​A Medical Path to Stability & Recovery
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We use Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) — an FDA-approved medication that binds to opioid receptors in the brain to stop withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings without producing a euphoric high. Unlike 'cold turkey' methods which have high relapse rates, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) stabilizes your brain chemistry. This allows you to feel normal, return to work, and rebuild your life while breaking the physical cycle of addiction.

In some cases, we use other medications to treat dependency on gray market opioids.
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We Treat All Forms of Opioid Dependency - Whether your use began with a prescription or progressed to street drugs, Dr. Westcott provides private, outpatient treatment for:
  • Rx Painkillers
  • Synthetic Opioids
  • Natural Opiates
  • Illicit Opioids
  • Gray Market Opioids
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​Oxycodone: OxyContin, Percocet, Roxicodone, Percodan
Hydrocodone: Vicodin, Norco, Lortab, Hysingla
Hydromorphone: Dilaudid, Exalgo
Oxymorphone: Opana, Opana ER
​Fentanyl: Duragesic, Actiq, Fentora (and illicit pressed "Blues")
Tramadol: Ultram, ConZip, Ultracet
Methadone: Dolophine, Methadose
Tapentadol: Nucynta and Palexia
Meperidine: Demerol
Morphine: MS Contin, Kadian, Roxanol, Avinza, Oramorph.
Codeine: Tylenol #3, Tylenol #4.
Heroin: (Black Tar, Powder)
Kratom: Extracts, powders, and shots (Mitragyna speciosa), 7-OH, 7-hydroxymitragynine.
Tianeptine: Often sold as dietary supplements under names like ZaZa Red, Tianna, Pegasus, and TD Red.

​A NOTE ON 7-OH, 7-hydroxymitragynine.
​Following the November 2024 ban on concentrated 7-OH products in Oklahoma, many individuals are struggling with severe dependency issues. You do not have to suffer through withdrawal alone. Dr. Westcott specializes in treating 7-OH addiction using advanced medical protocols (MAT) to stop cravings and physical sickness, helping you transition safely off these products.

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​FAQs: Understanding Suboxone & MAT


​1. What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)? MAT is the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders. It is clinically proven to be more effective for opioid addiction than "cold turkey" or abstinence-only methods.

2. How does Suboxone work? Suboxone contains two main ingredients: Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids to stop withdrawals and cravings without producing a strong euphoric "high." Naloxone is included to prevent misuse; if the medication is injected, it causes immediate withdrawal symptoms.

3. Is taking Suboxone just trading one addiction for another? No. Addiction is defined by compulsive, harmful behavior and a loss of control. Suboxone is a medication that stabilizes your brain chemistry, allowing you to function normally, hold a job, and rebuild relationships without the chaotic highs and lows of active addiction. It is a treatment for a chronic medical condition, similar to taking insulin for diabetes. It is important to realize that suboxone has addictive properties however. Unlike most clinics we try to focus on weaning off suboxone, if the patient is willing to try. We get 10-12 patients a year off suboxone.

4. Will Suboxone show up on a standard employment drug test? Generally, no. Most standard 5-panel or 10-panel employment drug screens test for opiates like heroin, morphine, and codeine, but they do not typically test for buprenorphine (the active ingredient in Suboxone). Buprenorphine requires a specific, separate test to be detected.
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5. What is the difference between Suboxone and Methadone? Methadone is a full opioid agonist that must be administered daily in a specialized clinic. Suboxone is a partial agonist with a lower risk of misuse and can be prescribed by a certified doctor in a private office setting, allowing you to pick it up at a standard pharmacy and take it at home. Suboxone alone has not shown to cause raspatory depression, unlike methadone which can cause overdose.
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Starting Treatment


​6. How long do I have to wait to take Suboxone after using opioids? You must wait until you are in moderate withdrawal before taking your first dose. This is typically 16 hours for short-acting opioids (like heroin or oxycodone) and 48–72 hours or longer for long-acting opioids (like methadone or fentanyl). Taking it too soon can cause precipitated withdrawal.

7. What is precipitated withdrawal? Precipitated withdrawal happens if you take Suboxone while other opioids are still attached to your brain receptors. The buprenorphine "knocks" the other opioids off the receptors too quickly, sending your body into immediate, severe withdrawal. This is why it is critical to be honest with your doctor about the last time you used.

8. Can I detox from Fentanyl using Suboxone? ​Yes, but it requires careful medical supervision. Due to the way fentanyl metabolizes in your body, the waiting period before starting Suboxone may need to be longer to avoid precipitated withdrawal. Depending on your history and physical condition, your doctor may use other approaches to keep you comfortable and transition you safely.

9. Can I detox from Tramadol using Suboxone? Yes. Suboxone is a highly effective treatment for detoxing from Tramadol (Ultram). Because Tramadol acts as both an opioid and a mild antidepressant, attempting to quit "cold turkey" can be dangerous and may increase the risk of seizures. Dr. Westcott uses a specific medical protocol to transition you safely to Suboxone, ensuring your physical withdrawal symptoms are stopped while carefully monitoring your safety during the process.

10. Can I detox from Heroin using Suboxone? Yes. Suboxone is considered the gold standard for medical detoxification from heroin. By binding to the same brain receptors that heroin targets, Suboxone effectively eliminates painful physical withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, shaking, and muscle aches) and significantly reduces cravings. This allows you to transition away from heroin use immediately and safely without suffering through the severe sickness that often leads to relapse.

11. Can I detox from Hydrocodone using Suboxone? Yes. Suboxone is a highly effective medical treatment for dependence on prescription painkillers like Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Norco, Lortab). Because Hydrocodone is a short-acting opioid, the transition to Suboxone is generally straightforward and provides immediate relief. Once the medication is started, it blocks the opioid receptors in the brain, effectively stopping withdrawal sickness and suppressing cravings so you can stabilize quickly and break the cycle of pill use.

12. Can I detox from Morphine using Suboxone? Yes. Suboxone is highly effective for detoxing from morphine (OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet). Because morphine is typically a short-acting opioid, the transition to Suboxone is often very responsive and provides rapid relief. The medication works by occupying the opioid receptors in your brain, which eliminates the physical sickness of withdrawal and blocks cravings, allowing you to stabilize physically so you can focus on your recovery without pain.

13. Can I switch from Methadone to Suboxone? Yes, switching is possible and very common, but it requires a specific medical process because Methadone stays in the body much longer than other opioids. To switch safely without triggering "precipitated withdrawal" (severe, immediate sickness), you generally need to work with your doctor to taper your Methadone dose down to a specific low level (typically 30mg or less) before starting Suboxone. Dr. Westcott specializes in managing this transition to ensure you make the switch safely and comfortably.

14. How quickly does Suboxone stop withdrawals? Once you take your first appropriate dose during induction, relief from withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, nausea, body aches) usually begins within 20 to 45 minutes.

15. Will Suboxone make me feel "high"? If you have an opioid tolerance, Suboxone will not get you high. Its goal is to make you feel "normal" and stable. You may feel a slight increase in energy or mood initially simply because you are no longer sick, but it does not produce the intense euphoria associated with drug abuse.

Daily Life & Long-Term Recovery


​16. How long do I need to stay on Suboxone? There is no set time limit. Some patients taper off after 6–12 months, while others stay on maintenance medication for years to prevent relapse. Research shows that patients who stay on MAT for at least 1–2 years have significantly higher success rates than those who quit short-term.

17. Does Medical Therapy accept insurance to cover office visits?  No, we do not accept insurance. Our mission is to make addiction treatment available to as many people as possible. By operating on a direct-pay model and declining insurance, we eliminate the high administrative costs and overhead associated with claims processing. We pass those savings directly to you, keeping our fees low so that high-quality medical care remains accessible to everyone.

18. What happens if I miss a dose? Suboxone is a long-acting medication, meaning it stays in your system up to 60 hours. If you miss a single dose, you will not feel withdrawal symptoms immediately. You should take your missed dose as soon as you remember, but NEVER double up on doses.
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19. Can I drink alcohol while on Suboxone? It is strongly advised not to drink alcohol while taking Suboxone. Mixing alcohol (a depressant) with buprenorphine can dangerously slow down your breathing and increase the risk of sedation, blackout, or overdose.
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​Safety & Side Effects


​21. Is it possible to overdose on Suboxone? It is very difficult to overdose on Suboxone alone due to its "ceiling effect"—taking more of the drug does not increase its respiratory depression effects after a certain point. However, mixing it with benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) or alcohol can be fatal.

22. Can I take Suboxone if I am pregnant? Yes.  It prevents withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous for the fetus, and reduces the risk of relapse.

23. What are the most common side effects of Suboxone? Common side effects include headache, nausea, sweating, constipation, and insomnia. These often subside after the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.

24. Will Suboxone rot my teeth? The FDA has issued a warning that buprenorphine dissolved in the mouth can cause dental problems like cavities or tooth decay. To prevent this, rinse your mouth gently with water after the medication has completely dissolved, and wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth. I have never seen this problem in my practice.

25. Do I really need counseling, or can I just take the medication? Medication handles the physical dependency, but counseling handles the psychological issues, that we all have. Studies consistently show that patients who combine medication with counseling (CBT, group therapy, or peer support) have much better long-term sobriety rates than those who rely on medication alone. 

Pricing & Privacy

​To guarantee your privacy, we operate on a Direct-Pay model. We do not accept insurance, which removes administrative overhead. This keeps our costs low and ensures treatment is accessible to as many patients as possible, while keeping your medical records strictly confidential. Payment is due at the time of service, and be made with cash, debit card, or credit card.

Intake + First Month

$200
One-Time Charge

Established Patients

$150/$155
Monthly

Effective January 1, 2026, there will be a $5.00 charge for Credit, Debit, and HSA Cards.
We provide full administrative support for Prior Authorizations to help you secure coverage for your prescriptions.
​No hidden fees.  No lab fees.  No surprise billings.

​ Location & Hours

Address

​Medical Therapy Associates
​3700 N Classen Blvd, #200
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Hours: Our hours vary, but we 
carry the phone 7 days a week
and answer at reasonable
times. Please leave a message
​& we will return your call shortly.

Phone: (405) 840-4800

​By Appointment Only

Service Area

Oklahoma City, Edmond, Deer Creek, Enid, Ponca City, Tulsa, Ardmore, Paul's Valley, Fairview, Elk City, Norman, Weatherford, Jenks, Sand Springs, Moore, Piedmont, Yukon, Midwest City, Del City, Bethany, Mustang, Tuttle, Newcastle, Noble, Jones, Chandler, Choctaw, Shawnee, Warr Acres, The Village, Nichols Hills, El Reno, Blanchard, Spencer, Bethany, Luther, and Guthrie.


​​​Crisis Resources

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​If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 in Oklahoma. For medical emergencies, dial 911. 
​Medical Disclaimer: The content provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship with Medical Therapy Associates or Dr. Robert Westcott. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. ​All medication management and prescriptions are authorized solely at the discretion of Medical Therapy physicians and based on individual and in-person medical assessment. Terms and conditions apply to treatment at Medical Therapy Associates.

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