Question 1

What is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

How does Suboxone work?

Accepted Answer

Suboxone contains two ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it attaches to opioid receptors to relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings without producing the same high as drugs like oxycodone or heroin. Naloxone is added as a misuse deterrent—it has little effect when the medication is taken under the tongue, but it can block opioid effects if the medication is tampered with or injected.

Question 3

Is taking Suboxone just trading one addiction for another?

Accepted Answer

No. Starting Suboxone is not starting a new addiction, but rather treating an old addiction. Addiction is not simply about physical dependence; it involves continued use despite harm. 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. We focus on weaning patients off Suboxone.

Question 4

Will Suboxone show up on a standard employment drug test?

Accepted Answer

Maybe. Most standard 5-panel or 10-panel employment drug screens test for opiates like heroin, morphine, and codeine, but not buprenorphine (the active ingredient in Suboxone). Buprenorphine requires a specific, separate test to be detected. However, over the past few years, several large employers have added Suboxone to their standard drug screens.

Question 5

What is the difference between Suboxone and Methadone?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How long do I have to wait to take Suboxone after using opioids?

Accepted Answer

This is important! You must wait until you are in moderate withdrawal before taking your first dose of Suboxone. This is typically 16–18 hours for short-acting opioids like heroin or oxycodone and 48–72 hours or longer for long-acting opioids like methadone or fentanyl. Taking Suboxone too soon can cause precipitated withdrawal.

Question 7

What is precipitated withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

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 severe withdrawal. This is why it is critical to be honest with your doctor about the last time you used. Remember, we are here to help keep you comfortable, not judge, so always be honest about all of the substances you have used so that Dr. Westcott can treat you accordingly.

Question 8

Can I detox from fentanyl using Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

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, Dr. Westcott may use other approaches to keep you comfortable while transitioning you to Suboxone.

Question 9

Can I detox from tramadol using Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Suboxone is a highly effective treatment for detoxing from tramadol, or 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 from tramadol to Suboxone, ensuring your comfort while carefully monitoring your safety during the process.

Question 10

Can I detox from heroin using Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

Can I detox from hydrocodone using Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

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 effective relief. Once the medication is started, it blocks the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing sickness and suppressing cravings so you can stabilize quickly and break the cycle of hydrocodone use.

Question 12

Can I detox from morphine using Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Suboxone is highly effective for detoxing from morphine, a short-acting opioid. The transition from morphine to Suboxone 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.

Question 13

Can I switch from methadone to Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

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, or severe sickness, you generally need to work with your doctor to taper your methadone dose down to a specific low level before starting Suboxone. Dr. Westcott specializes in managing this transition to ensure you make the switch safely and comfortably.

Question 14

How quickly does Suboxone stop withdrawals?

Accepted Answer

Once you take your first appropriate dose during induction, relief from withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, nausea, and body aches usually begins within 20 to 45 minutes. However, this depends on your history of opioid use and your physical condition. Dr. Westcott will work with you to identify the appropriate dose to ensure your comfort.

Question 15

Will Suboxone make me feel high?

Accepted Answer

If you have an opioid tolerance, Suboxone will not make you feel euphoric, or 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.

Question 16

How long do I need to stay on Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your treatment plan. Some patients taper off a few months after beginning treatment. Dr. Westcott will work with you to make sure you remain comfortable as you taper off Suboxone. The key is preventing relapse. Research shows that time plays a role in the success rates for patients on Medication-Assisted Treatment, and Dr. Westcott will determine that timeline based on your treatment history.

Question 17

Does Medical Therapy accept insurance to cover office visits?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

What happens if I miss a dose?

Accepted Answer

Suboxone is a long-acting medication, meaning it stays in your system up to 60 hours. If you miss a single dose, you should not feel withdrawal symptoms right away. However, you should take your missed dose as soon as you remember. NEVER double up on doses.

Question 19

Can I drink alcohol while on Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

It is strongly advised not to drink alcohol while taking Suboxone. Mixing alcohol, which is a depressant, with buprenorphine can dangerously slow down your breathing and increase the risk of sedation, blackout, or overdose.

Question 20

Is it possible to overdose on Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

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 such as Xanax, Valium, or alcohol can be fatal.

Question 21

Can I take Suboxone if I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

The FDA states that using Suboxone during pregnancy for Opioid Use Disorder is recommended when benefits outweigh risks, as untreated OUD poses greater harm. If you are pregnant, talk to our medical team and your obstetrician before beginning treatment so you can make an informed decision. If you are planning to become pregnant, our medical team will discuss options with you, including completing your treatment prior to pregnancy.

Question 22

What are the most common side effects of Suboxone?

Accepted Answer

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. Other side effects are possible and may vary from person to person.

Question 23

Will Suboxone rot my teeth?

Accepted Answer

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 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. If you are concerned about tooth decay, please consult with your dentist for advice on dental care during your treatment.

Question 24

Do I really need counseling, or can I just take the medication?

Accepted Answer

Medication treats physical dependency, but counseling is required to treat the addiction. It is important to treat the psychological issues behind your addiction. Studies consistently show that patients who combine medication with counseling have much better long-term sobriety rates than those who rely on medication alone.

Medically Assisted Addiction Treatment in Oklahoma City

Opioid Addiction Treatment Specialists

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