Opioids are a class of drugs typically used to relieve acute or chronic pain. These medications can be highly addictive due to their euphoria-inducing effects and influence on the brain’s reward center. The American Medical Association (AMA) estimates that between 3% to 19% of people prescribed opioids develop an addiction to the medication, and over 130 people die per day in the United States from opioid overdose. The opioid epidemic has ruined lives and poses significant danger to the American population. In the wake of this public health crisis, a number of opioid addiction treatments are available and can be provided by nurse practitioners.

What is a Suboxone® clinic?

Buprenorphine, sold under the name brand Suboxone®, is the first medication approved to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). This medication can be prescribed by physicians, including nurse practitioners, in specialized clinical environments. Suboxone clinics provide medication to relieve symptoms of withdrawal and assist in the detoxification process from opioid medication.

Should nurse practitioners operate an addiction treatment clinic?

Opioid addiction treatment clinics are a great side practice for nurse practitioners. The demand for buprenorphine continues to rise as the opioid epidemic slowly worsens. People with addiction need help now more than ever. Practicing this type of medicine can be rewarding, as providers are playing a crucial role in battling OUD.

Common misconceptions about Suboxone® clinics

Many providers shy away from addiction medicine because of misconceptions about the typical “clientele” of opioid addiction treatment centers. There is an overarching stigma attached to OUD, and some people have preconceived notions of the “typical” addict. There is a belief that Suboxone® clinics are overrun with “junkies” and other dangerous individuals. These prejudices are largely inaccurate. Addiction does not discriminate by class, race, gender, or wealth bracket.

If an NP is concerned about the potential patient-base of their opioid treatment center, it may be advantageous to run a cash-only practice. This can help you to carefully curate your patient list and vet clients for safety. Some patients may be better served elsewhere, such as a methadone clinic. It’s important to have a list of resources and a referral network for when a patient’s care needs fall outside of your scope.

Profit potential for addiction treatment centers

Many providers also believe that there is no money to be made with an opioid addiction practice. However, the opposite is typically true. Since opioid use is an expensive habit, many patients may have the means to spend substantial amounts of cash to get clean. If you decide to accept insurance, many plans offer reimbursement for this type of treatment.

Let’s do some math for the potential revenue of an opioid addiction treatment clinic:

The average insurance reimbursement on each patient sits at $300 monthly.

30 active patients per month at $300 each = $9,000 each month

Logistic simplicity

Outside of the monetary incentive of an opioid addiction treatment practice, there is value in its simplicity. Opioid addiction treatment is fairly easy with quality education and skill-building. You may occasionally deal with “challenging” patients, people who may be combative or non-compliant. But if your practice is run with discretion with solid boundaries, these obstacles can be manageable. If you dedicate ample time and follow set protocols, you will make measurable differences in your patients’ lives.

The initial visit of a typical Suboxone® clinic takes between 30 and 60 minutes, with follow-ups usually lasting 15 to 30 minutes. There may be patients who require more or less time, but this is true with any practice. Treatment is straight forward and dosing is determined by simple protocols. Dose adjustments are necessary but are easy to do.

Monitoring treatment is also simple, and revolves around subjective well-being and urine drug screens. Opioid addiction clinics use buprenorphine, buprenorphine with naloxone, and/or naltrexone for medication management. These are the foundational medications for the treatment of OUD. Learning how to utilize these medications within your treatment plan is easy to implement.

Low liability

The liability of an opioid addiction center is fairly low. Opioid addiction therapy is safe when prescribed appropriately. The biggest risk is patient relapse or overdose. However, these incidents are outside of your control. It would be difficult to prove negligence if you provide safe and standard treatment. The biggest legal risks surround the prescription of schedule III-controlled substances. As long as you are following prescriptive law, there is little to worry about.

Positive impact of opioid addiction treatment

By practicing addiction treatment medicine, you are making a true impact on the lives of your patients, their families, and your community. You will save the lives of countless patients. When you see a patient that presents to your practice in the thralls of opioid addiction do a complete 180 with their life due to the treatment you provided, the feeling is indescribable! You can see REAL change in a short amount of time with your patients when you treat their opioid addiction.

Overall, opioid addiction therapy is an in-demand service that will continue to grow. The reimbursement is favorable for a nurse practitioner looking to start a side practice and the treatment is relatively simple. The overall liability is low and most importantly, you will be making a significant impact on your patients’ lives. All it takes is a little upfront work, due diligence, and some patience to start a rewarding and profitable side practice as a nurse practitioner.

If you are interested in providing opioid addiction therapy, check out The Opioid Addiction Treatment Clinic Course. This course provides treatment protocols, policies and procedures, plus exam and intake forms. It is literally an opioid addiction treatment clinic in a box!