Understand Sublocade injection
If you are facing challenges with opioid addiction, Sublocade injection therapy may offer a significant step toward renewed hope and health. This once-monthly injectable treatment delivers buprenorphine continuously throughout the month, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Sublocade injection is administered only by trained healthcare professionals in a controlled setting, making it a safe and effective option for individuals who want consistent support without the daily dosing of oral medications.
Sublocade injection specifically contains extended-release buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that works by binding to the same receptors in your brain that opioids target. Because it is only a partial agonist, it activates these receptors to a lesser extent, minimizing the pleasurable “high” that often leads to addictive behavior. In a 12-week study of non-treatment-seeking adults, Sublocade successfully blocked the rewarding effects of illicit opioids, demonstrating its potential to serve as a powerful adjunct in your recovery (Sublocade).
When you arrive at Freedom Treatment, our team of compassionate professionals will guide you through the entire process, from determining whether Sublocade injection therapy is right for you to building a personalized plan that addresses your individual risk factors, health status, and goals. Our commitment is to ensure you feel understood and supported at each step of the journey.
How Sublocade offers continuous support
Unlike daily buprenorphine tablets or films that can fluctuate in their effectiveness, Sublocade injection releases its medication at stable levels over the entire month. This helps you experience fewer “ups and downs,” making it easier to focus on your counseling sessions, family responsibilities, and personal growth. Studies indicate that continuous-release formulations can provide sustained opioid blockade that supports you physically and psychologically in rebuilding a healthier lifestyle (Porch Light Health).
Addressing the unique hurdles of opioid recovery
Opioid addiction often creates a cycle of cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and repeated use that feels impossible to break. By providing consistent medication coverage, Sublocade injection assists you in managing those disruptive symptoms so you can redirect your energy toward therapy, career goals, or family life. By choosing Sublocade injection, you have a reliable resource that alleviates much of the day-to-day struggle, letting you concentrate on strategies and skills that empower lasting recovery.
Explore therapy benefits
Sublocade injection therapy combines medical management with psychosocial support, creating a comprehensive foundation for you or your loved one to overcome opioid addiction. Below are key aspects of how Sublocade can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Reduced risk of misuse
Because Sublocade is administered by a healthcare provider, the medication remains under professional supervision. This structure greatly lowers the chance of diversion or misuse, an issue sometimes encountered with oral buprenorphine products. Since there is no need to keep a daily medication supply at home, it reduces the temptation to either skip doses or misuse the prescription.
Simplified dosing schedule
Opting for monthly Sublocade injections removes the burden of daily medication. You essentially free yourself from the worry of remembering each dose, planning refills, or managing complicated dosing instructions. The simplified schedule also eases the stigma that can accompany daily pill-taking. In turn, you may feel more comfortable returning to your everyday routines, including work and social activities.
Improved treatment adherence
Consistent medication adherence is crucial in overcoming drug dependence. With Sublocade injection therapy, the injection remains effective for a full month. That reliable coverage ensures you maintain stable blood levels of buprenorphine, which can mean fewer withdrawal symptoms, fewer cravings, and more focus for your ongoing recovery work in counseling sessions and support groups.
Integrated psychosocial component
Medication alone often lacks the capacity to resolve the underlying issues that drive addictive behaviors. For this reason, Sublocade should be integrated into a complete treatment plan encompassing counseling, group therapy, and, where applicable, family therapy. At Freedom Treatment, we combine Sublocade injection therapy with a variety of supportive services like substance abuse counseling and customized substance abuse counseling. This integrative approach connects you with a team that understands your personal history and helps you develop skills for a healthier lifestyle.
Prepare for your treatment
Understanding the practical steps for initiating Sublocade injection therapy can help you approach the process with confidence. Below is a guide to help you prepare.
1. Assessment and induction
Before you begin Sublocade injections, you will go through a medical and psychological evaluation to confirm that it is the right medication for you. In many cases, you must be inducted and stabilized on a transmucosal buprenorphine-containing product (like sublingual Buprenorphine/Naloxone) for at least seven days before your first Sublocade injection. This process ensures your body adjusts to buprenorphine and reduces the risk of precipitated withdrawal.
2. First injection
Your healthcare professional will administer Sublocade subcutaneously (under your skin) in the abdominal area. This creates a gel-like “depot” that releases buprenorphine steadily throughout the month. There may be mild discomfort at the injection site, such as pain or swelling, but serious reactions are rare. If you experience anything unusual, let your care provider know so adjustments can be made.
3. Monitoring and follow-up
Due to the risk of respiratory depression and other side effects associated with buprenorphine-based therapies, you will be closely monitored, especially during the initial doses. At Freedom Treatment, our staff will schedule regular check-ins to track your progress, evaluate effectiveness, and help you navigate any side effects. These appointments also allow for dose adjustments if you continue to experience cravings.
4. Integration of counseling
Medication alone often addresses only part of opioid addiction. With Sublocade injection therapy, you will be encouraged to pair medication with evidence-based therapies, such as our individual therapy addiction sessions, group therapy, or family therapy outpatient program. This multiservice approach offers well-rounded support by addressing emotional aspects of substance use while bolstering practical coping skills.
5. Long-term maintenance or taper
Each individual is unique, so no single timeline applies to everyone. Sublocade therapy can continue for several months or over a year, depending on your personal recovery patterns and goals. Eventually, you and your care provider might discuss a taper plan. However, ongoing therapy and aftercare can still be beneficial for those who have left medication-assisted treatment.
Choose Freedom Treatment
When it comes to selecting a rehab center that combines medical expertise with genuine compassion, Freedom Treatment strives to be your first choice. As you consider Sublocade injection therapy, our facility stands out for a variety of reasons.
A specialized care model
We design treatment plans that acknowledge the unique challenges of every individual. By evaluating your medical history, your social environment, and specific triggers, our team can personalize your approach. We recognize that opioid addiction often intersects with mental health conditions, so we offer co occurring disorders counseling to ensure comprehensive symptom management.
Access to multiple therapy options
Beyond Sublocade, you may also benefit from our other medication-assisted treatments, including suboxone treatment program and methadone treatment program, each backed by scientific evidence for safety and efficacy in opioid use disorder. If you currently struggle with alcohol or other substances, consider exploring our alcohol addiction treatment or cocaine addiction treatment programs. Our strong network of resources and partnerships ensures continuity of care.
Evidence-based practices
Our approach is firmly rooted in the latest research. We help you negotiate each phase of recovery informed by clinical studies and decades of collective experience. For instance, the pivotal Study 13-0001 demonstrated that Sublocade therapy significantly improved abstinence rates relative to placebo from weeks 5 to 24 of treatment (NCBI Bookshelf). By integrating these proven methods, we consistently strive to give you the best possible chance for a healthier future.
Supportive environment
Freedom Treatment fosters emotional growth through one-on-one counseling, group therapy, and relapse prevention planning. We believe that empathy and understanding can be as crucial as medication. Our staff is extensively trained not only in the clinical application of Sublocade injection but also in providing emotional support. This empathetic, welcoming atmosphere can empower you to come forward with challenges, helping us make timely modifications to your plan and improve outcomes.
Holistic community-based approach
Addiction rarely exists in isolation. We encourage you to include family members and friends in your journey so that everyone can learn how to support your recovery effectively. We also provide resources for job placement, life skills training, and wellness activities that create a more robust recovery path. Whether you need transportation services addiction treatment or career support addiction recovery, we do everything in our power to reduce obstacles to your progress.
Embrace your potential
Regaining control of your life is about much more than simply stopping drug use. Through Sublocade injection therapy and the broader programs at Freedom Treatment, you can heal physically and emotionally, rebuilding relationships and forging realistic goals for the future. Here are some compelling reasons why now is the moment to consider Sublocade at Freedom Treatment.
- Consistent medication levels: Enjoy fewer opioid cravings and improved emotional stability with monthly injections.
- Reduced discomfort: Many people report fewer withdrawal incidences because Sublocade’s monthly release avoids severe daily fluctuations.
- Accountability support: Professional supervision of your injections means less risk of medication mismanagement.
- Holistic healing: We address co-occurring conditions, mental health, and a social support component that acknowledges the complexity of addiction.
- Long-term planning: Whether you stay on Sublocade for six months or longer, we work with you on exit strategies and relapse prevention so you remain stable once you complete the medication phase.
Below is a concise table summarizing core benefits of Sublocade injection therapy:
Benefit | Explanation |
---|---|
Once-monthly dosing | Fewer daily medication worries, granting you consistency and convenience. |
Controlled release | Steady levels of buprenorphine reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. |
Lower misuse risk | Healthcare professionals administer the injection, limiting the chance of diversion or misuse. |
Evidence-based effectiveness | Clinical studies demonstrate improved abstinence rates versus placebo. |
Integral part of MAT | Incorporates counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes for a well-rounded recovery plan. |
By selecting Sublocade, you build on a solid evidence-based foundation that helps you reclaim your routine and deepen your focus on personal development. Each month, you benefit from a protective layer of medication that allows you to confront past traumas, improve coping strategies, and strengthen your relationships.
Address key concerns
Below, we tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about Sublocade injection therapy, helping you make a well-informed decision that aligns with your goals and values.
1. Is Sublocade injection better than Suboxone?
Both Sublocade and Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) are approved for opioid use disorder. Sublocade automatically delivers a steady dose of buprenorphine over a month, reducing the need for daily medication and helping minimize fluctuations in medication levels. Suboxone, on the other hand, requires daily dosing. The choice often depends on personal preferences, your ability to adhere to a daily regimen, and your specific medical history. Some find monthly injections more convenient and discreet, while others prefer the familiarity of oral therapy. At Freedom Treatment, we can help you decide which option suits you best.
2. How long does Sublocade injection stay in your system?
Sublocade can remain in your bloodstream for approximately 43 to 60 days after a single injection, and trace amounts may be detectable for much longer depending on the individual’s metabolism (Denver Mental Health Counseling). Because it forms a depot under your skin, it steadily releases buprenorphine over the month, which helps curb cravings and withdrawal. These extended-release properties can be beneficial if you desire reliability and simplicity in your treatment plan.
3. Will I still feel cravings with Sublocade injection?
Some people do experience mild breakthroughs of cravings, especially during stressful periods or if they have high-severity opioid dependence. Studies suggest, however, that Sublocade significantly reduces the severity of cravings for a broad range of individuals. If you notice persistent cravings, your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage. Freedom Treatment offers concurrent services like opioid withdrawal management program, counseling, or group sessions to help you develop practical coping mechanisms.
4. Is Sublocade injection safe during pregnancy?
Using Sublocade during pregnancy poses risks, including the potential for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should discuss all treatment options thoroughly with their healthcare provider. If you need specialized prenatal or postnatal care, Freedom Treatment can connect you with our maternity addiction treatment or postpartum addiction therapy program. Ultimately, determining the safest and most effective treatment plan involves balancing risks against the urgent need to address opioid addiction.
5. How does Freedom Treatment support me during Sublocade therapy?
Our commitment extends beyond the injection itself. We offer a range of outpatient services, including regular progress check-ins, counseling, and medication management for opioid use disorder. You can also explore solutions like telehealth addiction treatment if attending in-person appointments poses challenges. We remain your partner in every sense—encouraging you, addressing hurdles, and celebrating every milestone on the road to recovery. If you are looking for in-person support, you can also visit our sublocade injection near me page to find convenient options for monthly appointments.
Embrace lasting recovery
Sublocade injection therapy, when combined with comprehensive care from Freedom Treatment, may unlock the potential for a more stable, fulfilling life. Everyday struggles associated with managing opioid dependence can be replaced by opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Through this approach, you can reclaim not only your physical health but also your sense of hope and self-worth.
We believe in celebrating every step forward, no matter how small. By embracing monthly Sublocade injections, you allow yourself the mental and emotional bandwidth to focus on deeper healing. Whether you choose to supplement your therapy with family counseling or explore the benefits of creative outlets like art or music, the consistent relief from cravings and withdrawal can serve as a valuable anchor.
At Freedom Treatment, we are here to walk alongside you. Our compassionate staff knows that your journey is deeply personal, and we are dedicated to creating a supportive atmosphere that respects your unique experiences. If you or a loved one is ready to take that first defensive stand against opioid addiction, consider reaching out. You deserve the chance to design a future that emphasizes health, connection, and a sense of personal empowerment.
Make today the day you say yes to a more fulfilling tomorrow. By choosing Sublocade injection therapy at Freedom Treatment, you take charge of your life in a way that paves the path for long-term emotional and physical well-being. If you have any questions, concerns, or simply need an empathetic ear, we welcome you to contact us. Let’s embark on this journey together, prepared to overcome challenges and celebrate each hard-earned victory.