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(Suboxone/Subutex)

Buprenorphine Program

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.

Long-Term Detox Program

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. 1.Relief from withdrawal and cravings
  2. 2.Blockade against euphoria from illicit opioids
  3. 3.Long-term MAT with counseling support
Buprenorphine Program

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.

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Other Benefits
Include:

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  • 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. 1.A detailed history and physical exam
  2. 2.Urine drug screen testing and analysis (random and at least monthly)
  3. 3.HIV and Hepatitis C testing
  4. 4.Syphilis testing
  5. 5.TB testing and screening
  6. 6.Individual and group counseling services provided on-site by a certified or registered AOD counselor
  7. 7.Liver Function Tests as needed
  8. 8.Narcan/naloxone
  9. 9.Limited medical services (abscess treatment, etc.)
  10. 10.Referrals for transportation, mental health, medical, and other appropriate referral services
  11. 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
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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
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Frequently Asked Questions

Initially, an intake assessment and admission medical history and exam is completed by counseling and medical staff. Treatment options are discussed and a course of action taken. Medication recommendations are made and initated to balance safety and benefit as much as possible. It is very important to let counseling, dispensing and medical staff know how the medication is working or not so appropriate adjustments can be made.

At C.O.R.E., we strive to individualize treatment and maximize success. There is no time pressure. Some do well with short term treatment while others benefit from long term treatment. We know relapse is common and can have disasterous results. We work hard to treat each patient as long as is required to achieve long term success.

First we work closely with the individual to achieve a “normalizing’ dose of medication to alleviate withdrawal and craving while minimizing side effects. Working closely with medical, dispensing and counseling staff most often allows us to achieve this goal in the first few days to weeks.

Not necessarily. C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic serves patients in Sacramento, West Sacramento, and surrounding areas. People often choose a clinic based on accessibility, treatment needs, and location.

C.O.R.E. Medical Clinic accepts several health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal, MHN, Anthem, Medicare, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Optum, Blue Shield of California, Magellan Health, and Western Health Advantage.

As most patients entering treatment know, opioid withdrawal is awful and inevitably leads to continued use. We are sensitive to how terrible the craving, restlessness, anxiety, bone aches, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, sweating, etc. can be. If alcohol, benzodiazepines, stimulants, or other drugs are involved withdrawal can be medically dangerous and require residential or coordinated medical care. Opioid withdrawal can be greatly reduced or eliminated by the early doses provided but again frequent contact with treatment staff for medication adjustments is very important.

The great majority of patients seeking treatment for opioid addiction can continue their normal life, including work, while they are working to find their ’normalizing’ medication dose. If residential or coordinated medical care is required, some time off may be necessary but again this will be individualized. Clinic hours are designed to accommodate the vast majority of working patients.

We work hard to educate patients about the benefits and safety of MAT. Many myths circulate about MAT such as it causing liver problems, bone problems and being harder to get off than fentanyl or heroin. These are absolutely false and will be discussed in detail with your treatment staff. Patients who receive MAT are much healthier than patients not in treatment. Learning to manage common side effects like constipation and weight gain can make patients healthier than they have ever been. All opioids are hard to get off but MAT can set up a very careful and safe detox when a patient is ready. An abrupt short term detox is not advised and can be difficult but a gradual, medically safe detox minimizes withdrawal symptoms. Supplemental safe, non addicting medications can further reduce unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

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