Frequently Asked Questions
What happens at my first visit?
You should allow 60-90 minutes for your first visit. Patients are seen on a first come first served basis and must provide a government-issued photo ID card at each visit. You will complete a few pages of new patient paperwork before counseling. In individual and/or group counseling, you will work with a licensed chemical dependency counselor assistant, to strengthen your recovery through goal-setting, reflection and discussion. Each visit, you are required to provide a urine sample for screening. This is in order to monitor the substances within your body, and to ensure that you are taking your Suboxone® medication as directed. You will also meet one-on-one with the doctor to discuss your specific treatment program. The prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy electronically .
What is Suboxone®?
Suboxone® is a partial opioid agonist that is comprised of a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine and is used in the treatment of individuals trying to overcome drug addiction and opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is an opioid, but it’s what is called a “partial agonist”. It’s very important to note that Suboxone® does not get you high. Rather, buprenorphine works with receptors in the brain and provides patients with relief from the physical symptoms of withdrawal and cravings for additional opioid use. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, or “opioid blocker,” that counteracts the body’s negative effects from opioid use. Although there’s no “silver bullet” for addiction, when a patient takes Suboxone®, he or she no longer experiences the painful symptoms of withdrawal and is able to achieve the mental clarity required to successfully progress in treatment. Suboxone® is not methadone.
How do I know if Suboxone® is right for me?
Suboxone® (Subtext Zubsolv Sublocade) is prescribed to the patients with addictions to opioids and opiates. Suboxone® can be an effective and safe treatment option. When taken within a medication-assisted treatment program, Suboxone® works to eliminate the symptoms of withdrawal while minimizing cravings for additional opioid use. Please come to see us for an intake evaluation and consult with your medical provider to determine if Suboxone® is right for you.
How do I know if MATRx is the best Suboxone® clinic near me?
At MATRx, we have heard what our patients prefer and desire for help with their opiate addiction. Our physician, Dr Smith, understands the need for accessible, one-on-one doctor to patient visits, and consistent counseling with the same counselor. If Marion is a bit far for you to drive, please know we have another clinic in Reynoldsburg (Columbus area) that we can help take care of your needs. We also offer Telehealth visits for patients who are ill, have transportation issues, work conflicts, family emergencies who can’t make their appointment.
What is the cost of Suboxone® treatment?
Cost for treatment at MATR is a monthly subscription program and includes unlimited group counseling and individual counseling sessions as well as monthly or weekly visits with the physician.
Does insurance cover Suboxone® treatment?
Most insurances will pay for Suboxone® or its generic equivalent, however, many require a prior authorization before they will pay for the medication. This is a simple fax that the office sends to the insurance company. Prior authorization approvals are usual dependent on the compliance of the patient with the rules and regulations of the program. If a patient relapses, misses appointments, or does not receive sufficient counseling, insurance companies may deny these authorizations, forcing patients to pay out of pocket.
How often do I need to come in/be seen by a doctor to maintain my prescription?
State regulation says that you must be seen by a doctor 28-30 days. Counseling sessions are offered weekly and included in the cost of your monthly doctor’s visit. You are welcome to attend whenever you’d like.
Can I become addicted to Suboxone®?
Patients must follow the doctor’s recommended guidelines to safely take Suboxone® as a strong means toward opiate addiction recovery. If taken outside of its prescribed guidelines, Suboxone® can lead to tolerance and addiction. If you take Suboxone® outside of the doctor’s recommended guidelines, withdrawal symptoms can occur. If it’s decided that you will reduce or eliminate Suboxone® from your recovery plan, the doctor will work with you to taper off the medication in a healthy way.
Will Suboxone® show up on a drug screening?
Yes, if tested for, Suboxone will show on a drug screening. In fact, we test for it every time we screen patient urine samples to ensure they are taking their medication as directed. When taken as prescribed within a licensed medication assisted treatment program, Suboxone is a legal treatment option.
How long will I need to take Suboxone®?
The length of time that patients are prescribed Suboxone® for will vary based on their individual treatment needs. While some patients only utilize Suboxone® for a short period of time, others remain on it long-term. The benefits of Suboxone® include reduced cravings for additional opioid use and the elimination of the painful symptoms that take place during the withdrawal period. Since Suboxone® removes the physical symptoms of withdrawal, patients are able to take part in daily activities, such as work and school, with the mental clarity that is required in order to productively participate in these daily obligations. Furthermore, the effectiveness of Suboxone® will not decrease over time which allows patients to remain on it as long as necessary. By working closely with your treatment providers, you will be able to determine the length of time that Suboxone® will benefit you and your treatment goals.
Does Suboxone® interact with other drugs or medications?
Like many medications, there is a risk for negative interactions when Suboxone® taken with another substance. Prior to incorporating Suboxone® into your treatment plan, you should first notify your prescribing physician of any other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or substances that you are taking in order to avoid experiencing any dangerous side effects. Patients who are taking Suboxone® should refrain from using illicit substances during the course of treatment.
What if I no longer wish to take Suboxone®? Can I stop or switch to a different medication?
Although Suboxone® has been approved safe to take long-term, patients who begin treatment on this medication are not required to continue taking it indefinitely. By working closely with your healthcare provider, you will be able to safely wean off of your medication once you have progressed far enough in treatment or it is decided that another medication would be a better fit. By slowly tapering off of Suboxone®, patients are able to avoid withdrawal symptoms. After Suboxone® is completely cleared from your system, you may then either transition onto a different prescription or remain opioid-free without the aid of medication.
You can call us 24/7 and we are also available by email at MATRohio@gmail.com. For Marion and Reynoldsburg patients, please call (614) 600-7793. It is recommended that patients receive weekly counseling. Weekly group counselling sessions at MATRx are included in the cost of your monthly doctor’s visit. In addition to these services, patients can contact their insurance company to see if individual counseling is covered, or patients can visit www.samhsa.org or www.na.org to find local group counseling sessions in their area. If you are having a health emergency, please call 911 immediately and then contact us so that we can provide needed support. For additional resources visit: https://centralohionarcoticsanonymous.org/