Getting help for opioid addiction doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as you might think it is. If you’re looking for recovery options in New Jersey, Suboxone treatment is one of the most popular and effective tools available today. Designed to make recovery easier, more manageable, and longer-lasting, it can be a great option whether you’re at the beginning of your healing journey or have been trying to recover for some time now.
This guide will walk you through:
- What Suboxone is and how it works
- What Suboxone treatment might look like and what to expect
- How long Suboxone treatment usually lasts
- How therapy fits in with this kind of treatment
- Where to find Suboxone treatment in New Jersey
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid use, Lifetime Recovery is here to help you feel less alone. Our team understands the complexities of treating an addiction and can work with you to find the right treatment program for your needs. Whether you’re wanting to schedule your first appointment or you’re simply seeking information, feel free to contact us at any time for support.
What Is Suboxone and How Does It Work?
Suboxone is a medication that helps treat opioid use disorder (OUD) by easing withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and lowering the risk of relapse. It contains two active ingredients:
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that attaches to the same receptors in the brain as opioids like heroin or oxycodone, but without producing the same intense high. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without creating a sense of euphoria.
- Naloxone: An opioid antagonist that discourages misuse. If someone tries to inject Suboxone, naloxone blocks the opioid effects and can trigger immediate withdrawal.
Together, these two ingredients help stabilize your brain and body so that you can focus on healing instead of constantly battling cravings and physical discomfort. Suboxone is typically used as part of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), an evidence-based approach that uses medication, therapy, and other tools to address every aspect of addiction.
What to Expect From a Suboxone Treatment Program
Suboxone treatments are tailored to your needs, health history, and where you are at in your recovery. While each plan looks different, most follow a similar structure:
Initial Assessment
Most programs begin with a comprehensive evaluation during which a medical provider will assess your overall health, substance use history, and any co-occurring conditions to create a personalized treatment plan. This phase focuses on:
- Understanding your physical and mental health
- Determining whether Suboxone is the right medication for you
- Collaborating with you on a plan that includes your Suboxone dose, therapy options, and long-term goals
The treatment plan may include a combination of medication, counseling, peer support, and lifestyle changes, built specifically around whatever it is you need to recover.
Suboxone Administration
During this phase, you’ll start treatment with Suboxone. It usually occurs in the early stages of opioid withdrawal—typically 12 to 24 hours after your last use. You’ll also:
- Receive detailed instructions on how to prepare for your first dose
- Be monitored by your provider, with your dosage adjusted as needed
- Get support for any side effects and withdrawal symptoms to keep you comfortable
Since Suboxone contains buprenorphine and naloxone, it works by partially activating the opioid receptors in the brain, reducing cravings and withdrawal without producing the euphoric effects of other opioids. This keeps you physically stable, making the emotional work associated with recovery feel much more manageable.
Stabilization
Once your dose of Suboxone is working consistently, you’ll enter the stabilization phase. This part of treatment involves:
- Taking Suboxone regularly
- Having your dosage modified based on how your body is responding
- Engaging in therapy to address the emotional and behavioral aspects of recovery
- Joining support groups for advice and encouragement
- Beginning the process of rebuilding your life
Many people report fewer cravings during this time, along with the ability to return to work and focus on things other than their addiction again. It’s about adjusting to life without the influence of opioids.
Maintenance
In the maintenance phase, you’ll learn how to maintain your progress long term. You’ll continue working with your care team to:
- Maintain the right dose of medication
- Monitor any physical or emotional changes
- Change your treatment plan as necessary
- Explore the option of gradually coming off of Suboxone when (and if) you’re ready
You might continue participating in therapy or going to support groups, but you may also shift your focus to other healthy routines like exercising, eating right, leaning into healthier relationships, or focusing on your career. The goal is to help you stay grounded, avoid relapse, and create meaningful changes that will last.
How Long Does Suboxone Treatment Last?
Some people only take Suboxone for a few months, while others are on it for a lifetime. The length of the treatment process will depend on your specific needs, and there’s no “right” amount of time to stay on the medication. Some factors that may influence how long you take Suboxone include:
- How long you’ve been addicted to opioids
- The severity of your withdrawal symptoms or cravings
- Whether you have co-occurring disorders, like a mental health condition
- How strong your support system is at home
- How your body is responding to the medication over time
Despite your length of treatment, what matters most is that you feel healthy, supported, stable, and confident.
The Role of Therapy in Suboxone Treatment
Most Suboxone treatment programs include counseling or therapy as part of the healing process, such as:
- Individual therapies like CBT, DBT, or EMDR to help you explore what may have led to your addiction. Common root causes are depression, anxiety, grief, or trauma.
- Group therapy to receive support and connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
- Family therapy to help rebuild your relationships and communication at home.
- Relapse prevention education to equip you with strategies and coping skills to support long-term sobriety.
- Peer support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for both community and accountability.
Suboxone tends to work most effectively when combined with therapy. Even if you tried it in the past and it didn’t seem to work, the right provider, timing, and approach can make a difference. It may be worth giving it another shot.
Start Healing with Suboxone Treatment in New Jersey
Suboxone is a tool for opioid dependence that can help you feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally. However, it’s not the only addiction treatment option. At Lifetime Recovery, our focus is on treating OUD with care, respect, and evidence-based support.
No matter which program you choose, our goal is always on helping you regain control over your life and work toward a healthier future. Contact us today to learn more about our programs, verify your insurance coverage, or schedule an intake appointment.
Resources:
- https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/education-docs/mat-program-overview_2-12-2019239e2b9472bc604ca5b7ff000030b21a.pdf
- https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2006/0501/p1573.html
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-myths-about-using-suboxone-to-treat-opiate-addiction-2018032014496
- https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/psychotherapy/
