals remain on Sublocade for at least 6-12 months, gradually tapering or switching back to oral medication when they’re ready.

5. Is Sublocade safe if I’m already on other medications?
   It can be, but you must inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking. Certain drugs, including benzodiazepines, may increase the risk of respiratory depression. Your provider will guide you on possible risks and strategies to minimize them.

Choose lasting freedom

In the fight against opioid addiction, Sublocade provides a powerful resource for those in search of stability and freedom. By delivering continuous levels of buprenorphine, it can help block the high of other opioids, minimize cravings, and offer you the clarity you need to invest in deeper healing. At Freedom Treatment, our team wholeheartedly believes that everyone deserves comprehensive care, individualized plans, and a supportive environment where unique challenges are not only acknowledged but addressed with empathy and expertise.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore ways to break free from opioid dependence or you’ve tried other routes in the past, Sublocade may be the missing link that helps you focus on rebuilding your life. If you believe this monthly injection could be the right match for you, we invite you to connect with us. Together, we’ll create a plan that prioritizes your comfort, your peace of mind, and your potential for a life free from the weight of addiction.

Take the next step—discover how Sublocade, combined with compassionate care and personalized therapy at Freedom Treatment, can be a turning point in your journey toward lasting recovery. You deserve to embrace hope, find renewed purpose, and reclaim the life you envision for yourself. Let us help you find that path through Sublocade today.