Suboxone used inside a full program, never on its own
Suboxone is one of the most widely used medications for opioid addiction. At Present Moments Recovery in North County San Diego, we fold Suboxone into a full recovery program that includes detox, therapy, and long-term recovery planning. Medication is never used alone. Suboxone can steady withdrawal and cravings while someone begins the deeper work.
More on medication-assisted treatment
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Physician-prescribed medication as one part of a broader clinical program, never a stand-alone fix.
Learn more
Buprenorphine Treatment
Learn how buprenorphine can support opioid recovery and what to discuss with your doctor about continuing, reducing, or stopping treatment.
Learn more
Medication for Opioid Cravings
Opioid cravings are physical, not a lack of willpower. Here is how medication can quiet them long enough for real recovery to begin.
Learn more
Residential Detox and Withdrawal Management
Residential Detox and Withdrawal Management in San Marcos, plus separate outpatient withdrawal management in Carlsbad.
Learn moreWhat Suboxone is
Suboxone contains two medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. Medication can have side effects, including sleepiness. Tell your doctor how you are feeling so they can help you find the right treatment. Naloxone is added to lower the risk of misuse. Together they help reduce cravings, prevent severe withdrawal, and block the effects of other opioids.
Stabilization or detox, depending on the goal
Suboxone can be used two ways, and the right one depends on what someone is working toward.
- Stabilization: Suboxone is used within a MAT program to steady cravings and withdrawal while the person stays in therapy and recovery support and rebuilds their life.
- Detox: Suboxone is used short term to ease withdrawal while someone tapers off opioids completely, which can fit people who want an abstinence-based path after stabilizing.
Either way, this should always be guided by experienced professionals. Our medical team helps decide which approach fits a person's history, health, and goals.
Is Suboxone addictive?
It’s understandable to worry about taking another medication. Suboxone can help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal. Your body can become used to it, which means stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal. That is different from addiction, but the medication can still be misused. Your doctor will help you understand its benefits, risks, and place in your recovery.
Who Suboxone may help
- People struggling with heroin or fentanyl use
- People dependent on prescription opioids
- People who keep relapsing after detox
- People with intense opioid cravings that make stopping feel impossible
“The beauty of our Continuum of Care model is a consistent treatment team from the beginning of the journey until the client is ready to fly solo. Clients are able to establish trust with their primary counselor, while the team supports them from the first day of care through their transition into the next appropriate stage of recovery.”
Suboxone can fit at different points in our continuity of care, from medication-assisted detox through residential, outpatient, and structured sober living. The point is to keep care connected so nobody falls through the cracks between stages.
Wondering if Suboxone is the right fit?
Our phone line is answered seven days a week, from 8:00 AM–9:00 PM PT. Outside those hours, leave a message or send a text and we will respond as soon as possible. If you need to speak with someone now, call or text (619) 363-4767. We can help you figure out whether Suboxone stabilization, detox, or another level of care makes the most sense.
Frequently asked questions
Is Suboxone addictive?
It’s understandable to worry about taking another medication. Suboxone can help reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal. Your body can become used to it, which means stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal. That is different from addiction, but the medication can still be misused. Your doctor will help you understand its benefits, risks, and place in your recovery.
Can I stop taking Suboxone?
For some people, yes—but there is no deadline for stopping. Some people benefit from continuing medication long term. Taking medication does not mean you have failed in recovery. If you and your prescribing doctor decide to stop, your doctor can plan gradual dose reductions and follow-up support. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal and increase the risk of returning to opioid use and overdose.
Do you prescribe Suboxone for everyone with opioid addiction?
No. Suboxone is one option, not a default. The right path depends on the person's history, health, and goals. Some people do better with Vivitrol or an abstinence-based approach. We start with a clinical conversation before any medication decision.
What is the difference between Suboxone stabilization and detox?
Stabilization means Suboxone is used within a MAT program to steady cravings and withdrawal while someone stays in therapy and rebuilds their life. Detox means Suboxone is used short term to ease withdrawal while a person tapers off opioids completely, which can suit people who want an abstinence-based path after stabilizing. Our medical team helps decide which approach fits a person's history, health, and goals.
Who might Suboxone help?
Suboxone may help people struggling with heroin or fentanyl use, people dependent on prescription opioids, people who keep relapsing after detox, and people with intense opioid cravings that make stopping feel impossible. It contains buprenorphine, which reduces cravings and withdrawal, and naloxone, which lowers the risk of misuse. It works best as one part of a full recovery program, never on its own.
