By Dr. Paul Schneider, DO | Board-Certified Psychiatrist
If you’re reading this at 3 AM because the cravings won’t let you sleep, or you’re finally ready to admit that you can’t beat opioid addiction on your own—you’re in the right place.
Here’s what you need to know right now: Suboxone treatment works. It’s helped thousands of people break free from opioid addiction, and it can help you too. This isn’t “trading one drug for another”—it’s evidence-based medicine that addresses the biological reality of addiction while giving you the space to rebuild your life.
At Vigeo Wellness, we’ve seen people go from controlled by cravings to thriving at work and reconnecting with their families. We can help you do the same.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Suboxone treatment at our Fort Worth and Weatherford locations—what it is, how it works, and how to take your first step toward freedom.
📞 Fort Worth: 817-634-5521 | Weatherford: 817-672-9407
Why Opioid Addiction Is So Hard to Quit
When you use opioids repeatedly—whether it’s heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, or hydrocodone—your brain undergoes fundamental changes. Opioids flood your brain’s reward system with dopamine, creating intense pleasure and relief. Over time, your brain adapts by reducing natural dopamine production, creating powerful cravings, causing severe withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop, and weakening decision-making circuits even when you desperately want to quit.
This is why willpower alone rarely works. You’re not weak. You’re fighting against profound neurobiological changes that require medical treatment to reverse.
If you’ve tried to quit on your own, you know how excruciating withdrawal can be: severe muscle aches, intense anxiety, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, cold sweats, depression, and overwhelming cravings that feel impossible to resist. These symptoms can last for weeks, and most people relapse simply to stop the suffering. This isn’t a moral failing—it’s biology.
Why Medication-Assisted Treatment Changes Everything
Suboxone addresses the biological reality of opioid addiction. Instead of white-knuckling through withdrawal and fighting cravings every day, Suboxone allows you to stabilize physically without withdrawal torture, eliminate or dramatically reduce cravings, focus your energy on therapy and rebuilding relationships, function normally at work and home, and reduce your risk of fatal overdose by approximately 50%.
Think of it this way: If you had diabetes, you wouldn’t refuse insulin and try to manage it through willpower alone. Opioid addiction is a medical condition that requires medical treatment. Suboxone is that treatment.
What Is Suboxone and How Does It Work?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates the same opioid receptors in your brain as heroin or prescription painkillers—but in a much gentler, controlled way. It reduces cravings without producing a dangerous high, prevents withdrawal symptoms so you can stabilize comfortably, has a “ceiling effect” making it much safer than full opioids, is long-acting so you only need it once daily, and blocks other opioids from fully working if you do relapse.
Naloxone is an opioid blocker included to prevent misuse. If someone tries to inject Suboxone, the naloxone causes immediate withdrawal—discouraging this dangerous behavior. When taken correctly under the tongue, naloxone isn’t absorbed and doesn’t affect you.
How Suboxone Works in Your Brain
When you take Suboxone as prescribed, buprenorphine binds to opioid receptors preventing withdrawal and reducing cravings. Your brain chemistry begins to normalize without the extreme highs and lows of full opioids. You can function normally at work, school, and home. Other opioids are blocked, reducing the reward if you do use. Over time, your brain heals and you can focus on psychological recovery.
Important: Suboxone doesn’t get you “high” when taken correctly. It simply brings you back to normal, allowing you to live your life without being controlled by cravings.
Is Suboxone “Trading One Addiction for Another”?
No. This is one of the most harmful myths about MAT.
Suboxone is fundamentally different from addiction. Active opioid addiction involves chaotic, unpredictable dosing with dangerous highs and lows, escalating doses, interference with daily life, high overdose risk, illegal behavior, and life falling apart. Suboxone treatment involves consistent prescribed dosing, stable normalized brain function, stable maintenance dose, normal functioning, much lower overdose risk, legal medical supervision, and life improving.
Suboxone is medication, not addiction. Just like a diabetic takes insulin or someone with depression takes an antidepressant, you’re treating a medical condition with appropriate medication.
What the Research Shows
Decades of research consistently demonstrates that Suboxone reduces opioid use by 50% or more compared to no medication, improves treatment retention, reduces overdose deaths by approximately 50%, helps people return to work and rebuild relationships, improves quality of life across all measures, and is safe for long-term use with proper medical supervision.
Bottom line: Suboxone saves lives. It’s the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder, recommended by the American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, and every major addiction medicine organization.
The Suboxone Treatment Process at Vigeo Wellness
At Vigeo Wellness, we provide comprehensive Suboxone treatment that goes far beyond just writing prescriptions. Here’s what your journey looks like:
Initial Consultation
Your first appointment with Dr. Schneider or one of our psychiatric nurse practitioners is a comprehensive evaluation lasting 60-90 minutes. We’ll discuss your opioid use history, previous treatment attempts, medical history, mental health assessment, social situation, and treatment goals. This is a judgment-free conversation where the more honest you can be, the better we can help you.
Starting Suboxone: The Induction Phase
Critical timing requirement: You must be in mild to moderate withdrawal before taking your first dose of Suboxone. This typically means waiting 12-24 hours after your last use of short-acting opioids or 36-72 hours after long-acting opioids. Starting too early can cause “precipitated withdrawal”—sudden, severe symptoms. We’ll guide you carefully through this process.
For patients, we provide detailed instructions for starting Suboxone at home with phone support and follow-up within 24-48 hours.
You’ll dissolve a Suboxone film or tablet under your tongue and wait 15-30 minutes to see how you feel. Most people feel significant relief from withdrawal within 30-60 minutes. During the first few days, we’ll be in close contact to adjust your dose, typically 8-16 mg of buprenorphine daily.
Stabilization and Finding Your Optimal Dose
Over the next 1-2 weeks, we’ll fine-tune your Suboxone dose until you’re completely comfortable with no withdrawal symptoms, experiencing minimal or no cravings, functioning normally in daily life, and not experiencing side effects. Most people stabilize on 8-24 mg of buprenorphine daily. There’s no “right” dose—it’s whatever works for your individual brain chemistry.
Weekly or biweekly appointments during this phase allow us to monitor your progress, adjust your dose if needed, address any side effects, begin discussing therapy options, and treat co-occurring depression, anxiety, or other conditions.
Long-Term Maintenance
Once you’re stable on Suboxone, you enter the maintenance phase—the longest and most important part of treatment. You’ll continue taking Suboxone once daily at your stable dose, pick up prescriptions at your preferred pharmacy, and attend monthly appointments with our psychiatric team initially (can extend to every 2-3 months once stable).
Research shows that longer treatment is associated with better outcomes. Many people benefit from staying on Suboxone for 1-2 years or longer. There’s no rush to taper off, and many people maintain on Suboxone indefinitely—just like someone might take medication for diabetes or high blood pressure long-term.
Tapering When You’re Ready
If and when you decide you’re ready to discontinue Suboxone, we’ll support a slow, gradual taper under medical supervision. You should have at least 12-24 months of stable recovery, strong coping skills and support systems, addressed underlying mental health conditions, and eliminated high-risk situations before considering tapering.
Many people stay on Suboxone long-term, and that’s perfectly okay. If the medication is keeping you healthy and stable, there’s no medical reason you need to stop.
What Makes Vigeo Wellness Different
Expert Psychiatric Care
Dr. Paul Schneider is a board-certified psychiatrist with almost 15 years of experience in the DFW area, specializing in addiction medicine. This isn’t a “Suboxone clinic”—it’s comprehensive psychiatric care from a highly trained specialist who understands the complexities of addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Treatment of the Whole Person
Most people with opioid addiction also struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health conditions. At Vigeo Wellness, we treat all of these simultaneously because addressing only addiction while ignoring underlying mental health rarely leads to lasting recovery. We provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, medication management for all psychiatric conditions, coordination with therapy services, and trauma-informed care approaches.
Additional Treatment Options
If Suboxone alone isn’t enough, we offer ketamine-assisted therapy that can be combined with Suboxone to further reduce cravings, rapidly treat co-occurring depression and anxiety, help process trauma, and enhance therapy effectiveness. We also provide psychiatric medications when appropriate to treat co-occurring conditions.
Convenient Outpatient Care
No daily clinic visits required. Unlike methadone programs, Suboxone treatment at Vigeo Wellness is designed for people who are working, going to school, or managing family responsibilities. We offer flexible weekday scheduling at both Fort Worth and Weatherford locations, prescriptions sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy, and monthly refills once you’re stable.
A Judgment-Free Environment
Our spa-like clinic is designed to feel safe, comfortable, and healing—nothing like a typical medical facility. You’ll experience private consultation rooms, compassionate staff who understand addiction is a disease, zero judgment or shame, dignity and respect in every interaction, and HIPAA-compliant confidential care.
Common Questions About Suboxone Treatment
Will Suboxone make me feel “high”?
No, when taken correctly, Suboxone should not make you feel high. It brings you back to normal brain function. You should feel like yourself—without cravings, without withdrawal, just able to function in daily life.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate Suboxone well. Common mild side effects include constipation (most common), headache, nausea, drowsiness or insomnia, and sweating. These usually improve within the first week or with dose adjustment. Serious side effects are rare.
Can I take other medications with Suboxone?
Many medications are safe to take with Suboxone, but benzodiazepines and alcohol require extreme caution as they can cause severe respiratory depression. We’ll review all your medications carefully to ensure safety.
What if I relapse while on Suboxone?
Don’t panic, and don’t give up. Relapse is common in recovery and doesn’t mean treatment has failed. Be honest with your provider so we can adjust your treatment plan. We won’t judge you or discharge you from treatment—we’ll work with you to move forward.
How much does Suboxone treatment cost?
Most insurance plans cover Suboxone treatment as required by mental health parity laws. Without insurance, costs include office visits and medication (generic options available). We’ll work with you to make treatment affordable. Don’t let cost concerns prevent you from getting help—call us to discuss options.
Can I get pregnant or breastfeed on Suboxone?
Buprenorphine is considered safer during pregnancy than continued opioid use or withdrawal. If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, we’ll coordinate closely with your OB/GYN. Small amounts pass into breast milk, but benefits usually outweigh risks.
Take Your First Step Today
You’ve read this far, which means you’re seriously considering treatment. Here’s exactly how to get started:
Call us at Fort Worth: 817-634-5521 or Weatherford: 817-672-9407. When you call, you’ll speak with our caring team who will answer your questions, verify insurance coverage, and schedule your first appointment (usually within days). Don’t know what to say? Just this: “I’d like to schedule an appointment to discuss Suboxone treatment.”
Attend your initial consultation where you’ll have a 60-90 minute comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Schneider or one of our psychiatric nurse practitioners. Come prepared to discuss your history honestly, bring your insurance card and ID, and ask questions.
Begin treatment with your personalized treatment plan, detailed instructions for starting medication, close follow-up appointments, therapy resources, and treatment for co-occurring conditions. Within days, you can start feeling better.
Build your recovery with Suboxone stabilizing you physically so you can focus on therapy, rebuilding relationships, returning to work or school, developing coping skills, and creating a life worth living. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Opioid addiction is one of the most difficult conditions to overcome, but you don’t have to fight it alone anymore. Suboxone treatment at Vigeo Wellness combines FDA-approved medication with comprehensive psychiatric care to give you the best chance at lasting recovery.
Recovery is possible. You are worth it. And we’re here to help.
📞 Fort Worth: 817-634-5521 | Weatherford: 817-672-9407
📍 Fort Worth: 906 W Cannon St, Suite 100, Fort Worth, TX 76104
📍 Weatherford: 1800 Lone Oak Rd, Suite 10, Weatherford, TX 76086
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Call today to schedule your confidential consultation.
Additional Resources
National Support (24/7): SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357), Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Local Fort Worth Support: Narcotics Anonymous Fort Worth: (817) 654-5683, Tarrant County Mental Health Crisis Line: (817) 335-3022
Related Articles from Vigeo Wellness
Addiction Treatment Options at Vigeo Wellness: Your Complete Guide – Comprehensive overview of all addiction treatments available at our Fort Worth and Weatherford locations.
Vivitrol for Alcohol and Opioid Addiction – Learn about monthly injection treatment as an alternative to daily medication.
Ketamine Therapy for Addiction – Discover how innovative ketamine treatment can complement MAT for better outcomes.
About the Author
Dr. Paul Schneider, DO | Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Addiction Medicine Specialist
Dr. Schneider is a board-certified psychiatrist who has practiced in the DFW area for almost 15 years. His subspecialties of interest include emergency psychiatry, addiction medicine, and the treatment of suicidality. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and completed his psychiatric training at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth.
About Vigeo Wellness
Vigeo Wellness is a leading provider of integrative mental health care in Fort Worth and Weatherford, Texas. Founded by Megan Holland, DNP, CRNA in 2022, Vigeo Wellness specializes in evidence-based and innovative treatments for mood disorders, substance use disorders, and treatment-resistant mental health conditions.
We believe that effective addiction treatment requires addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of substance use disorders. Our comprehensive approach combines FDA-approved medications like Suboxone, innovative ketamine-assisted therapy, and expert psychiatric care for co-occurring conditions—all delivered in a spa-like, judgment-free environment where healing can happen.
References
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2025). Buprenorphine. https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions/buprenorphine
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025). Medications for Opioid Use Disorder. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/medications-opioid-use-disorder
- Center, B.C., et al. (2019). Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder: An Overview. American Journal of Medicine, 132(9), 1038-1045.
- Sordo, L., et al. (2017). Mortality risk during and after opioid substitution treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies. BMJ, 357, j1550.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding opioid use disorder or Suboxone treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.