You may already be familiar with the challenges involved in finding a stable, long-term solution for opioid addiction. From cravings and withdrawal symptoms to the burden of taking daily medication, it can feel like a constant uphill climb. That is where Sublocade injections enter the picture. By offering a once-a-month injection of buprenorphine, Sublocade can transform your entire treatment plan, alleviating some of the stress associated with daily medication routines. At Freedom Treatment, we are dedicated to using proven, evidence-based approaches like Sublocade to guide you toward meaningful and lasting recovery.
In this article, you will discover how Sublocade works, why it may be a better fit for you than daily oral medications, and how we can help you integrate it into a broader and more personalized recovery plan. We will also discuss potential side effects and steps to ensure safety and support. Throughout, our focus will remain on treating you with empathy and respect, acknowledging the serious nature of addiction while offering hope at every turn.
By reading on, you will learn about the ways Sublocade can empower you to focus more deeply on the emotional and psychological factors influencing your substance use. We will also highlight how Freedom Treatment leads the industry, providing a safe environment where you can address not only the physical aspects of opioid dependence but also any co-occurring mental health needs. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, helping you regain control over your life and your future.
Understand Sublocade injections
Sublocade is a long-acting injection containing buprenorphine, designed to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder (OUD). Unlike daily oral medications, this monthly injection is released continually into your system at a controlled rate. The active ingredient, buprenorphine, is a partial opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors in your brain but only partially activates them. This approach helps relieve cravings and reduces withdrawal symptoms without causing the intense euphoric effects produced by full opioid agonists like fentanyl or heroin.
How Sublocade was developed
Sublocade was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address opioid dependence for people who have already used oral buprenorphine or Suboxone to confirm they can tolerate buprenorphine. The discovery that a long-acting injection could deliver stable levels of medication for a full month is a significant breakthrough in medication-assisted treatment. A notable clinical trial assessed its safety and efficacy over 24 weeks, finding that Sublocade performed significantly better than placebo in reducing illicit opioid use (NCBI Bookshelf).
Who qualifies for Sublocade
Before receiving Sublocade, you must have already taken at least one dose of transmucosal buprenorphine (such as Suboxone) and undergone observation to confirm you can tolerate it (Drugs.com). This precaution helps ensure you do not experience unexpected adverse reactions. During your initial consultation, healthcare professionals will evaluate your medical history and current addiction severity to see whether Sublocade is the best next step.
Constant medical supervision from a qualified clinic or office is essential to minimize risks. At Freedom Treatment, we take comprehensive measures to confirm Sublocade is right for you, including thorough assessments, possible medically supervised detox placement if necessary, and close follow-up appointments to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
Compare Sublocade with daily medication
Many people depend on daily oral medications like Suboxone to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications are extremely helpful, but they also require consistent adherence. Sublocade, given as a monthly injection, breaks away from this daily cycle, offering you a more convenient and discreet option.
| Factor | Daily Oral Medication (e.g., Suboxone) | Sublocade Injection |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency of Administration | Daily | Monthly |
| Risk of Diversion | Higher risk of missed doses or misuse | Lower, injection is administered by a medical provider |
| Potential for Forgetfulness | Higher (daily dosing required) | Lower (only once a month) |
| Privacy and Discretion | May involve pharmacy visits | Managed in a clinic setting |
| Steady Medication Levels | Can fluctuate throughout the day | Consistent, sustained release |
Why Sublocade works differently
Unlike daily oral medications that can produce variable buprenorphine levels in your bloodstream, Sublocade forms a solid depot under your skin that releases the medication gradually (Sublocade). This stable, long-lasting delivery means you do not typically experience significant medication peaks and troughs. The benefit is two-fold: cravings stay more consistently managed, and the risk of accidentally missing a dose disappears.
Balancing convenience with accountability
Sublocade significantly reduces certain challenges—no more worrying about refills or daily routines. However, accountability remains crucial for successful recovery. You will still need regular consultations with your treatment team to evaluate your progress, manage potential side effects, and address any emotional or psychological factors that may be impacting your recovery.
At Freedom Treatment, we recognize the importance of building trust and rapport throughout this process. That is why we encourage consistent follow-up, group or individual therapy sessions, and any additional resources you may need, such as substance abuse counseling or an opioid addiction treatment plan crafted to your personal circumstances.
Explore safety and side effects
When you consider adding any new medication to your treatment plan, it is natural to wonder about side effects or potential risks. Sublocade, like other forms of buprenorphine, does carry certain precautions. It must be administered subcutaneously and never injected into a vein or muscle. Healthcare professionals trained to give Sublocade will ensure the injection goes just below the skin in your abdominal area to prevent severe harm.
Possible side effects
According to clinical data, common side effects of Sublocade include:
- Injection site reactions (itching, redness, or swelling)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Headache
Some people also experience changes in liver enzyme levels, which is why routine monitoring may be recommended. In rare instances, more severe respiratory problems can develop if Sublocade is misused or combined with other central nervous system depressants. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you are on benzodiazepines or other medications that could heighten sedation.
Managing withdrawal concerns
Because Sublocade contains buprenorphine, you may still experience mild withdrawal symptoms if your medication is stopped abruptly. Physical dependence can occur and is not a sign of weakness; it is simply the body adapting to the presence of buprenorphine. If you decide to discontinue Sublocade, collaborate with healthcare professionals at Freedom Treatment to create a tapering plan that prioritizes your safety. This strategy may include gradually lowering your dose, ensuring you have the necessary resources to manage any withdrawal symptoms.
Importance of professional supervision
Strict procedures are in place to ensure Sublocade is administered in a secure environment. The drug is supplied through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) that certifies clinics and trained professionals to give the injection (Medical News Today). We follow these guidelines closely at Freedom Treatment. You will receive monthly evaluations to confirm Sublocade continues to meet your needs, minimizing the risk of complications.
Prepare for Sublocade treatment
Investigating Sublocade as a potential treatment option opens the door to a more streamlined routine, but it is essential to understand all prerequisites. At Freedom Treatment, every journey begins with an assessment of your past and current opioid use, your overall health, and any co-occurring disorders. This evaluation helps us develop a comprehensive plan that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of opioid addiction.
Confirming medication tolerance
To start Sublocade therapy, you must first demonstrate your ability to tolerate shorter-acting buprenorphine. Typically, this involves taking a minimum one dose of oral buprenorphine or Suboxone, followed by at least a one-hour observation period (Drugs.com). This step may feel like a meticulous hurdle, but it greatly reduces the risk of adverse reactions.
Tailoring a personalized schedule
Once you are cleared for Sublocade, you will return to your treatment center once every month for an injection. The first two injections are usually 300 mg each, after which a 100 mg maintenance dose is standard—though some individuals may require a 300 mg maintenance dose if they need more symptom control (Drugs.com). Our medical team monitors your response and adjusts accordingly.
Often, medication alone is insufficient to address deep-seated triggers or issues fueling substance use. We incorporate counseling, group therapy, and a range of supportive options, such as telemedicine counseling service, to help you manage emotional or psychological complexities.
Integrate Sublocade into your plan
A well-rounded treatment strategy goes beyond medication to consider lifestyle, mental health, and social support. Sublocade can serve as a backbone for long-term stability, allowing you to focus on resolving underlying issues related to addiction.
Combining therapy and medication
Medication-assisted treatment is most effective when paired with therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group counseling, or family therapy can dramatically enhance your coping mechanisms. Meanwhile, Sublocade keeps opioid cravings at bay. If you are juggling professional or personal responsibilities, consider a flexible approach like outpatient addiction treatment, which provides a blend of on-site and remote sessions. This structure aligns well with monthly medication injections, giving you the space and time to focus on healing while continuing daily life.
Additional treatment options at Freedom Treatment
Although Sublocade offers an excellent solution for many, you may want to explore other forms of buprenorphine therapy, such as a suboxone treatment program or the newly introduced brixadi treatment program. Each has its own advantages and considerations. Some individuals prefer the convenience of weekly or monthly injections, while others favor daily oral medication as part of a structured routine. By assessing your personal preferences and clinical needs, we can help you make an informed decision.
Creating a supportive environment
Emotional isolation contributes significantly to relapse risk. At Freedom Treatment, we create a warm, collaborative environment where you feel safe sharing your experiences and feelings. Our staff, from medical professionals to counselors, provides empathetic support tailored to your goals. We strive to see you not only achieve abstinence but also find stability and empowerment in every aspect of your life.
Choose Freedom Treatment now
Selecting a healthcare partner for your recovery journey can be daunting. When you opt for Sublocade therapy—alongside other supportive strategies—finding a skilled and compassionate team matters. We believe you deserve thorough, evidence-based care from credentialed professionals who understand your unique challenges.
Why Freedom Treatment stands out
- Comprehensive care: We do more than administer injections. Our facility offers a full continuum of care, from initial detox referrals to long-term aftercare.
- Individualized plans: Our experienced clinicians design a plan that considers your physical health, mental wellness, and personal history.
- Safety protocols: Sublocade therapy comes with stringent guidelines for administration. Our trained staff follows these protocols to minimize complications.
- Flexible scheduling: We understand life’s demands, offering appointment times that can accommodate your work or family commitments.
- Supportive environment: Empathy and understanding underscore every step, ensuring you feel seen and heard throughout the process.
Emphasizing dual-diagnosis care
If you are managing co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, our integrated services can help. Through co-occurring disorders counseling, we guide you to develop strategies for managing symptoms in a healthy and productive way. We often see better outcomes when both opioid use disorder and mental health issues receive attention simultaneously.
Setting the stage for lasting recovery
Sublocade can be a transformative part of your recovery plan, but the medication alone does not guarantee results. Access to quality counseling, establishing a strong support network, and maintaining a sense of accountability all form crucial pillars of sustainable wellness. Our goal is to help you reach a state of wholeness where you can reclaim joy, stability, and purpose, free from the cyclical grip of addiction.
FAQs about Sublocade injections
1. What are Sublocade injections used for?
Sublocade injections are approved for treating moderate to severe opioid use disorder in individuals who have already demonstrated tolerability to buprenorphine. These injections offer you a once-a-month administration, freeing you from daily dosing. By steadily releasing buprenorphine into your system, Sublocade helps alleviate cravings and fend off withdrawal symptoms without inducing the euphoric high caused by full opioid agonists. Sustained medication levels let you devote more energy to therapy, personal growth, and life responsibilities instead of worrying about relapse triggers.
Sublocade is administered in a clinical setting, ensuring that qualified healthcare professionals monitor you before, during, and after you receive your monthly dose. This structured approach lowers the risk of diversion and misuse while increasing your sense of accountability. Unlike oral buprenorphine, which you need to take daily, Sublocade sits just under your skin and delivers a controlled release for four weeks or longer (Sublocade).
2. How do Sublocade injections compare to Suboxone?
While both Sublocade and Suboxone contain buprenorphine, they differ in form and daily routine. Suboxone is taken orally, typically once a day, which requires you to manage prescriptions and adhere to a strict schedule. Sublocade relieves this daily responsibility by offering a once-a-month injection. Because Sublocade is administered under the skin, it forms a small depot that gradually releases the medication, preventing the peaks and valleys in blood concentration often seen with daily doses.
However, before starting Sublocade, you must already tolerate oral buprenorphine like Suboxone (Drugs.com). If you prefer a daily routine and find it keeps you accountable, Suboxone might still be ideal. Conversely, if you value convenience and steady coverage, Sublocade is often a better option. It depends on your personal preferences, medical history, and the guidance you receive from a qualified healthcare provider. Freedom Treatment offers both a suboxone treatment program and Sublocade therapy, so you can explore which aligns best with your lifestyle.
3. Does Sublocade show up on a standard drug test?
Sublocade will not cause a positive result for most common drug panels unless the test specifically screens for buprenorphine or its metabolites. Standard panels that test for opioids often focus on more traditional opioids like morphine, codeine, or heroin and typically do not detect buprenorphine. If you are concerned about confidentiality, keep in mind that many employers or institutions use generalized drug tests, though some specialized panels do include buprenorphine (Drugs.com).
Regardless of the test type, always remain transparent with medical staff and potential employers when relevant. If you are receiving Sublocade as part of your recovery program, your healthcare providers can supply confirmation that you are in a legitimate, medically supervised substance treatment plan. In our experience at Freedom Treatment, open communication helps foster trust and ensures you receive appropriate support.
4. What should I do if I miss my Sublocade injection?
Ideally, you will schedule your Sublocade shot every month to ensure continuous coverage. If you do happen to miss your appointment, contact your healthcare provider at Freedom Treatment immediately. They can determine the next best steps—often, a late dose may simply be administered as soon as possible, but you must wait at least 26 days from your previous injection to receive your next monthly shot (Drugs.com).
Extended gaps or missed doses might cause a return of cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Occasional logistical conflicts can arise, whether due to travel, work, or personal circumstances. If you foresee a scheduling issue, let us know so we can adjust your appointment slightly. Our goal is to keep your medication levels adequately maintained while providing you with a flexible approach. Missing injections repeatedly may signal a need for additional supportive measures, such as more frequent counseling or an alternative treatment route.
5. Are Sublocade injections safe during pregnancy?
Prolonged opioid use in pregnancy brings inherent risks to both mother and baby, including neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Although buprenorphine-based treatments are considered relatively safer for managing opioid dependence than continuing to use illicit drugs, Sublocade has not been as extensively studied in pregnant individuals as short-acting forms of buprenorphine. There is always a possibility that your provider might recommend an alternative medication or a closely supervised approach during pregnancy to safeguard you and your unborn child.
Conversely, if you have been stable on Sublocade and become pregnant, do not abruptly discontinue your treatment. Talk to our clinical team so we can carefully weigh the benefits and risks of continuing Sublocade or transitioning to another medication. In some cases, the risk of relapse to illicit opioids might outweigh potential concerns about using Sublocade. Given the complexity involved, Freedom Treatment generally recommends pregnancy addiction treatment program or a consultation with addiction specialists who have experience with opioid use disorder in pregnant patients.
Sublocade injections can significantly transform your treatment plan when administered under professional guidance. By delivering consistent levels of buprenorphine for the month, Sublocade not only reduces the daily burden of managing medications but also helps stabilize cravings and potential relapse triggers. Still, medication alone rarely addresses addiction’s root causes, and that is why we promote a comprehensive approach at Freedom Treatment.
We invite you to consider adding therapy, peer support, and any other recommended resources—such as opioid addiction treatment or substance abuse counseling—to your plan. This integrated strategy aims to build your resilience, bolster emotional well-being, and empower you to meet life’s challenges without turning to substances.
Whether you are new to recovery or have a history of attempts behind you, keep in mind that support exists, and change is possible. Sublocade represents a promising step forward in medication-assisted treatment, but success grows larger when you combine it with empathy, understanding, and comprehensive care. By trusting Freedom Treatment with your journey, you gain a partner committed to your long-term wellness and the belief that every individual has the potential to overcome addiction and reclaim control over their life.
