Sublocade vs. Suboxone: Which is Right for You?

At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we understand that choosing the right medication for opioid use disorder is a critical step in achieving lasting recovery. Our practice offers advanced treatment options, including Sublocade and Suboxone, each tailored to meet unique patient needs, lifestyles, and recovery goals.

Sublocade is an extended-release injectable medication containing buprenorphine. Administered monthly by our experienced healthcare providers, Sublocade slowly releases medication over the course of one month, providing stable and consistent therapeutic effects. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without the need for daily medication, greatly improving adherence and reducing the risk of medication misuse or diversion. Sublocade is typically recommended once patients have been stabilized on oral buprenorphine.

Suboxone, another effective treatment option offered at Ascension Solutions Treatment, is a sublingual film or tablet composed of buprenorphine and naloxone. Taken daily by patients, Suboxone dissolves under the tongue or inside the cheek. The naloxone component in Suboxone specifically helps deter medication misuse. When used as directed, Suboxone effectively manages cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing patients greater flexibility in dosage adjustments and daily medication control.

Our compassionate and experienced clinical team carefully evaluates each patient’s medical history, personal lifestyle, and recovery objectives to determine the most appropriate medication. Whether Sublocade or Suboxone best suits your individual situation, our providers will guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring you receive personalized care and effective treatment that aligns with your long-term recovery goals.

If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid dependence, contact Ascension Solutions Treatment today to discuss your treatment options and take the first step towards a healthier, substance-free future.

We are committed to providing individualized, compassionate care to support long-term recovery from opioid dependence. Among the evidence-based treatment options we offer are Sublocade and Suboxone, both FDA-approved medications containing buprenorphine, a proven medication that effectively decreases opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Choosing the most appropriate medication-assisted treatment is essential for achieving sustained recovery, and Sublocade presents several distinct advantages over traditional daily Suboxone therapy.

One significant benefit of Sublocade is enhanced medication adherence and consistency. As a monthly injectable administered directly by our trained healthcare professionals, Sublocade eliminates the potential for missed doses or inconsistent medication schedules that can occur with daily self-administered Suboxone. This consistent dosing ensures stable medication levels, providing continuous symptom relief and decreasing the risk of relapse.

Another advantage we highlight for our patients is the increased convenience and reduced treatment burden associated with Sublocade. With monthly injections, our patients no longer need to remember daily medication schedules, carry medication, or disrupt their daily routines. We recognize that this level of convenience can significantly improve our patients’ quality of life, reduce medication-related anxiety, and foster greater independence in their recovery journey.

Additionally, Sublocade offers a reduced risk of medication misuse or diversion. Because Sublocade injections are administered exclusively by our healthcare providers in a controlled, clinical environment, the potential for medication misuse or diversion is significantly minimized. This structured approach can be particularly beneficial for patients who have previously struggled with medication misuse or those who require a supportive, supervised treatment regimen to maintain their path toward recovery.

Finally, Sublocade provides stable, consistent medication levels throughout the month, eliminating the fluctuations and “peaks and troughs” that can occur with daily medication use. By providing steady symptom control and reduced cravings, Sublocade supports improved treatment outcomes, promotes long-term recovery, and helps patients at Ascension Solutions Treatment achieve greater stability in their lives.

Our goal is to provide personalized, compassionate care in treating opioid addiction, utilizing advanced, evidence-based medication-assisted treatments such as Sublocade and Suboxone. Both medications are highly effective and have specific advantages and considerations tailored to different patient needs.

Suboxone, available as a sublingual film or tablet, has traditionally been a widely utilized option due to its convenience and flexibility. Patients taking Suboxone can administer it daily at home under our medical team’s supervision. This medication effectively reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing our patients to achieve greater stability and actively engage in ongoing recovery efforts. However, its daily administration requires consistent patient adherence and discipline. While the inclusion of naloxone in Suboxone reduces the risk of intravenous misuse, daily dosing still carries some potential for medication diversion or improper use.

Sublocade, in contrast, is an innovative extended-release injectable formulation administered monthly at our clinic by a qualified healthcare provider. This method provides a consistent, controlled release of buprenorphine throughout the month, eliminating the need for daily self-administration. At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we’ve observed that Sublocade can significantly improve patient adherence, reduce the risk of medication misuse or diversion, and stabilize blood levels of buprenorphine, resulting in fewer fluctuations in cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Emerging research suggests that Sublocade may enhance patient outcomes by promoting sustained adherence, more effectively reducing cravings, and lowering the likelihood of relapse compared to daily oral or sublingual medication options. For patients facing challenges with daily medication adherence or who have a higher risk of medication diversion, Sublocade often presents an ideal solution. Conversely, Suboxone may better suit patients who prefer flexibility, direct control over medication intake, or those with established stable patterns of adherence.

We recognize that each patient’s recovery journey is unique. Our experienced providers carefully evaluate each individual’s lifestyle, personal preferences, adherence history, and overall health profile to collaboratively determine the optimal treatment approach. We encourage open dialogue and thorough discussions about the benefits and considerations of both Sublocade and Suboxone, empowering our patients to confidently choose the most suitable and effective treatment plan for their long-term recovery.

At Ascension Solutions Treatment, we specialize in individualized care for patients struggling with opioid dependence, offering advanced medically-assisted treatment options such as Sublocade and Suboxone. Both medications provide effective relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but differ significantly in their method of administration and duration of effect, allowing us to tailor treatment plans to best suit each patient’s needs.

Sublocade, a monthly injectable formulation of buprenorphine, is administered by our experienced healthcare providers. After a single injection beneath the skin, Sublocade steadily releases medication into the bloodstream, providing stable, continuous therapeutic levels throughout the entire month. This sustained-release feature eliminates the need for daily dosing and provides a convenient solution for patients who have difficulty maintaining daily medication adherence or prefer fewer clinic visits.

In contrast, Suboxone—another medication we offer at Ascension Solutions Treatment—is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, available as a daily oral film or tablet. Its effects typically last around 24 hours, requiring consistent daily administration to effectively control opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

By providing both Sublocade and Suboxone, Ascension Solutions Treatment empowers our patients with personalized solutions, addressing their unique lifestyle considerations and treatment preferences. Our goal is to ensure every patient receives the most appropriate, convenient, and effective care, supporting lasting recovery and improved quality of life. Do not hesitate to contact us today or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located in Peachtree Corners GA and Asheville NC. We serve patients from Peachtree Corners GA, Asheville NC, Swannanoa NC, Johns Creek GA, Woodfin NC, Biltmore Forest NC, Fairview, NC, Roswell GA, Dunwoody GA, Pittsburg GA, Western North Carolina, and the surrounding areas.