Brixadi Treatment

Brixadi is a prescription medication used in the treatment of opioid dependence. It contains the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. Brixadi comes in a long-acting monthly injection formulation, similar to Sublocade, providing sustained release of buprenorphine over time. This allows for consistent blood levels of the medication, helping to stabilize individuals in recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

Brixadi is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include counseling, support groups, and other therapies to address the psychological and social aspects of addiction.
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Brixadi Treatment Typically Involves Several Stages

Brixadi treatment typically involves several stages:

  • Assessment: Individuals undergo a thorough assessment by a healthcare provider to determine the suitability of Brixadi treatment based on their medical history, substance use patterns, and treatment goals.
  • Administration: Once deemed appropriate, Brixadi treatment begins with the administration of an initial dose. This typically occurs after a period of stabilization on another form of buprenorphine or after a period of opioid withdrawal.
  • Monthly Maintenance: Following the initial dose, individuals receive monthly injections of Brixadi to maintain therapeutic levels of buprenorphine in the body. During this stage, ongoing monitoring and support from healthcare providers are crucial to ensure treatment effectiveness and address any challenges that may arise.
  • Tapering Off: At some point, individuals may transition to a lower dose of Brixadi or may discontinue treatment altogether. This decision is made collaboratively between the individual and their healthcare provider based on treatment progress, goals, and individual circumstances.

Throughout each stage of Brixadi treatment, comprehensive support services such as counseling, therapy, and support groups are often recommended to enhance the overall effectiveness of treatment and promote long-term recovery.

Medications

The medications used in MAT are powerful tools in treating substance use disorders. They work by minimizing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings. For example, buprenorphine (the active ingredient in Suboxone, Sublocade & Brixadi) acts on the same receptors in the brain as opioids. For alcohol use disorder, medications like naltrexone and acamprosate help reduce alcohol cravings, while disulfiram causes unpleasant effects when alcohol is consumed, discouraging further use.

Behavioral Therapy + Brixadi

Behavioral therapy is an integral aspect of Brixadi treatment, synergistically working with the medication to address both the physical and psychological dimensions of opioid dependence. Through therapy, individuals acquire essential coping mechanisms, modify detrimental behaviors, and foster positive lifestyle changes. By identifying triggers, managing cravings, and navigating challenges without resorting to substance use, individuals can optimize the effectiveness of Brixadi in supporting their recovery journey. Patients can:

  • Improve insights into behaviors that led to addiction and the problems that addiction caused
  • Learn to replace unhealthy behaviors with healthier ones
  • Work to repair relationships
  • Receive encouragement and motivation to stick to the recovery plan
  • Learn to recognize and avoid craving triggers
  • Learn how to better manage stress
  • Learn how to avoid relapse—strategies
  • Find a community that is struggling with similar issues

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We Accept Insurance

MATClinics currently accepts all Maryland Medicaid programs as well as Medicare Part B and all CareFirst (or BlueCross Blue Shield) plans. Learn more about what to expect and a list of the insurance programs accepted.

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What to Expect as a New Patient