Suboxone Treatment

Signs and symptoms of opioid addiction  

Understanding the signs of opioid addiction can be an important first step toward getting help. Here are some common red flags to keep in mind: 

• Strong cravings for the drug, even when not prescribed or needed.  
• Changes in behavior, like withdrawing from loved ones or losing interest in activities.  
• Physical symptoms, such as drowsiness, weight loss, or nausea.  
• Frequent doctor visits or seeking prescriptions from multiple sources.  
• Difficulty stopping, even after trying to quit.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing these signs, remember that you’re not alone, and support is available. 

The importance of evidence-based treatment  

Seeking help is one of the best things you can do when you're struggling with addiction. Evidence-based treatment uses methods that have been researched and proven effective for other people with addiction. Evidence-based treatment for OUD includes medication-assisted treatment, like Suboxone, and behavioral therapies. We offer both at Oak Grove Recovery. 

Suboxone is a medication prescribed to help people struggling with opioid addiction. It contains two key ingredients: buprenorphine, which helps ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and naloxone, which blocks the effects of opioids. Together, they work to manage addiction without causing the intense high opioids typically do. 

We use Suboxone in our programs for opioid addiction recovery because of how effective it is at managing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Entering recovery is hard, and the risk of relapse at the beginning of the journey is high. Suboxone makes it easier for people to focus on building coping skills and emotional tolerance, rather than getting distracted by intense cravings or withdrawal symptoms. 

Suboxone does contain an opioid—buprenorphine—but using it in MAT is not replacing one addiction with another. It's a therapeutic medication that's used to manage addiction. Some people may take Suboxone long-term to help them abstain from other opioids. 

Suboxone treatment comes with many benefits:  

• Eases withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings  
• Helps lower the chances of relapse  
• Supports recovery without creating a “high”  
• Can be prescribed in clinics or through telemedicine  
• Provides flexible options, including recovery from home  

Suboxone helps people struggling with opioid addiction find balance and start their recovery without the highs and lows that come with opioid use. 

Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) create a safe and welcoming space where people in recovery can connect, share their stories, and support one another. These groups offer valuable advice, encouragement, and accountability while helping build a sense of community.  

Addiction counseling is another key part of staying sober. It helps people work through deeper issues, learn healthy ways to cope, and get guidance for managing life after treatment. During residential care, we provide both individual and group therapy, and we’ll help you set up ongoing counseling services once your program ends. 

Harm reduction meets people where they are, providing compassion and understanding for those not ready to quit using opioids completely. Safe syringe exchanges, fentanyl test kits, outreach, and overdose reversal medications (like Narcan) are all part of harm reduction. Suboxone also fits into harm reduction because it reduces the chance of relapse when someone does quit using opioids. At Oak Grove Recovery, we know that addiction is a disease, not a choice, and we meet our clients with compassion so they can heal with dignity.  

Ohio offers harm reduction services throughout the state, including test kits, Narcan, and syringe exchanges. Find services near you by visiting the Harm Reduction Ohio site. 

A safe, stable home makes it easier to keep making progress in recovery. Sober living homes provide stability and accountability while transitioning back into daily life. These homes typically have rules and expectations similar to those of a treatment center, such as mandatory meetings and drug testing. Outpatient programs also offer ongoing care for those in recovery, providing therapy and other services on a part-time basis. 

We'll work with you to create an aftercare plan when you're getting ready to finish our program. Aftercare ensures you know where to turn for support when you need it. We can help coordinate: 

• Sober living admissions 
• Continued counseling and outpatient care 
• Community resources and harm reduction services 

Your journey is unique, and we want to make sure you have what you need to recover with purpose. 

Virtual treatment (telemedicine) has made it easier for people to continue Suboxone treatment with monitoring. When you complete treatment at Oak Grove, we can help coordinate continued care, which might include telemedicine. Virtual treatment can make it easier for you to continue receiving your prescription without having to go into town for your appointments. If you live in a rural area or have a hard time getting transportation, it might be the best option for you. 

When you are prescribed Suboxone, it's entered into a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). This is to monitor to make sure you're picking up and using your prescription, which will help avoid using opioids. It also helps keep you safe. Providers will be able to see that you are prescribed Suboxone, which can cause risks when used with other medications, like other opioids and benzodiazepines.