Sublocade Treatmentment in Longview and Throughout East Texas
Opioid use disorder changes how the brain regulates reward and impulse control, and over time, stopping opioids becomes physically and psychologically destabilizing to the point where willpower alone is not enough to stop. Medication Assisted Treatment at Resolute may be the support you need to overcome addiction and turn your life around.
Sublocade® is a long-acting buprenorphine injection used as part of a structured outpatient recovery plan. At Resolute Addiction and Behavioral Health in Longview, Texas, we provide monthly Sublocade treatment, medical oversight, and ongoing follow-up.
What Is Sublocade®?
Sublocade® is an FDA-approved extended-release formulation of buprenorphine. Instead of taking medication daily, patients receive one subcutaneous abdominal injection each month.
After injection, the medication forms a small deposit beneath the skin and releases buprenorphine gradually over four weeks. This produces steady blood levels without the daily peaks and troughs that can occur with short-acting products.
Sublocade is administered in clinic. It is not prescribed for self-injection or home use.
How Sublocade® Works In The Body
Extended-Release Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. It attaches to opioid receptors and activates them in a controlled way. That controlled activation suppresses withdrawal symptoms while limiting euphoria.
Because the medication remains stable in the bloodstream, patients avoid the repeated cycle of dosing, relief, and re-emerging discomfort that sometimes occurs with daily formulations.
Craving Control And Opioid Blockade
Sublocade reduces physiologic withdrawal symptoms such as muscle pain, restlessness, nausea, sweating, and irritability. Many patients notice that cravings become less intrusive once stabilized.
The medication also occupies opioid receptors. If illicit opioids are used, the expected euphoric effect is significantly reduced. This receptor blockade lowers reinforcement and helps protect against relapse.
Who May Be A Candidate For Sublocade®
Sublocade is appropriate for individuals who have already stabilized on sublingual buprenorphine. Prior tolerance and response must be confirmed before transitioning to the injection.
We typically consider Sublocade for patients who:
- Prefer not to manage daily medication
- Want reduced diversion risk
- Have difficulty maintaining consistent dosing
- Value discretion in treatment
During evaluation, we review medical history, liver function when indicated, psychiatric stability, and current substance use patterns before recommending this option.
The Sublocade® Treatment Process At Resolute
Comprehensive Evaluation
We begin with a detailed opioid use disorder assessment. That includes prior overdoses, detox attempts, relapse history, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions.
Stabilization On Oral Buprenorphine
Before the first injection, patients must demonstrate stability on sublingual buprenorphine. This confirms dosing adequacy and tolerability.
Monthly Injection Visits
Once stabilized, Sublocade is administered every 28 to 30 days in clinic. The injection itself takes only a few minutes. Most patients resume normal activity afterward.
Ongoing Clinical Monitoring
Follow-up visits focus on measurable changes: craving intensity, substance use behavior, sleep quality, mood stability, and occupational functioning. Medication is one part of care. Counseling, relapse prevention planning, and accountability remain central.
Benefits Of Monthly Extended-Release Treatment
Sublocade offers several practical advantages:
- No daily pill or film
- Consistent medication levels
- Reduced risk of missed doses
- Lower diversion potential
- Fewer pharmacy visits
For many individuals, removing daily medication management reduces stress and simplifies recovery.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Sublocade®
Sublocade received FDA approval after randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in adults with moderate to severe opioid use disorder.
In Phase 3 studies, participants receiving extended-release buprenorphine achieved significantly higher rates of opioid abstinence compared to placebo groups. Retention in treatment was also improved, which strongly correlates with long-term recovery outcomes.
These studies established both safety parameters and effective monthly dosing protocols.
Safety And Monitoring
Common side effects include injection site discomfort, constipation, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Most are mild and resolve without intervention.
Because the medication remains active for a full month, careful patient selection is essential. Once injected, it cannot be removed. That is why stabilization on oral buprenorphine occurs first.
We review liver function when appropriate and assess all concurrent medications to minimize interaction risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Sublocade® Different From Suboxone®?
Suboxone is taken daily as a film or tablet. Sublocade is administered once monthly. Both contain buprenorphine, but the injection eliminates daily dosing and produces steadier blood levels.
Does The Injection Cause Significant Pain?
Most patients describe mild soreness or firmness at the injection site. Symptoms typically resolve within several days.
What Clinical Studies Support Sublocade®?
Sublocade® (extended-release buprenorphine) was evaluated in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trials involving adults with moderate to severe opioid use disorder.
See this 24-week study published in The Lancet Psychiatry (Haight et al., 2019) in which patients receiving monthly extended-release buprenorphine demonstrated significantly higher rates of opioid abstinence compared to placebo. The study reported that approximately 42--49% of participants in the treatment groups achieved substantial abstinence based on urine drug screens and self-report, compared to about 2% in the placebo group.
Treatment retention was also higher in the active medication groups, an important finding since sustained engagement in care strongly correlates with reduced overdose risk and improved long-term outcomes.
These data supported FDA approval of Sublocade® as a once-monthly buprenorphine option for opioid use disorder under medical supervision.
How Long Do Patients Remain On Sublocade®?
Duration varies. Some individuals continue maintenance therapy for extended periods. Others taper gradually under supervision after sustained stability. Decisions are individualized and based on relapse risk.
Can Sublocade® Be Combined With Counseling?
Yes. Medication Assisted Treatment is most effective when paired with structured therapy and behavioral support.
Is Sublocade® Covered By Insurance?
Many insurance plans provide coverage when medical criteria are met. Our staff assists with verification and prior authorization.
What If An Injection Is Delayed?
If a dose is missed, we assess withdrawal risk and determine whether interim oral buprenorphine is necessary. Maintaining a consistent schedule improves stability.
Do You Serve Patients Outside Of Longview, Texas?
Yes. Resolute provides outpatient opioid treatment for patients throughout East Texas within state lines. Individuals frequently travel from Tyler, Marshall, Texarkana, and surrounding communities for care. Follow-up may include a combination of in-person and telehealth visits when clinically appropriate.
Schedule A Sublocade® Evaluation In East Texas
Opioid use disorder requires structured medical treatment. If you are considering monthly extended-release buprenorphine, we provide evaluation, stabilization, and ongoing monitoring in Longview, Texas.
Call 903-213-9120 to schedule a confidential consultation and determine whether Sublocade is appropriate for your recovery plan.