At Crossroads, our vision is to provide the most convenient, comprehensive and high-quality care options for people struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). We are excited to announce that we now offer injectable medications across our nine-state footprint. This includes our opioid treatment programs where Methadone is dispensed. This expansion ensures that patients have access to a variety of medication-based recovery support options, including long-acting injectable forms of Buprenorphine.
Why Injectable Medications?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) are FDA-approved and help to provide a whole-patient approach to OUD treatment. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) recognizes MOUD as the gold standard, which integrates medication with counseling and care management as the most effective approach for treating OUD.
Injectable medications offer several advantages for patients, including:
- Consistent Dosing – Long-acting injections eliminate the need for daily dosing, reducing the risk of missed doses and improving treatment adherence.
- Reduced Cravings & Withdrawal Symptoms – When properly dosed, Buprenorphine rapidly alleviates withdrawal symptoms, even for fentanyl users, and helps control cravings.
- Blocking the Effects of Opioids – Buprenorphine works in the brain to prevent opioid effects, reducing the desire to use other opioids.
- Lower Risk of Misuse – Because injectable forms of Buprenorphine are administered in a clinical setting, there is a reduced risk of misuse or diversion.
Treatment Options at Crossroads
Crossroads offers several forms of Suboxone and Buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD, including:
- SUBOXONE® (Buprenorphine + Naloxone) – Available in film strip or tablet form, this medication helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and opioid cravings.
- SUBLOCADE® (Buprenorphine Extended-Release Injection) – A once-monthly injectable dose administered after a brief period of stabilization on oral Buprenorphine.
- BRIXADI® (Buprenorphine Extended-Release Injection) – Available as either a weekly or monthly injection, providing flexible dosing options to meet individual patient needs.
What Patients Need to Know
- Injectable Buprenorphine is typically administered after a short period of stabilization on oral forms of the medication.
- Suboxone helps control opioid cravings and blocks the effects of other opioids.
- It is safe for most patients but may cause mild side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, anxiety, tiredness or insomnia.
- There is no defined treatment duration; studies show that longer-term use of MOUD reduces the likelihood of relapse.
Commitment to Long-Term Recovery
Substance use disorders are chronic, relapsing conditions that require ongoing care. Patients should receive treatment under the supervision of a qualified medical provider, such as a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner. At Crossroads, our approach prioritizes comprehensive care that supports patients through every stage of recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with OUD, contact Crossroads today to learn more about our treatment options and how long acting injectables may help you on your journey to recovery.