We are an OBOT Office Based Opioid Treatment Clinic located in West Virginia and operating since April 2021. We prescribe Buprenorphine as a treatment service for our clients.
Best Practices for Suboxone® Treatment in Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT)
At our Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) clinic in West Virginia, we have been proudly serving our community since April 2021 with evidence-based, compassionate care for individuals struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). One of the most effective and widely used tools in our treatment toolbox is Suboxone®, a brand of buprenorphine/naloxone. As a Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinic, we are committed to following and promoting best practices for Suboxone treatment to ensure long-term recovery success for our patients.
This page outlines what Suboxone is, how it works, and the proven best practices that support safe, effective treatment outcomes for individuals receiving buprenorphine-based care.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination medication that contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. This dual formulation helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also discouraging misuse. Suboxone is approved by the FDA for the treatment of opioid use disorder and is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in MAT programs across the country.
When prescribed and monitored correctly, Suboxone helps patients:
- Stabilize physically (from withdrawal) and mentally
- Decrease cravings for opioids
- Reduce the risk of relapse
- Improve quality of life
- Engage more effectively in therapy and support services
Best Practices for Suboxone Treatment
1. Comprehensive Assessment and Intake
Effective Suboxone treatment starts with a comprehensive medical and behavioral assessment. Our clinical team evaluates each patient’s:
- Substance use history
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Readiness for change
- Risk factors for relapse
2. Appropriate Induction Protocols
The induction phase is the first critical step in Suboxone treatment. During induction:
- Patients must have mild to moderate withdrawal before taking the first dose of Suboxone to avoid precipitated withdrawal.
- Dosing begins low and is adjusted carefully by our licensed providers.
- Inductions are often conducted in-office, but some patients may qualify for home-based induction if clinically appropriate.
3. Individualized Dosing and Ongoing Monitoring
Every patient’s response to buprenorphine is different. Some require higher or lower doses depending on metabolism, severity of addiction, or other medications. At our clinic:
- We adjust Suboxone dosing to meet individual patient needs.
- Routine urine drug screens (UDS) are performed to monitor adherence and detect any misuse or other substance use.
- Regular medical check-ins ensure continued safety, address side effects, and assess treatment progress.
4. Integrated Behavioral Health Services
Medication alone is not a cure. The most successful OBOT programs pair Suboxone treatment with behavioral health support, such as:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) This whole-person approach increases the odds of sustained recovery and helps address underlying causes of addiction.
5. Recovery-Oriented Support and Case Management
Recovery is more than just stopping drug use—it’s about rebuilding lives. We support our patients by offering:
- Employment and housing resources
- Referrals to social services
- Coordination with primary care or mental health providers
6. Minimizing Diversion and Ensuring Accountability
To ensure Suboxone is used safely and effectively:
- Patients sign treatment agreements that outline the office rules and expectations.
- Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are regularly checked.
- Pill counts, random UDS, and regular follow-ups reduce the risk of diversion or misuse.
- We use electronic prescribing systems to securely manage refills and limit potential abuse.
7. Patient Education and Empowerment
Our clinic prioritizes educating patients about:
- How Suboxone works
- What to expect during treatment
- The risks of mixing with other substances (especially benzodiazepines or alcohol)
- Safe storage and disposal of medication
- Long-term recovery planning
8. Long-Term Maintenance and Tapering Options
Many patients benefit from long-term Suboxone maintenance, which has been proven to:
- Reduce overdose risk
- Reduced relapse rates
- Improve employment and social functioning
Why Choose Our OBOT Clinic in West Virginia?
Since opening in April 2021, our OBOT clinic has become a trusted partner in recovery for individuals and families across West Virginia. We are proud to:
- Offer confidential, compassionate care without judgment
- Employ licensed medical providers with expertise in addiction medicine
- Accept insurance plans, including Medicaid
- Provide same-day or same-week appointments whenever possible
Ready to Start Suboxone Treatment?
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, know that recovery is possible. Suboxone is a powerful tool when used in the right environment with the right team.
