About Suboxone Maintenance Treatment

Suboxone maintenance treatment is one treatment method for opioid use disorder. The treatment method is called opioid substitution therapy.

About Suboxone Maintenance Treatment

Suboxone Maintenance Treatment (SMT), helps to prevent opioid withdrawal and prevents or eliminates drug cravings. It involves the prescription of suboxone as an alternative to the opiate which a person is addicted to. Central to SMT is the provision of counselling, case management and other medical services to help the patient change addictive behaviour and get back on their feet.

Suboxone is a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone. It is most commonly used to treat addiction to other opiates such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). It is a synthetic opioid meaning it is made with chemicals in a lab rather than being derived from plants like heroine.

How the SMT Program Works

The program is based on an Outpatient Harm Reduction Model, and consists of 5 steps:

  • An initial intake interview and registration
  • A physician consultation, medical examination, and laboratory tests where appropriate
  • Creation of a personalized treatment plan
  • Dispensing a treatment regimen of Suboxone, which may be taken at home
  • Personal counselling and regular medical and drug testing follow-up throughout the course of treatment

How Suboxone is Taken

Suboxone is dispensed as a small tablet, which is taken "sub-lingaully", which means it is held under the tongue and allowed to dissolve.

While the tablet is dissolving, it is important not to chew or swallow it because the medicine will not work as well.

Talking while the tablet is dissolving can affect how well the medicine is absorbed.

Benefits of Suboxone Maintenance Treatment

Research indicates that Suboxone Maintenance Treatment (SMT) is effective in:

  • Reducing the use of opioids and other substances (including some narcotics like cocaine)
  • Reducing the incidence and risk of criminal activity related to drug use
  • Reducing mortality and improving life-expectancy
  • Reducing risk related to injection
  • Reducing other risk behaviours for the transmission of HIV and other STDs
  • Reducing the risk of Hepatitis C and other blood-borne pathogens
  • Improving physical and mental health
  • Improving social functioning and quality of life
  • Improving pregnancy outcomes
Back to Opioids
Get Help Now
Call Us
Vanier Clinic:
613-763-6882
Bells Corners Clinic
613-903-6006
Cornwall Clinic
613-703-0270
Byward Market Clinic
613-454-0321Family Medicine
Contact Form
Contact Form
Call Us
Vanier Clinic:
613-763-6882
Bells Corners Clinic:
613-903-6006
Cornwall Clinic:
613-703-0270
Get Help Now
map-markerarrow-circle-uppie-chartarrow-right-circlechevron-down-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram