Office-Based Opioid Treatment (Suboxone and Buprenorphine)

Recovery starts here, speak to a specialist: (303) 336-1600

For patients for whom treatment in a methadone clinic (Opioid Treatment Program) is not preferred or is less convenient, ARTS Adult Outpatient Program offers Office Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) in which prescription medications, like Suboxone and buprenorphine, are used to help people break the cycle of opiate addiction. Medications can be helpful to help people reduce or quit their use of pain relievers or heroin. These medications work by providing relief from the physical symptoms of withdrawal while also keeping cravings for continued opioid use at bay.

ARTS Adult Outpatient Program’s OBOT includes medical evaluation and a physical exam; prescription of Suboxone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, or Vivitrol; individual, group, and family counseling; urine drug screens; and other support services. These parts work together to help people recover. Medications in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, provide a whole-patient approach to the treatment of opioid use disorders. ARTS Adult Outpatient Program’s OBOT is located at:

Westside Center for Change
Office Based Opioid Treatment

6303 Wadsworth Bypass
Arvada, CO 80003

p: (303) 935-7004
f: (303) 935-3035

Potomac Street Center
Aurora Medical Center – North
750 Potomac Street, Suite L11
Aurora, CO 80011
p:(303) 283-5991
f: (303) 283-9117

Specialized Outpatient Services
1648 Gaylord Street
Denver, CO 80206
p: (303) 333-4288
f: (303) 333-4283

Office Based Opioid Treamtent FAQ

Q: What is Suboxone?

A: Suboxone is the brand name of buprenorphine, but also contains naloxone. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioid medication, including pain relief or feelings of well-being that can lead to opioid abuse.

Q: What is Buprenorphine?

A: Buprenorphine is a prescription medication that acts as an opioid partial agonist. This means that, like opioids, it produces effects such as euphoria or respiratory depression. With buprenorphine, however, these effects are weaker than those of full drugs such as heroin and pain relievers. Buprenorphine’s opioid effects increase with each dose until at moderate doses they level off, even with further dose increases. This “ceiling effect” lowers the risk of misuse, dependency, and side effects. Also, because of buprenorphine’s long-acting agent. When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine is safe and effective.

Q: When will I start to feel better?

A: Most patients feel improvement within 30 minutes of their dose, with the full effects clearly noticeable after about 1 hour. After the first hour, many people say they feel pretty good for most of the day. Responses to medication will vary based on factors such as tolerance and metabolism, so each patient’s dosing is individualized.

Q: Can I become addicted to Suboxone?

A: Suboxone, like any other medication, has the potential for abuse; however, the addictive potential of Suboxone is far lower than the much more potent opiates and its benefits often outweigh the potential risks of further dependency as it helps addicts to stop using far more harmful drugs. When patients take Suboxone as prescribed within an OBOT program, the risk for addiction is low.

Q: Will Suboxone show up on a drug screening? Like for work?

A: Patients who are required to complete a drug screen while taking Suboxone will not test positive unless the drug screening tests specifically for buprenorphine.

Q: Do I need to come to a clinic every day?

A: No, OBOT does not require participation in a highly regulated federal program such as a methadone clinic.

Q: How long will I need to be on Suboxone?

A: Extensive research has confirmed the safety of Suboxone for both short– and long-term use. While some patients continue taking Suboxone long-term, others will only use it for a few months. By working closely with your treatment team, you will be able to determine the appropriate length of time that Suboxone will be of benefit to you.

Q: How do I get started?

A: Call the intake line at 303.336.1600.

Licensure and Credentials

The Adult Outpatient Program is licensed by the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health. All outpatient programs are staffed by experienced professionals including certified addictions counselors, licensed social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, physicians, and nurses.

Referrals

Referrals are accepted from a variety of sources, including county social service departments, probation, the Department of Corrections, human services agencies, physicians, impaired professional diversionary programs, families and through self-referral. ARTS Adult Outpatient is a contract provider for Medicaid, Kaiser, and the Veterans Administration.

If interested in learning more about any of the services provided at Adult Outpatient Program or to schedule an intake appointment, please call (303) 336-1600.