How Sublocade Works: The Science Behind OUD Treatment

We are committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder. One of the advanced treatment options we offer is Sublocade, a prescription medication approved for moderate to severe opioid use disorder in adults.

Sublocade is administered as a once-monthly injection right here in our clinic by our experienced healthcare professionals. Its active ingredient, buprenorphine, is a partial opioid agonist. This means it attaches to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids, but with less intensity, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, without causing the same high or risk of overdose associated with full opioid agonists.

At MAPS for Recovery, Sublocade is integrated into a personalized, whole-person treatment plan that includes counseling and psychosocial support. Our team works closely with each patient to ensure they receive the support, education, and resources they need on their journey to lasting recovery.

At MAPS for Recovery, we are committed to offering our patients the most effective and evidence-based treatments for opioid use disorder. One of the advanced options we provide is Sublocade, a unique form of buprenorphine therapy, designed to support lasting recovery.

Unlike daily oral medications like Suboxone or generic buprenorphine/naloxone, Sublocade is given as a once-monthly injection right here at MAPS for Recovery by our medical team. This means you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day or worry about storing your medication at home.

Benefits for Our Patients:

• Consistency and Convenience: With Sublocade, you receive a steady dose of medication all month long, reducing the risk of missed doses and helping to keep withdrawal symptoms and cravings under control.
• Reduced Risk of Misuse: Because Sublocade is administered in our clinic and cannot be taken home, it minimizes the potential for diversion or misuse, offering you and your loved ones additional peace of mind.
• Enhanced Support and Accountability: Receiving your treatment in person at MAPS for Recovery means you benefit from ongoing professional monitoring, medical support, and encouragement at every visit.

Sublocade is typically recommended for patients who have already stabilized on oral buprenorphine and are ready for the next step in their recovery journey. It can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty sticking to a daily medication schedule, travel often, or face other challenges with daily dosing.

By incorporating Sublocade into our comprehensive recovery programs, we aim to reduce barriers to success, promote medication adherence, and support our patients every step of the way. If you’re interested in learning whether Sublocade is right for you, our team is here to guide you through your options and develop a personalized treatment plan.

At MAPS for Recovery, we are committed to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care for adults struggling with moderate to severe opioid use disorder. As part of our individualized treatment plans, we offer Sublocade—a prescription medication designed to support long-term recovery.

Sublocade is typically recommended for individuals who have already started treatment with a transmucosal buprenorphine-containing product, such as Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), and have achieved a stable dose for at least seven days. This ensures that the patient can tolerate buprenorphine and reduces the risk of withdrawal or side effects when transitioning to the monthly Sublocade injection.

We believe that medication-assisted treatment is most effective when combined with counseling and robust psychosocial support. Candidates for Sublocade should be committed to engaging in our full spectrum of recovery services, including therapy and regular follow-up appointments with our care team. Our integrated approach is designed to address both the physical and psychological aspects of opioid dependence.

Sublocade is not recommended for individuals who have a known sensitivity to buprenorphine or any component of the injection. It is only approved for adults, so is not suitable for adolescents or children. Additionally, patients with severe liver impairment or those currently using other opioids may not be appropriate candidates. Our experienced medical team will thoroughly assess your health history and current medications to ensure your safety.

At MAPS for Recovery, your safety and well-being are our top priorities as we work together on your recovery journey. If you are considering treatment with Sublocade—a monthly injectable medication for opioid use disorder—it’s essential to have a thorough conversation with your provider to ensure it’s the right choice for you.

Before starting Sublocade, we encourage you to share your full medical history with your MAPS care team. This includes any past or current liver or kidney issues, breathing difficulties, head injuries, mental health conditions, or allergies (especially to buprenorphine or any ingredients in Sublocade). Knowing your complete health background allows us to tailor your treatment plan and keep you safe.

Please inform your provider about all the medications, supplements, or vitamins you’re currently taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal remedies, as these can sometimes interact with Sublocade. It’s also vital to discuss any recent or current use of opioids, alcohol, or sedatives, as combining these substances with Sublocade can cause serious breathing problems.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, let your MAPS care team know. We will work closely with you to monitor your health and adjust your treatment if necessary, always considering the well-being of both you and your baby.

Because Sublocade is given as a monthly injection under the skin, please mention if you have any concerns about injections or have experienced skin reactions in the past. We want to make the experience as comfortable as possible for you.

At MAPS for Recovery, we believe in clear, open communication. Don’t hesitate to ask your provider about how Sublocade works, what to expect during treatment, how to recognize and manage side effects, or what to do if you miss a dose or have an emergency. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Austin TX, Georgetown TX, Leander TX, Jonestown TX, Cedar Park TX, Round Rock TX, Rollingwood, TX, Bluff Springs TX, Del Valle TX, and surrounding areas.