Opioid addiction is serious — fortunately, there are good treatment options available. South Coast Behavioral Health is a suboxone clinic in Oklahoma City dedicated to providing top quality opioid addiction treatment. Read on to learn more.
What Is Suboxone and How Does It Work?
Suboxone is a special 4:1 formulation of buprenorphine and naloxone (Narcan). Naloxone is designed to induce withdrawal when injected. This is important because it means, unlike methadone, suboxone is practically impossible to abuse.
Here’s how it works:
- When injected, it rapidly reverses opioid overdoses, restoring normal breathing, as well as inducing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
- However, when administered sublingually (dissolved under the tongue), withdrawal symptoms are not induced.
Because intravenous injections are a popular method of abusing prescription medications to get high, this means the naloxone component of suboxone incentivizes taking the medication as prescribed and discourages abuse.
This abuse deterrent is what makes attending a suboxone clinic in OKC a great way to deal with opioid addiction. Studies indicate the use of suboxone lowers the risk of fatal overdose by approximately 50%. Suboxone is also associated with shorter treatment times than methadone.
Buprenorphine + Naloxone Explained
Buprenorphine was developed as an alternative to methadone, which can be abused to get high. The main mechanism which limits buprenorphine abuse is its ceiling effect – past a certain point, more buprenorphine won’t lead to a greater high. This means a lower chance of abuse or overdose.
Buprenorphine is also easier to obtain than methadone. It can be prescribed in a doctor’s office and used at home. This makes it easier to fulfill work and other responsibilities while undergoing treatment.
Naloxone, as mentioned earlier, is a drug designed to block the effects of opioids and prevent overdose by inducing withdrawal symptoms. It’s most commonly known by the brand name Narcan. If the medication is injected rather than taken orally or sublingually (as prescribed), naloxone can trigger immediate withdrawal symptoms, acting as a deterrent.
Why It’s Used in MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment)
Suboxone is a key component of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) because it helps people recover from opioid addiction in a safe, controlled way. Here’s why it’s widely used:
- Reduces Cravings and Withdrawal – Buprenorphine eases the physical symptoms of withdrawal and reduces the urge to use opioids, helping individuals stabilize in early recovery.
- Lowers Risk of Relapse – By minimizing cravings and blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, Suboxone makes relapse less likely, especially during high-risk periods.
- Improves Treatment Retention – People taking Suboxone are more likely to stay engaged in long-term recovery programs, which leads to better outcomes.
- Supports Whole-Person Recovery – MAT combines medication like Suboxone with counseling and behavioral therapy, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Because of its safety profile and effectiveness, Suboxone has become one of the most commonly prescribed medications for opioid use disorder in outpatient treatment settings.
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Call 866-881-1184What to Expect from Suboxone Clinic OKC Treatment
If you’re considering a suboxone clinic in Oklahoma City, understanding what to expect can help ease any uncertainties.
Here’s a general overview of the process and services offered:
- Initial Assessment – You’ll begin with a comprehensive medical and substance use evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – Suboxone clinics in OKC combine suboxone with counseling and behavioral therapy to address both physical dependence and mental health.
- Counseling Services – Most clinics offer individual therapy, group counseling, and sometimes family support to help you build long-term coping strategies.
- Flexible Scheduling – Many clinics offer evening, weekend, and telehealth appointments to accommodate busy schedules or transportation issues.
- Insurance and Payment Options – Suboxone clinics in OKC often accept Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Sliding scale fees or payment plans may also be available.
This combination of medical support, therapy, and accessibility helps create a well-rounded recovery experience in Oklahoma City.
Who Is Eligible for Suboxone Treatment?
Suboxone treatment in OKC is a good idea for anyone who is diagnosed with opioid use disorder. There’s clinical criteria a person has to meet to receive this diagnosis, including:
- Strong cravings – A powerful desire or urge to use opioids.
- Loss of control – Taking more opioids than intended, or using them over a longer period than planned.
- Repeated failed attempts to quit – Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use.
- Significant time spent – A great deal of time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from opioid use.
- Neglect of responsibilities – Failure to fulfill obligations at work, school, or home due to opioid use.
- Social or interpersonal problems – Continued use despite relationship issues caused or worsened by use.
- Giving up important activities – Reduction or abandonment of social, occupational, or recreational activities.
- Use in hazardous situations – Using opioids in physically dangerous settings (e.g., while driving).
- Continued use despite harm – Ongoing use despite knowing it’s causing or worsening physical or mental issues.
- Tolerance – Needing more opioids to achieve the same effect, or reduced effect with the same amount.
- Withdrawal – Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using, or using opioids to avoid withdrawal.
A diagnosis of opioid use disorder typically requires meeting at least two of these criteria within a 12-month period. The severity increases with the number of criteria met. Those who meet the criteria should seek suboxone clinic OKC treatment as soon as possible.
Looking for quality substance abuse treatment that’s also affordable? South Coast accepts most major insurance providers. Get a free insurance benefits check now.
Check Your CoverageHow Suboxone Helps People Recover from Opioid Dependence
Suboxone plays a critical role in helping people recover from opioid dependence by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.
Here’s how it supports the recovery process:
- Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms – Suboxone clinic OKC treatment eases painful withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients to stabilize without the intense discomfort that often leads to relapse.
- Decreases Cravings – By partially stimulating opioid receptors, suboxone helps control cravings and reduces the compulsion to use other opioids.
- Blocks the High from Other Opioids – Suboxone has a ceiling effect and binds strongly to receptors, making it harder for other opioids to produce a euphoric high if taken.
- Supports Long-Term Maintenance – Suboxone can be used as part of a maintenance plan, helping individuals remain opioid-free for months or even years while rebuilding their lives.
- Enables Focus on Recovery – With the physical symptoms under control, patients can engage more fully in counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes essential for long-term recovery.
- Lower Risk of Overdose – Unlike full opioid agonists, suboxone carries a reduced risk of overdose, especially when taken as prescribed.
When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy and support, Suboxone gives individuals a real opportunity to regain control and move toward lasting recovery.
Our OKC Suboxone Program: What Sets Us Apart
At South Coast Behavioral Health, our OKC drug and alcohol rehab center, we aim to provide comprehensive, individualized care for those battling opioid dependence.
Here’s what distinguishes our approach:
We offer a full spectrum of treatment options to support every stage of recovery:
- Medical Detoxification: 24/7 medically supervised detox to manage withdrawal symptoms safely.
- Residential Treatment: Structured inpatient programs focusing on intensive therapy and support.
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Daytime treatment with clinical support, allowing patients to return home in the evenings.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible scheduling for continued therapy and support while integrating back into daily life.
Our goal is to provide a welcoming environment for all seeking recovery.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery journey, South Coast Behavioral Health in Oklahoma City is here to support you every step of the way.
- Compared to methadone, Suboxone is associated with lower mortality but also less time in treatment – Recovery Research Institute
- Opioid Use Disorder – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- Higher buprenorphine doses associated with improved retention in treatment for opioid use disorder | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
