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How Do I Prepare For The First Suboxone Detox Visit?
It is very important to arrive for your 1st visit already experiencing mild to moderate opioid withdrawal symptoms. If you are in withdrawal, Suboxone buprenorphine) will help lessen the symptoms. However, if you are not in withdrawal, buprenorphine will “override” the opioids already in your system, which will cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
The following guidelines are provided to ensure that you are in withdrawal for the visit. (If this concerns you, it may help to schedule your first visit in the morning: some patients find it easiest to skip what would normally be their first dose of the day.)
- No methadone or long-acting painkillers for at least 24 hours
- No heroin or short-acting painkillers for at least 4 to 6 hours
To help ensure that SUBOXONE is the best treatment option for you, the doctor will perform a substance dependence assessment and mental status evaluation. In addition, you and your physician will discuss SUBOXONE treatment, what it involves, and what your expectations of treatment are.
After this initial intake, your doctor will give you a dose of SUBOXONE. Your response to the medication will be evaluated after 1 hour and possibly again after 2 hours. Once the doctor is comfortable with your response, you will be allowed to go home. The doctor will schedule your next visit and give you directions for taking your medication at home. In addition, you will receive instructions on how to contact your doctor in case of emergency, as well as information about your treatment.
You may not want to return to work or school after your visit—this is very normal, so please plan accordingly.
Because SUBOXONE can cause drowsiness and slow reaction times, particularly during the 1st few weeks of treatment, driving yourself home after the 1st visit is generally not recommended, so you may want to make arrangements for a ride home
What is the youngest age group you can treat?
We can treat adolescents over 16 with parental permission and have considerable experience working with teen and college age patients along with their parents.
How often do I see the doctor and therapists?
During opioid detoxification with suboxone over 10-14 days, you are generally seen by the doctor for the first three days for drug titration, then every few days thereafter. If you will be receiving suboxone maintenance treatment, you will typically see the doctor monthly after your dose is properly titrated. Therapist visits vary but are typically weekly.
For alcohol treatment not requiring detox, you are usually seen by the doctor every two weeks and by the therapist weekly for the first three months after which the time between visits is usually lengthened considerably.
Do I see the doctor and therapist at the same location? What about optional group sessions?
All medical, individual and group therapy sessions are conveniently
located at our
Alpharetta facility.
What about AA, NA and similar groups?
Your therapist will make recommendations depending on your individual situation. Ultimately, you decide if these groups are right for you.
Do you treat other medical conditions along with substance abuse, dependence or addiction?
Our physician may prescribe antidepressants or other medication to address obvious psychiatric conditions that may prevent or hinder recovery. If coexisting psychiatric issues are complex or severe, a referral for psychiatric consultation may be made. Northwest Behavioral Medicine psychiatrists are available as necessary for consultation purposes.
How confidential is treatment at your facility?
Our staff is well-trained to ensure the utmost privacy and confidentiality for each patient. Medical records are handled according to strict HIPAA privacy protocols.
We are happy to see selected patients from out of town who can make the time commitment for adequate initial stabilization as well as for follow-up visits in our clinic. Patients will sometimes come to Atlanta for medical treatment only and obtain counseling services in their home community.