MAT Member Handbook_09302026

About Buprenorphine (Suboxone, Subutex, Brixadi, Sublocade)

Buprenorphine is a synthetic partial opiate. The long-acting injectable forms are given weekly or monthly. The oral formulations are taken daily under the tongue (“sublingually”). It comes in either tablets or films. If taken too soon after use of another opiate, it will cause precipitated withdrawal. Buprenorphine can be sent to a pharmacy like most other medications. Once on a stable dose, members will receive weekly to monthly prescriptions sent to the pharmacy based on provider discretion and will see their BHMP at similar intervals. While it’s a partial opiate, buprenorphine is highly effective as it binds incredibly tightly to the opioid receptors. When on a stable dose of buprenorphine taken daily, the medication blocks the binding of other opiates when relapse occurs, preventing overdose. It is incredibly rare for an adult to overdose on buprenorphine; however, it is important that the medication is safely stored as overdose can occur if ingested by children. Starting on Buprenorphine (suboxone) With the advent of fentanyl, buprenorphine is primarily started via at-home induction. For individuals who want to be on buprenorphine but have had difficulty successfully starting the medication in the past, it may be advised to be admitted to a medically-supervised withdrawal facility (“detox”) to start the medication. Once safely started on buprenorphine in this setting, the individual will return to CODAC for medication management. Please speak with your BHMP regarding further details about starting buprenorphine. Stabilization Phase The second phase of buprenorphine treatment can last from days to weeks. During this time, it is highly recommended that you attend therapy and groups to help in your recovery. Make sure to tell the nurse/BHMP of any withdrawal symptoms or periods when you’re over-sedated (sleepy) so dose adjustments can be made. Maintenance Phase The maintenance phase can last from weeks to months, depending on your individual situation. During this phase, you should be stable on your dose. You should continue to meet with your therapist and attend groups. The focus during this period is counseling, relapse prevention and harm reduction. Other Requirements All members must meet with a BHMP monthly at regularly scheduled intervals. All members are highly recommended to attend groups and individual therapy. CODAC staff can talk with you about groups that are a good fit with your recovery goals.

To view CODAC’s current groups go to www.CODAC.org/ services/groups-classes.

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