Opiate addicted individuals who receive counseling and Suboxone (buprenophine-naloxone) have substantially better outcomes than those who receive the standard treatment of short-term detoxification and counseling according to a 2008 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Opioids include heroin, morphine and prescription painkillers such as Vicodin and OxyContin.

Suboxone is a medication containing buprenorphine and naloxone, in a single tablet. Buprenorphine-which has been used successfully as a treatment for heroin and other opiate addictions -- works by acting on the brain's opiate receptors to relieve withdrawal and cravings without prompting the same intense high or dangerous side effects as other opioids. When combined with naloxone, buprenorphine’s abuse potential is further limited because people who inject it experience severe withdrawal symptoms. However, when Suboxone is taken orally, as prescribed, these adverse effects do not occur.

We have found Suboxone to be a highly successful treatment for opioid addicts, and a complement to a more comprehensive treatment program.