Your First Sublocade Shot Consultation: What to Expect

At MAPS for Recovery, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). One of the innovative treatment options we offer is Sublocade—a prescription medication used to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder in adults.

Sublocade contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist. This means that it activates opioid receptors in the brain, but to a much lesser degree than drugs like heroin or prescription painkillers. By binding to these receptors, Sublocade helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery journey.

Unlike daily medications such as sublingual buprenorphine films or tablets, Sublocade is administered as a once-monthly injection just under the skin by one of our experienced healthcare professionals at MAPS for Recovery. The medication is slowly released into the body over the course of a month, maintaining consistent levels and reducing the risk of missed doses or misuse.

At MAPS for Recovery, we believe successful treatment goes beyond medication alone. That’s why Sublocade is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, behavioral therapy, and ongoing psychosocial support. Sublocade is typically prescribed to patients who have already stabilized on a daily buprenorphine-containing medication and are ready for the convenience and consistency that monthly injections can provide.

At MAPS for Recovery, your journey toward healing begins with compassion, expertise, and a personalized approach. During your first Sublocade consultation, our dedicated team will take the time to get to know you—discussing your medical history, patterns of substance use, and any previous treatments you may have tried for opioid use disorder. We believe in open, honest conversations about your current symptoms, overall health, and, most importantly, your unique goals for recovery.

Our providers will explain what Sublocade is and how it works as a monthly injectable form of buprenorphine, fitting into a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plan tailored to your needs at MAPS for Recovery.

To ensure Sublocade is a safe and effective option for you, we’ll ask about any medications you’re currently taking, any allergies, and other health conditions. Your provider may also perform a physical examination and recommend laboratory tests—such as liver function tests or drug screenings—to get a complete picture of your health before starting treatment.

We’ll guide you step-by-step through the Sublocade injection process, including where and how the medication is given, and what side effects to watch for. Because Sublocade is intended for individuals who are already stabilized on a buprenorphine-containing medication (such as Suboxone), your provider will discuss the process of making sure you are ready for this transition. Our staff is experienced in supporting patients through this important step.

We encourage you to ask questions and share any concerns you might have about Sublocade treatment—whether it’s about the logistics of monthly injections, possible side effects, or how this medication will fit with ongoing therapy and support groups. Before moving forward, your provider will clearly outline the steps for transitioning to Sublocade, explain our ongoing monitoring process, and introduce you to the full range of support services available at MAPS for Recovery to help you stay on track with your recovery goals.

Our care team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain lasting recovery in a supportive, judgment-free environment. During your first visit, our providers will spend time getting to know you and your unique health history. This helps us develop a personalized care plan tailored to your recovery journey.

We will begin by asking questions about your medical history, including any past or current health conditions, surgeries, or hospitalizations. Understanding if you have chronic illnesses—such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma—helps us ensure your treatment is safe and effective.

Your provider will also review any medications you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. This is especially important when creating a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) plan for substance use disorder.

Because substance use and allergies can interact in complex ways, we’ll ask about any allergies you have, especially to medications or foods. We’ll also want to know about your family’s medical history, including any history of addiction, mental health concerns, or chronic diseases, as these factors can influence your recovery.

At MAPS for Recovery, your safety and success are our top priorities as we support your journey to recovery. Before starting Sublocade—a monthly injectable medication used to treat opioid use disorder—you will complete a thorough evaluation with our experienced medical team.

As part of our process, we typically perform a urine drug screen to confirm the presence of opioids in your system. This is an important step because Sublocade contains buprenorphine, which is only effective for individuals who are already physically dependent on opioids.

In addition, your MAPS for Recovery provider will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may order blood tests to check your liver function and overall health. These screenings help us determine that Sublocade is a safe and appropriate treatment for your unique needs.

Our team will guide you through each step, explaining the purpose of every test and answering any questions you may have. At MAPS for Recovery, we are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care as you begin your path toward lasting recovery.

Consult our provider, Lynn E Lytton, MD, for Sublocade shots.

If you are considering medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence, we are here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced medical team specializes in evidence-based treatments, including the administration of Sublocade—a once-monthly injectable form of buprenorphine designed to help individuals manage opioid use disorder. Sublocade delivers a consistent dose of medication to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it a valuable part of a comprehensive recovery plan.

When you schedule an appointment with MAPS for Recovery, our providers will take the time to assess your unique medical history, discuss your treatment goals, and determine if Sublocade is the right option for you. We will guide you through what to expect from the injection, explain how it fits into your overall care, and answer any questions you may have about the process.

Taking the step to consult with MAPS for Recovery is a proactive move toward effective, long-term management of opioid dependence. Let us help you map out a personalized path to recovery in a supportive and compassionate environment. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 13809 Research Blvd, Stu 500 Austin, Texas 78750. 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.