Physical and mental health are connected, and opioid addiction affects both. Many people with substance abuse issues also have diagnosed mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. That’s why it’s important for rehabilitation programs to take care of both the body and the mind. A Suboxone treatment program is a form of medication-assisted treatment that addresses both physical and mental wellness needs.
What Is a Suboxone Treatment Program?
In medication-assisted treatment, clients receive medication along with behavioral therapy and other support services. Medication is administered by a trained professional, and clients are monitored during detox and withdrawal. With medicine to help control unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, clients are better able to focus on mental health treatment.
Suboxone rehab is designed for individuals healing from opioid addiction, or from addictions to heroin or prescription painkillers. It has a high success rate; according to some studies, up to 60% of individuals treated with Suboxone remain sober for at least a year. The medicine Suboxone combines two chemicals, buprenorphine and naloxone, to target parts of the brain affected by opioids.
Buprenorphine mimics the effects of opioids on the brain without the full strength of addictive drugs, and without producing the euphoria or high that leads to drug cravings. This chemical helps reduce painful withdrawal symptoms while the brain and body begin recovery. Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses, providing protection in the case of overdose or relapse.
A Mental Health and Counseling Focus
Recovery from opioids is a complex process. The brain has become accustomed to addictive chemicals, and detoxing from these chemicals leads to changes in the mind and body.
People in treatment may experience confusing, overwhelming emotions, or deal with symptoms of mental illness. In some cases, people use opioids or other substances to manage mental health symptoms. Without the substances, they need to learn new coping mechanisms. A Suboxone program helps clients process these changes with the guidance of trained medical professionals. In addition to Suboxone, clients with diagnosed mental health conditions may receive medication to target these symptoms.
Medication is just one aspect of treatment. While Suboxone can ease withdrawal, it also prepares clients to focus on the crucial work of long-term sobriety. Though every client requires a unique recovery plan, a typical Suboxone treatment program may include:
- Individual talk therapy
- Group therapy and group support
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Mindfulness and communication skills
- Social and life skills
- Behavioral therapy helps clients identify the root causes of their opioid use and practice healthier coping techniques to use in their daily lives.
Benefits of Suboxone Rehab for Mental Health
Suboxone is uniquely able to start people on the path to recovery from opioid use disorder. Compared to methadone, another medicine commonly used to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms, Suboxone has several bonuses for physical and mental health:
- Suboxone has a ceiling effect, which means larger doses won’t produce a high or euphoria that can lead to physical dependency.
- It is less habit-forming than methadone.
- Suboxone tends to have fewer side effects than methadone.
Unlike methadone, which usually needs to be administered at a treatment center, Suboxone can be prescribed by a doctor and taken at the doctor’s office or at home. This flexibility allows clients to continue a Suboxone treatment program on an outpatient basis while fulfilling daily responsibilities. They can work on habits and behaviors that improve their mental health while keeping withdrawal symptoms manageable. Not only do clients have additional freedom, but they can also transition more easily from rehabilitation into daily life.
Contact Us for Suboxone Treatment at Lotus Recovery Centers
Addiction can be difficult to overcome, and we’re here to make the journey to recovery easier. Suboxone treatment is available at both our West Virginia and Delaware locations. And we offer Suboxone rehab to inpatient or residential clients as well as clients in outpatient programs.
If you think Suboxone could help you or someone you love, reach out to our team at 833.922.1615 to find out more.
