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Buprenorphine Program in Sacramento
The Buprenorphine Program involves administering an appropriate, adequate dose of a long-acting, synthetic opioid called buprenorphine. Buprenorphine acts to stabilize the brain in opioid-addicted individuals. Once an adequate dosage level has been achieved, the patient can expect to experience very little, if any, craving, withdrawal, or other discomfort associated with abstinence from illicit opioid use.
An adequate dosage is defined as the dose level that relieves withdrawal symptoms and drug craving without producing sedation. At a sufficient dose, buprenorphine also acts as a blockade for euphoria if opioids, such as heroin, are taken. The dose may be adjusted up or down to achieve this state. Because buprenorphine is generally considered safer than methadone during the induction phase, a stabilization dose can often be reached in a shorter period of time.
The stabilization process generally takes from 1 to 3 weeks. During and after stabilization, the patient works with counseling and medical staff to eliminate illicit drug use, strengthen daily routines, and build a sustainable recovery plan.
Buprenorphine is designed as a long-term medication-assisted treatment option that includes individual and group counseling focused on helping the patient make lifestyle changes necessary to achieve and maintain recovery.
Buprenorphine is available in tablets or film strips. This program may be a strong option for patients looking for opioid dependence treatment with fewer clinic visits than traditional daily methadone dosing, depending on clinical appropriateness.
In summary, buprenorphine accomplishes 3 main goals for the patient:
- 1.Relief from withdrawal and cravings
- 2.Blockade against euphoria from illicit opioids
- 3.Long-term MAT with counseling support
Take the first steps to a better life.
Buprenorphine treatment helps reduce withdrawal, control cravings, and support long-term recovery with medical and counseling support.
Other Benefits
Include:
- Reduced clinic visits compared to methadone treatment
- Reduced rate of relapse
- Reduced involvement in illegal activities
- Reduced hospitalizations/emergency room visits for opioid related problems, such as abscess treatment, cellulitis, overdose, etc.
- Reduced risk of contracting HIV and/or Hepatitis C and other communicable diseases
- Improved outcomes for pregnant/parenting women and their newborns or children
- Development of a strong support system for long-term recovery
- Increased ability to gain and maintain employment and/or engagement in school activities
- Improved family relationships
- Overall improved health and sense of well-being
The Buprenorphine Program includes, but is not limited to, the following services:
- 1.A detailed history and physical exam
- 2.Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
- 3.HIV and Hepatitis C testing
- 4.Syphilis testing
- 5.TB testing and screening
- 6.Individual and group counseling services provided on-site by a certified or registered AOD counselor
- 7.Liver Function Tests as needed
- 8.Narcan/naloxone
- 9.Limited medical services (abscess treatment, etc.)
- 10.Referrals for transportation, mental health, medical, and other appropriate referral services
- 11.Discharge planning
Methadone Maintenance Program
- A detailed history and physical exam
- Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
- HIV and Hepatitis C testing
Long-Term Detox Program
- Medication-supported treatment utilizing methadone or buprenorphine over a 6-month period
- A stabilization dose achieved in the first few weeks of treatment
- Approximately 3 months on the stabilization dose
