Skip to main content

Buprenorphine Treatment

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist/antagonist medication tablet used in treatment for opioid addiction. Taken in tablet form under the tongue, it reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms so you experience a more gradual detox process and reduce risk of relapse.

Interested in Methadone treatment?

> Find a Clinic Near You

How Treatment Works

To begin Buprenorphine treatment at Morse Clinic, you will be required to complete a clinical evaluation to assess if Medication Assisted Treatment is right for you. This process involves gathering information on your physical and psychosocial health, as well as past and present drug use. Every patient, including transfers to the program, must complete this screening before beginning treatment. 

Your Buprenorphine dosage will be determined by a staff physician based on your history and physical condition. The cost of treatment for the Buprenorphine Maintenance Program is $120 per week, regardless of dose, but may be free for most of our Medicaid clients.

When you arrive at a Morse Clinic, you will check in at the front desk for dosing. The front desk will collect any payment that is due and may alert you if you have a random urine drug screen due before dosing. All Buprenorphine medication will be administered by a nurse.

Is it Safe?

When taken in doses prescribed by your physician, Buprenorphine is very safe. Some patients may experience headaches, withdrawal syndrome, pain, insomnia, nausea and constipation as side effects of Buprenorphine medication. 

It is extremely dangerous to consume benzodiazepines, alcohol or other depressants while taking Buprenorphine. 

Buprenorphine may be a good treatment option for women who are pregnant. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, taking Buprenorphine during addiction treatment while pregnant does not cause harm to the baby or the mother. 

For more information on our Buprenorphine treatment program, contact Morse Clinic today.

Fast Facts

What are your dosing hours?

Mon - Fri: 6 - 11 AM at Johnston, Chatham, Asheboro, and Vance Recovery

Mon - Fri: 5:30 - 11 AM at Morse Clinic of North Raleigh, Zebulon, Dunn, and Roanoke Rapids

Sat:  7 - 9 AM
Sun: 7- 9 AM

Holiday hours will be posted by each individual clinic.

Dosing is not permitted after dosing hours. 

What do I have to do to earn take homes?

You must meet with your counselor to complete a Treatment Team Request form to be considered for take-home privileges. Decisions regarding take-home doses are made by the Medical Director in consultation with members of the clinical team. 

Your counselor can provide you with a Take Home Criteria Checklist.

What do I do if I miss a treatment day?

If you need to cancel, you must provide 24 hours notice. Failure to observe counseling attendance rules will result in your dose being held on the next day that you arrive at the clinic, until your counselor is able to see you to remove the hold. 

If you miss 2 days in a row, your dose will be decreased by half. If you miss 4 days or more in a row, you will need to see the program physician for reinstatement before you can be dosed again. After 30 days, you will be discharged and must be readmitted to continue your treatment. 

Can I work while on methadone and also take drug screens?

If you are using opioids or other substances, a positive result will be detected on a drug screen. Methadone alone will not create a positive result on a drug screen. 

How long does it take to dose?

Typically, after the intake day, just a few minutes. We have multiple dosing windows and work very hard to have little to no line.

How do I get started?

To schedule intake, call us today. Please bring a valid photo ID, insurance card, list of medications you are taking, and intake and treatment fees to your intake appointment. 

Does Medicaid cover any portion of my treatment?

Morse Clinic is in network with Medicaid MCOs - Cardinal Innovations, Alliance, Eastpointe, and Sandhills.  Patients are fully covered for services. Earned take home doses will be $10 for Methadone and $15 for Buprenorphine for Medicaid patients. 

Can I transfer from a different clinic?

Yes! In order to transfer to Morse Clinic, you or your current clinic must provide documentation for the following in advance: copy of UDS for the past 6 months, dosing record, and discharge/transfer paperwork. These documents must be reviewed by the intake team before you can begin dosing at Morse Clinic. 

What do I do if I need to leave town?

If you are going to be out of town and unable to attend the clinic for medication, you must inform your counselor as soon as you are aware of the situation. Your counselor will make every effort to arrange dosing at a clinic where you will be. 

You will need to complete a Guest Dose Packet for approval by the Treatment Team. You will also be responsible for a $25 guest-dose set-up fee and all dosing fees at the other clinic. 

What do I do if I lose my take-homes?

Morse Clinics will not replace lost, stolen, broken, or spilled take-home bottles. You are responsible for the safety and security of your take-home bottles once you leave the medication window. 

Stolen bottles should be reported to the police first. Provide documentation (police report) to Morse Clinics for replacement doses.  

Related Blog Posts

I was excited to hear you were opening a clinic in Siler City. So happy I transferred here.  So much better than my old clinic!

Anonymous

Schedule A Screening

A screening is the first step in the treatment process. Submit this form and a licensed counselor will contact you to perform a no obligation, no cost screening to determine what level of care you require.