Our experts know how to meet anyone’s specific treatment needs.

At our substance abuse program, we offer compassionate and comprehensive care, including treatments with Buprenorphine, Suboxone, Sublocade, and Vivitrol. We’re dedicated to supporting your journey to recovery with the best possible resources and support.

Service We Provide·

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Use of FDA-approved medications, such as Suboxone, or naltrexone, combined with counseling and behavioral therapies.

These services are designed to provide a comprehensive, holistic approach to addiction treatment, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery.

What is Buprenorphine Treatment?

Buprenorphine (commonly known by brand names such as Subutex, Sublocade, Bunavail, Zubsolv, and Suboxone) is an opioid prescription drug used to treat opioid use disorders. It can be used as an induction agent to stabilize someone in withdrawal during the medical detoxification process, as well as for maintenance treatment to promote recovery from opioid use disorder.

Buprenorphine consists of a partial opioid agonist and is often combined with naloxone (an opioid antagonist) in specific formulations like Suboxone to deter misuse. It is administered in various forms, including dissolvable films or tablets placed under the tongue, long-acting injections, and implants.

How Does Buprenorphine Work?

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it produces milder opioid effects. This helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the intense effects of more potent opioids like heroin and fentanyl, making it easier to quit.

Its high binding affinity allows buprenorphine to block other opioids from activating receptors, thus reducing the risk of misuse. Additionally, it has a ceiling effect, limiting its opioid effects, which lowers the risk of overdose and respiratory depression.

Naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, is combined with buprenorphine in products like Suboxone to prevent misuse. If someone tries to inject or inhale it, they would quickly enter withdrawal.

While buprenorphine is effective for treating opioid addiction, it’s best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy, mutual help groups, and support for any co-occurring mental health issues.

Combining Buprenorphine and Therapy

Pairing buprenorphine with therapy creates a holistic recovery plan. While buprenorphine provides the physical relief needed to focus on healing, therapy offers tools for long-term change. Research shows that combining Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), like buprenorphine, with behavioral therapy significantly improves recovery outcomes.

Treatment for Alcohol and Opioid Use disorder with Vivitrol (extended-release naltrexone)

What is Vivitrol Treatment?

Vivitrol is an extended-release injectable formulation of naltrexone, a medication used to treat opioid and alcohol use disorders. Unlike buprenorphine or methadone, Vivitrol is not an opioid; instead, it is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids and reduces cravings for alcohol. It is administered once a month as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare provider.

How Does Vivitrol Work?

Vivitrol contains naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist that prevents opioids from binding to receptors in the brain. This action blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids, reducing the risk of relapse. Additionally, Vivitrol is used to help individuals with alcohol use disorder by decreasing cravings and the pleasurable effects of alcohol consumption.

Because Vivitrol requires complete detoxification from opioids before starting treatment, patients must be opioid-free for at least 7-10 days to avoid precipitated withdrawal. It does not produce physical dependence and has no potential for misuse, making it a non-addictive treatment option.

Combining Vivitrol and Therapy

Vivitrol is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes behavioral therapy, support groups, and mental health care. While Vivitrol helps manage cravings and prevent relapse, therapy provides coping strategies and behavioral modifications necessary for long-term recovery. Research shows that combining medications for opioid and alcohol use disorder with counseling leads to better treatment outcomes.

Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder with Sublocade (extended-release injectable form of buprenorphine)

What is Sublocade Treatment?

Sublocade is an extended-release injectable form of buprenorphine used to treat moderate to severe opioid use disorder. It is administered once a month by a healthcare provider and is designed to provide consistent buprenorphine levels in the body, eliminating the need for daily medication.

Sublocade is used as part of a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) program and is typically prescribed after a patient has been stabilized on a daily form of buprenorphine, such as Suboxone or Subutex, for at least seven days.

How Does Sublocade Work?

Sublocade contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while preventing stronger opioids like heroin and fentanyl from binding to opioid receptors. The long-acting formulation ensures a steady release of medication, reducing fluctuations in opioid levels and minimizing the risk of relapse.

Because Sublocade is injected and forms a solid depot under the skin that slowly dissolves over time, it cannot be misused like oral or sublingual buprenorphine formulations. This makes it a safer and more convenient option for individuals in recovery.

Combining Sublocade and Therapy

Sublocade is most effective when used alongside behavioral therapy and support programs. While Sublocade stabilizes brain chemistry and reduces cravings, therapy helps individuals develop coping strategies, address underlying psychological issues, and build a sustainable recovery plan. Studies show that combining MOUD with therapy significantly improves long-term recovery outcomes.

Our Drug and Alcohol program Team

Dr Hector Colon-Rivera MD, MBA, MRO
Medical Director APM and Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine

Jaithra Jayakrishnan LPC, NCC, MBA
Drug And Alcohol Program Supervisor

Our Counselors

Lucy Jiminez, MA
Bilingual and experienced Substance abuse counselor trained in motivational interviewing

Our Drug and alcohol outpatient clinics

1. Rising Sun Clinic
Location: 4301 Rising Sun Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Phone: 267-296-7220

2. Cambria Clinic
Location: 2921 North 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133
Phone: 267-296-7220

We are open Monday through Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you or someone you know is considering outpatient treatment, please contact us! Feel free to call us or visit in person for more information and to sign up for services. We’d be happy to assist you!