How can the family support good treatment?
Even though maintenance treatment for opioid dependence works very well, it is not a cure. This means that the patient will continue to need the stable dose of SUBOXONE*, with regular monitoring by the doctor. This is similar to other chronic diseases, such as diabetes or asthma. These illnesses can be treated, but there is no permanent cure, so patients often stay on the same medication for a long time. The best way to help and support the patient is to encourage regular medical care, encourage the patient not to skip or forget to take the medication and most importantly, encourage the patient to partake in regular counseling sessions or support groups.Regular medical careMost patients will be required to see the physician for ongoing SUBOXONE* treatment every two to four weeks, once they are stable. If they miss an appointment, they may not be able to refill the medication on time, and may even go into withdrawal, which could be dangerous.
