Frequently Asked Questions About Our Services
At Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc, we believe every person suffering from opioid addiction and substance use disorders deserves the ability to obtain effective, professional help that improves their quality of life. Our addiction treatment centers and psychiatric care specialists provide trusted care throughout the State of Florida, including Gainesville, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Palatka, and Ocala.
Opioid use disorder (OUD), sometimes referred to as opioid addiction or dependence, is defined as a problematic pattern of opioid use that leads to serious distress or impairment. This complex illness is characterized by a compulsion to use opioid drugs and persists even when an individual wants to quit, or their health has been negatively impacted.
The team with Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc specializes in the treatment of opioid use disorder with Subutex and Suboxone. Our opioid addiction treatment centers offer a number of services, including the following.
- Buprenorphine Treatment
- Medication Assisted Treatment
- Group Therapy
- Urine Drug Screens
- Individual Therapy
Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc offers psychiatric care and opioid addiction treatment services in all our locations. We have offices located in:
- Gainesville, FL
- Orange Park, FL
- Ocala, FL
- Palatka, FL
- Perry, FL
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) provides a comprehensive and sustainable treatment plan for individuals suffering from substance use disorders by combining medication, counseling, and behavioral therapy. Medication-assisted treatment programs are clinically driven, use FDA-approved medications, and are custom-tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our medication-assisted treatment program is specially designed to treat opioid use disorder and set patients on a sustainable path toward recovery using a combination of buprenorphine (Subutex / Suboxone) and group therapy.
Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved medication used to treat opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that effectively treats opioid addiction by easing withdrawal symptoms and preventing drug cravings. Generally, buprenorphine is utilized in medication-assisted treatment programs designed to provide comprehensive patient care.
The doctors with Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc offer two kinds of medication for opioid use disorder, each of which contains buprenorphine: Subutex and Suboxone. Subutex and Suboxone were approved by the FDA in 2002 for use in the treatment of opioid addiction. The main difference between Subutex and Suboxone is that Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, while Subutex contains only buprenorphine.
Buprenorphine helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms by acting as a partial opioid agonist. Naloxone blocks the opioid effects of buprenorphine, preventing its intentional misuse.
Current medical data support the efficacy and safety of long-term use of Subutex and Suboxone. In fact, patients can remain safely on Subutex or Suboxone for many years. Additionally, short-term use of Subutex or Suboxone can be considered for detox or short-term maintenance if preferred.
We offer a number of outpatient psychiatric, psychological, and counseling services in all our locations. Buprenorphine Treatment Centers, Inc offers outpatient psychiatric services for a plethora of conditions, including the following.
- Anxiety Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- ADHD
- Schizoaffective Disorder
- Stress Management
- Substance Use Disorders
- Chemical Dependency
- Opioid Use Disorder
Most people need more addiction treatment than detox. After detox, the relapse rates are extremely high – one study revealed that 60% of patients relapse within 7 days. Therefore treatment is very important after detox, and in fact, for some patients, inpatient detox is not necessary.
Remember that Opiate Addiction is a chronic disease that cannot be cured and must be managed – no matter what treatment approach is taken. Now what type of treatment is indicated for Opiate Addiction? There are two general approaches to treating addiction – the first is harm reduction, and the second is the recovery model. Harm reduction essentially means that absolute sobriety is not the goal. Rather harm reduction is an approach that reduces the use of dangerous substances and reduces dangerous routes of administration of substances, such as eliminating IV drug use. Harm reduction is different (but can be integrated) from the second approach to treating opiate addiction- the recovery model of absolute sobriety.
In this approach, we prescribe a medication such as Subutex or Suboxone to stop cravings and withdrawal from opiate addiction. These medications are themselves opiates, but they are safer and do not have the tolerance, mortality risk, and abuse potential as the other opiates (pain pills, methadone, Dilaudid, heroin, etc). Thus we are reducing the harm of these medications. Evidence supports that long-term maintenance of these medications is safe and frequently desirable. Along with Subutex and Suboxone, group therapy is helpful in reducing potential relapse and helping patients deal with inevitable life stress. In terms of outcome, over 95% of patients we observe have rapid improvement in their family relationships and employment. Numerous patients report that using these medications is a “miracle” for them. But they are not a cure. Rather they reduce harm and allow us to manage the disease of opiate Addiction (Opioid Use Disorder).
Recovery is the other classic model of addiction treatment that is based on Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous’s 12 steps of recovery. In the classic model, no medications or substances are used. Unfortunately, the reality is that for opioid use disorder, the relapse rate with a classic recovery model is very high. With the current opioid crisis and the associated mortality, many – though not all experts in the field – believe that harm reduction is the preferred approach for many – not all – patients.
It is our belief at Buprenorphine Treatment Centers Inc that a hybrid approach using medication (Subutex or Suboxone) combined with education, and where indicated therapy and 12-step concepts are the best approach for many patients suffering from Opioid Use Disorder (Opiate Addiction). We provide medication, and our patients attend group therapy at least once a month.
The definition of sobriety is no longer the most helpful. The question is: have we reduced harm from opiates and relapse behavior so that our patients are leading lawful, productive and happy lives?
We have afternoon and evening hours in our Gainesville, Jacksonville (Orange Park) offices. Our own staff answers our phones. For excellent care from a Subutex Doctor or Suboxone Doctor, make an appointment with us.
Current medical data supports the safety and efficacy of long-term maintenance on Subutex and Suboxone. Patients can safely remain on Subutex and Suboxone for many years. Subutex and Suboxone provide a way for Opiate addicts to regain their lives. Short-term use of Subutex and Suboxone can also be considered for either detox or short-term maintenance if that is what a patient prefers. However, the risk of relapse when stopping Subutex and Suboxone must be considered. Involvement in a program of recovery is recommended for patients that want short-term treatment with Subutex or Suboxone.