Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is a combination of medication and behavioral therapy used to treat opioid addiction. Buprenorphine, also known as Suboxone, is a medication commonly used in MAT. It helps to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and pain associated with opioid addiction. It has been shown to be effective in treating opioid dependence and allows patients to live normal lives without the need for daily visits to methadone clinics. Additionally, it has been found to reduce the risk of opioid overdose.

Anara Health is a telemedicine-based addiction service that uses technology to provide medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the DEA has granted certified addiction specialists the ability to prescribe buprenorphine (Suboxone) to both new and existing patients without the need for an initial in-person visit.

Yes, if our addiction specialist determines that MAT using buprenorphine (Suboxone) is appropriate for you, we can initiate treatment through telemedicine technology. During the first phase of treatment, known as the induction phase, patients will receive a lower quantity of tablets for a week’s supply to closely monitor any effects the medication may have on them and to find the optimal dose. Once the optimal dose has been determined, consultations will be spaced out to a monthly basis.

MAT with buprenorphine (Suboxone) has been shown to be highly effective in treating opioid use disorder. It can lower the risk of drug use, overdose, and relapse, while improving patient survival and increasing the likelihood of gaining and maintaining employment. It is important to note that MAT should always be combined with counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

To receive buprenorphine through Anara Health, patients will first have a consultation with a doctor who will ask questions about their history, opioid use, motivation to quit, and social support. The doctor will discuss the pros and cons of buprenorphine and determine if it is safe for the patient to use. If it is deemed safe, the patient will receive their first prescription of buprenorphine, usually the same day. The first prescription will be for a week’s supply, and subsequent prescriptions will be for a month’s supply.

Online MAT for opioid use disorder is safe and an important part of the solution to combat the opioid crisis. The federal government and the DEA have made increasing access to MAT a top priority, and Anara Health is committed to providing affordable and convenient access to high-quality addiction services for everyone.

Patients receiving treatment through Anara Health will be required to agree to and abide by a Treatment Agreement. It is important to familiarize yourself with this document before your first consultation and also review the Consent to Treat document, which is required for treatment.

Buprenorphine (Suboxone) has been shown to be safer than methadone, even at higher doses. It only works to a certain extent like an opioid while also blocking the opioid effect, preventing some of the negative effects of opioids. Compared to methadone, it treats opioid withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and pain, and patients do not need to make daily visits to clinics. Additionally, it has been found to reduce the risk of opioid overdose.