Kaiser Permanente is the largest not-for-profit managed care organization in America and was founded in 1945. It is made up of three organizations: Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, and Permanente Medical Groups. It offers high-quality and affordable healthcare through individual and family medical insurance plans. As of 2021, Kaiser Permanente plans became available for purchase through the Marketplace in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Washington, Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Oregon. If an individual would benefit from Suboxone, Kaiser Permanente providers can absolutely prescribe Suboxone. The treatment coverage may vary between Kaiser Permanente plans, but all include some level of coverage for in-network providers delivering outpatient, intensive outpatient, and inpatient services, including the cost of Suboxone treatment for its members. When used properly and under the direct supervision of a medical professional Suboxone can be extremely helpful to an individual’s recovery process, as it helps to reduce active drug cravings and alleviates some of the adverse symptoms of opiate withdrawal.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a brand-name drug that is comprised of buprenorphine and naloxone. It is an FDA approved medication specifically designed to treat individuals sixteen years old and older struggling with opioid dependence. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified Suboxone as a Schedule III controlled substance, which are defined as “drugs, substances, or chemicals with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence.” Suboxone is an opioid partial agonist. Analogous to all opioid substances, it works by attaching to the opioid receptors in one’s brain. A person that has habitually abused opioids will become tolerant to the abused substance. This means that an individual will require more opioids to produce the same effects. When a brain that has become accustomed to a certain amount of opioids present has an insufficient amount, it will react accordingly, and withdrawal symptoms will ensue. This cycle will perpetuate, as the brain will then crave the opioid. When Suboxone is used, it blocks the full agonist (abused opioid substance) by attaching to the opioid receptor, expelling any existing opioids, and prohibiting any others from attaching. Because Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist, it produces minimal opioid effects enabling it to significantly reduce the adverse withdrawal symptoms, but not enough to produce any feelings of euphoria which is why it is often used when treating opioid addiction.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction, we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long-lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment-related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-318-3777. You are also welcome to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
