Addiction can be difficult to overcome, but with the right treatment, anyone can achieve sobriety. When it comes to opioid addiction, there are several FDA-approved medications that can ease withdrawal symptoms, alleviate cravings, and enhance the overall recovery process. One of these medications is Sublocade. Sublocade is the first once-monthly medication approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder in adults.
Sublocade is a monthly injection that can help stave off opioid cravings, allowing you to focus more on your sobriety and less on temptation. It is used in combination with counseling and behavioral therapy to provide a comprehensive, whole-person approach to recovery. If you or a loved one think Sublocade treatment may be right for you, please reach out to our addiction specialists in Southern California today.
What is Sublocade?
Sublocade is a brand-name medication for a liquid injectable formulation of buprenorphine. Buprenorphine works by binding to and partially activating opioid receptors in the brain, but it does so without producing euphoric or addictive effects. Instead, it helps stabilize brain chemistry, stop opioid withdrawal symptoms, and alleviate cravings. It also blocks the euphoric effects of opioids, thereby reducing temptations to relapse.
Sublocade is administered in the office by a licensed healthcare provider. Once inside the body, it becomes a solid gel called a depot (dee-poh).
The depot releases a steady dose of buprenorphine for a month. Having sustained levels of buprenorphine in the body can help individuals avoid the highs and lows associated with daily buprenorphine treatment. Additionally, since Sublocade is only administered in a healthcare setting, there is virtually no risk for abuse.
Does Sublocade Have Side Effects?
Like all medications, Sublocade may cause side effects. The most common side effects are injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, swelling, itching, and irritation at the injection side. These side effects are common and typically resolve as the size of the depot begins to shrink, usually in a couple of days.
Other common side effects of Sublocade are:
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Tiredness
- Injection site pain
- Increase in liver enzymes
- Decrease in blood pressure
- Dizziness
What to Expect at Sublocade Treatment Program in Southern California
Sublocade is most effective when used in tandem with a comprehensive treatment program consisting of counseling and behavioral therapy. This approach, known as medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is renowned for its ability to provide whole-person care and reduce the rate of relapse in people who are recovering from opioid addiction. In Southern California, Suboxone treatment programs include the following.
Detox and Induction With Buprenorphine
The first step of treatment is always detox because withdrawal symptoms will appear within hours after you stop using opioids. Sublocade cannot be given during detox, instead, it is designed for people who have already detoxed using a seven-day regimen of buprenorphine. This induction phase aims to transition you away from opioids while minimizing withdrawal symptoms safely.
Medication Management and Monthly Injections
After seven days, withdrawal symptoms should be at a minimum, and clients may transition to an inpatient or outpatient program. They may then begin treatment with Sublocade.
Sublocade is administered in a medical office. It is an injection that is administered just under the skin, usually on the abdomen. Your doctor will inform you of any potential side effects or risks.
Each month you will return for your next injection. You will also have regular check-ins with your doctor to discuss any concerns you may have as well as your progress with treatment.
Personalized Care: Evidence-Based Therapies and More
Beyond medication, Sublocade treatment programs in Southern California emphasize personalized care through evidence-based therapies and comprehensive support. You’ll have access to a range of therapeutic interventions, including counseling, behavioral therapies, and holistic approaches.
The clinical team will work with you to address underlying issues, develop coping strategies, and foster a healthier lifestyle, promoting lasting recovery. Treatment that combines medication with individually tailored counseling is more effective than using one method alone.
Continued Care
Recovery is an ongoing journey. While formal treatment may last 30-90 days, some people take Sublocade for longer. No matter the situation, it’s essential to have ongoing support and follow-up care to help you maintain progress and prevent relapse. Before leaving treatment, you’ll complete aftercare planning, providing you with the support groups and resources you need for long-term recovery,
Find out if Sublocade Treatment in Southern California is Right for You
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) has emerged as a promising treatment option for those struggling with opioid addiction. However, it is vital to seek and follow guidance from a healthcare professional before starting MAT with Sublocade or any other medication.
At ARISE Treatment Center, our skilled physicians can recommend Sublocade or another MAT medication to help you beat opioid addiction. With a team of passionate professionals who are dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse, our main goal is to provide exceptional long-term wellness to our clients as well as their families.
Take the first step toward lasting recovery by contacting us today.