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Thrive Medical - Raam Clinic Toronto

Suboxone Addiction Treatment

At Thrive Medical, we use Suboxone® as an addiction treatment to help people stabilize from opioid dependence. Suboxone, when used under strict medical supervision, is an effective tool for stabilizing patients, reducing cravings, and lowering overdose risk so you can focus on recovery. Our Suboxone treatment programs are carefully managed, combining medical oversight with counselling and holistic therapies to ensure patients achieve lasting recovery.

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suboxone is a prescription medication

Understanding Suboxone and Its Role in Recovery

What is Suboxone? 

Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines two components:

  • Buprenorphine – A partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the full euphoric effects of opioids.
  • Naloxone – An opioid antagonist included to discourage misuse by blocking euphoric effects if Suboxone is injected.

This combination makes Suboxone a safe and effective treatment option for opioid addiction when used as prescribed.

Can Suboxone Be Addictive?

Physical dependence on buprenorphine is expected during treatment; addiction means harmful, uncontrolled use. In a structured, medically supervised program, Suboxone is carefully dosed and monitored, making addiction to the medication unlikely. We focus on safety, function, and progress toward your goals.

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How Suboxone Treatment Works

Suboxone treatment follows a structured, step-by-step process as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes medical, psychological, and social support. Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. During the assessment phase, patients and providers discuss available treatment options to determine the most appropriate path to recovery.

Patients undergo a rapid, focused intake evaluation, including medical history, substance use patterns, and mental health concerns, goals and safety. This helps us determine whether Suboxone addiction treatment is appropriate.

Suboxone is introduced at a carefully calculated dose. This stage helps relieve withdrawal symptoms from other opioids and stabilizes the patient’s condition.

Dosage adjustments are made until patients with opioid use disorders experience consistent relief from cravings and withdrawal without sedation or euphoria. Follow-ups include brief counselling, relapse-prevention planning, and harm-reduction education.

Suboxone is dispensed by a community pharmacy. Observed dosing or take-home doses (“carries”) are based on clinical guidance and your stability. We review progress and adjust the plan as needed.

RAAM provides short-term stabilisation. Once you’re stable, we hand off maintenance to a community OAT provider or primary care and coordinate referrals to longer-term counselling or group supports.

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Benefits of Suboxone Treatment at Thrive Medical

  • Reduced Withdrawal Symptoms – Suboxone lessens the severity of cravings, anxiety, and chronic pain.
  • Lower Risk of Misuse – The inclusion of naloxone discourages abuse, making it safer than other opioid medications.
  • Improved Stability – Patients can focus on recovery, work, and family life without the constant cycle of highs and lows.
  • Medical Oversight – Daily or scheduled supervision ensures safety and proper dosing.
  • Dual Support – Treatment includes both medical management and counselling for long-term recovery.
  • Reduces Risk of Opioid Overdose – Suboxone treatment significantly lowers the risk of opioid overdose, especially compared to other opioids.
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Safety and Precautions

Suboxone is effective, but it must be used exactly as prescribed. At Thrive Medical, we ensure safety by:

  • Supervised initiation and follow-ups: More frequent visits early on, then spaced out as you stabilize; dosing is adjusted based on response.
  • Pharmacy dispensing: Suboxone is dispensed by a community pharmacy; observed dosing or take-home doses (“carries”) depend on clinical stability and guidance.
  • Side-effect education: We review common effects (nausea, constipation, headache, drowsiness, dry mouth) and when to seek care.
  • Drug-interaction caution: We strongly advise against mixing with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives due to increased overdose risk; if these are prescribed, we coordinate care.
  • Naloxone & harm reduction: We provide naloxone training and overdose-prevention education, given the current drug-supply risks.

Duration of treatment is individualized. Our RAAM clinic focuses on initiation and stabilization, then coordinates ongoing maintenance with a community OAT provider or primary care.

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Who Is Suboxone Treatment For?

Suboxone treatment may be recommended for individuals who:

  • Live with opioid use disorder involving heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, or morphine.

  • Have experienced relapse after non-medication approaches or prior detox.

  • Need medical stabilization to reduce withdrawal and cravings and lower overdose risk.

  • Prefer buprenorphine/naloxone or are better suited to it than methadone based on clinical needs and goals.

  • Want a flexible, evidence-based medication with the potential for take-home doses once stable.

Our team completes an individual assessment to confirm whether Suboxone is the best option for your recovery and to plan next steps.

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Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Thrive Medical is committed to helping you stabilize safely with Suboxone treatment, supported by brief counselling, harm-reduction education, and coordinated referrals for ongoing care. Contact us today to book a confidential, same-day or next-day assessment and start your recovery plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

It is a medical program that uses Suboxone to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the risk of relapse in people recovering from opioid addiction.

Yes. Suboxone contains buprenorphine, which can cause dependence. However, when used as prescribed under medical supervision, the risk of addiction is greatly reduced.

Suboxone’s buprenorphine component eases withdrawal and cravings, while naloxone prevents misuse by blocking euphoric effects if injected.

For many patients, yes. As a partial agonist, Suboxone has a lower risk of overdose than methadone, though both can be safe when properly supervised.

Duration varies. Some patients may only need a few months, while others benefit from longer-term maintenance before tapering.

Possible side effects include constipation, headaches, drowsiness, and nausea. Serious reactions are rare when treatment is monitored.

No. Stopping suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms. A gradual tapering plan under medical supervision is always recommended.

Suboxone may not be suitable for patients with severe liver problems, certain medical conditions, or those taking specific medications. Our team assesses eligibility before treatment begins.

In Ontario, licensed physicians and nurse practitioners with authority to prescribe controlled substances can initiate and manage buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone®) for opioid use disorder. No special federal waiver is required; prescribers follow their professional college standards (e.g., CPSO, CNO), complete appropriate OAT training, and practise within their competence. Physician assistants cannot independently prescribe controlled substances, and pharmacists dispense and manage witnessed dosing/carries according to provincial guidance.

Improper use or abrupt discontinuation of Suboxone can put patients at high risk of experiencing withdrawal. Stopping Suboxone suddenly may lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, nausea, diarrhea, and other opioid withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, starting Suboxone too soon after using other opioids can cause precipitated withdrawal, a rapid and severe onset of withdrawal symptoms. It is important to follow a healthcare provider’s guidance when administering buprenorphine to avoid these risks.

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