6 Ways to Find a Suboxone Clinic Near You
If you or a loved one are addicted to opioids, seeking a Suboxone clinic is one of the best steps you can take to recover. Opioid addiction is a challenging thing to go through, but there is help. Opioid dependence can be developed after taking prescribed medications, such as morphine or codeine, which are typically used to treat intense pain. If you use these medications for a longer period, your body will become naturally dependent on them and may constantly need them to feel well.
Addiction typically refers to a person wanting to get high versus dependence, which is usually when the body is reliant on the medication to function. Both are difficult to get through and should use the appropriate intervention strategies to avoid any emergency withdrawal. Below are six ways you can find treatment near you.
Talk to a Loved One
It can be hard to say that you need help, which is why talking to someone who knows you well may be a good starting point. Not only does this help you mentally get into the right mindset, but it also communicates to others that you want the help. If you are suffering from opioid addiction, it may be challenging to do research or understand what you are looking for. Opioids can change our brain’s chemicals and may make you feel drowsy, impulsive, itchy, or have you going through emotional mood swings. Reaching out to someone you trust can help you establish a team of those who may have more clarity to help.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you are getting opioids from a physician, then you likely have a doctor you have been working with that has been prescribing them to you. Medical professionals are aware of the risk of opioid use and will have resources that you can use to aid with withdrawal. They can also offer education on what you can expect throughout treatment and may have some options to help you work through symptoms. If you don’t feel comfortable with your doctor, there are other options available, such as calling hotlines or searching for nearby locations.
Refer to the National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment (NAABT)
Buprenorphine refers to a medication that helps treat opioid addiction. The National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment has excellent options to find a provider or for a provider to find patients. It has lists of frequently asked questions, how to save money on treatment, patient stories, online support communities, and tons of information on treatment. If you feel hesitant about getting help and want to learn more, it’s an excellent place to start. Using their find a provider option, you can also begin searching for treatment near you.
Use SAMHSA’S Provider Finder
SAMHSA stands for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. They have information on medication-assisted treatment as well as a practitioner locator for Buprenorphine. They have a multitude of information on general substance abuse and mental health issues, such as suicide prevention, living with mental illness, and how treatment options work. They also have information relating to programs that are offered across the nation like disaster response, evidence-based practices, and homelessness programs. SAMHSA also has a National Helpline that can help you find services.
Search for local Methadone & Suboxone® Clinics
Methadone and Suboxone can both help with opioid addiction. There are several differences between the two treatments. Methadone is an older treatment but has been recently found to become addictive due to its ability to be a painkiller. In response to this, Suboxone® was created to specifically fight addiction. It has 80% buprenorphine and 20% naloxone, which are used to block the effects of opioids. Combined, these block the feeling of being high and can keep withdrawal symptoms at bay. Both have side effects, and Suboxone® is typically the preferred method.
Use a simple google search to try and find Suboxone® clinics near you. Be sure to call and ask if they are accepting new patients and ask any questions that you may feel are pertinent to you. If you find yourself falling short, you can also try to find Methadone clinics, as they may also offer Suboxone treatments and may have some local resources for you. Be prepared to have to dig around, as many providers are only able to accept a certain number of patients or prescribe a certain number of treatments.
Contact Suboxone® Doctor
It’s important to reach out to a doctor who has experience working with Suboxone patients. Doing so will ensure that you’re in the right hands from the very first day and throughout your treatment process.
Starting treatment will be a difficult process. Prepare yourself mentally and come up with a support system, whether that means you are writing out daily affirmations, journaling, or talking to a friend regularly. Find ways that will help you through the process. Be ready to provide information when speaking to clinics or hotlines, such as your experience, insurance provider, and personal information. Write out a list of questions you may have, such as the cost, length of treatment, counseling, or therapy options, and when they will be able to see you. It is normal to have some hesitation when committing to programs, so be steadfast and remember why you are taking this path. Getting treatment is the best thing you can do for yourself!
