Frequently Asked Questions
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medicine, which contains Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agnoist; and Nalaxone, an opioid antagonist. The Buprenorphone component blocks other opioids from attaching to the receptors in the brain and decreases cravings and reduces withdrawal symptoms. The Naloxone component deters individuals from attemping to abuse Suboxone.
Why is Fairmount using Suboxone?
Fairmount has recognized the importance of better responding to the needs of the community by expanding its detoxification program, which will include treatment for individuals suffering with opioid dependency. Suboxone detox as an opiate detox has proven to be an effective and safe treatment for opiate dependency.
If I currently am receiving Suboxone from a physician, can I be maintained on Suboxone? Will Fairmount initiate Suboxone maintenance?
No, the Residential Chemical Dependency Program at Fairmount only uses Suboxone for detoxification treatment and does not initiate Suboxone maintenance or continue a maintenance program..
Can I become addicted to Suboxone?
Repeated usage (maintenance) of an opiate agonist, which Suboxone is, may result in physical dependence. However, Suboxone is a partial opiate agonist leading to a lower level of physical dependence with repeated usage than a full opiate agonist, such as Methadone.
Why do I have to wait until I am in withdrawal to get my first dosage of Suboxone? Why do I have to wait until other opiates are out of my system?
If you take Suboxone before you are in active withdrawal it will cause "full-blown" withdrawal instead of relieving withdrawal symptoms. The buprenorphine, in Subxone, itself is a mixed agonist/antagonist, and, as such, blocks the activity of other opiates and induces withdrawal in opiate dependent individuals. It is suggested that a person should wait until basic withdrawal symptoms occur before starting Suboxone.
Once I get my first dosage of Suboxone, when will I start feeling better?
You may start having some symptom relief within an hour of your first dose but does take longer for some people.
How long will I be in treatment?
Treatment ranges from 5 to 30 days depending on an individuals course of treatment. If an individual is seeking only detoxification with no rehabilitation services, the usual length of stay is around five days.
What will my day look like? What programming occurs?
A typical Rehabilitation Program day is a busy day. The client spends their day in group activities. There are several different types of groups throughout the day: psycho-education groups, process groups, and recreation groups. Group activities are run by counselors, counselor aids, case managers, and nurses. Also, during the week clients have two individual sessions with their counselor.
Will I have my own room?
Patients will have semi-private rooms or suites consisting of 3 patients.
What am I allowed to bring to the hospital? What should I pack?
We recommend bringing only three to five sets of clothing. We have a washing machine and dryer for your use. You should bring comfortable, casual clothing which is appropriate to the setting and not be skin tight, see through or revealing. Clothing that endorses substance abuse or violence is not appropriate. Any item that contains alcohol is prohibited, (ie. mouth wash). Other items that are prohibited include spray cans, glass containers, any container not labeled, CD's, razors, compacts with mirrors, scissors or knives, electrical appliances, cell phones, stuffed animals, matches or lighter, or food.
When are visiting hours? Am I allowed to make phone calls?
Visiting occurs on Wednesdays 6:30pm to 7:30pm and Sundays 2:30pm to 4pm. There is an hour before visiting just for families. This hour is for family education and attendance is required for visiting to occur.
There are phones on the units for client's use. You will be allowed to make phone calls during scheduled phone times which are during non-group times.