Our blog
Here, you’ll find resources, tips, and stories that will help support patients and their loved ones.

How Addictive Is Kratom? What Regular Users Need to Know
Kratom is often assumed to be harmless. But for some people, it can cause physical dependence or even develop into a substance use disorder. Learn what kratom does inside the body, what research says about its addictive potential, which products carry the highest risk, and when it might make sense to speak with a clinician through Ophelia.

How does buprenorphine work? What the research shows
Ophelia explores how buprenorphine helps the body overcome opioid addiction, citing research from a variety of government and scientific sources.
Subutex® side effects: what to expect and how to manage them
Subutex helps treat opioid dependence by activating the same receptors in the brain triggered by drugs. Find out how Subutex works—and who it's for—in this

What is Brixadi? A guide to the injectable buprenorphine treatment for OUD
Find out more about Brixadi for opioid addiction treatment. Understand how it works, its benefits, side effects, and differences from Sublocade.

Methadone vs buprenorphine: key differences and how to choose
Ophelia researched the differences between methadone and buprenorphine for treating opioid use disorder using medical journals, studies, and government resources.

Suboxone® vs Subutex®: how they differ and which is right for you
Here’s what you should know about the similarities and differences between Suboxone and Subutex.

7-OH withdrawal symptoms: what to expect + when to get help
7-OH withdrawal symptoms can be confusing, frightening, and very uncomfortable —especially for people who don’t realize 7-OH can cause physical dependence. When a person using 7-OH products regularly suddenly cuts back or stops using the substance, opioid-like withdrawal can follow. Learn what these symptoms can look like, how long they typically last, what factors affect severity, and when to consider clinical support.

How Much Does Suboxone Cost?
Understand the cost of Suboxone, factors affecting pricing, trends, and strategies to reduce expenses. Find affordable options for opioid use disorder treatment.

"Does Medicaid cover substance abuse treatment? "
If you’re on Medicaid or eligible to enroll, you might be wondering: Does Medicaid cover drug treatment services? Learn more about Medicaid coverage!

Does Medicaid cover Suboxone®?
Find out if Medicaid covers Suboxone® for opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, including state-specific eligibility, generic alternatives, and telehealth options.

Does insurance cover Suboxone®?
Everything you need to know about coverage, the cost of Suboxone®, + more.

Does Highmark BCBS in Pennsylvania cover Suboxone®?
Ophelia provides valuable opioid addiction resources to Pennsylvanians. Our telehealth care options are covered by the Highmark BCBS PA Medicaid plans.

How to use UnitedHealthcare PA benefits for Suboxone + MAT
Suboxone treatment for OUD is covered by Medicaid in Pennsylvania. Find Suboxone doctors that accept United Healthcare–learn how to get Suboxone with Medicaid.

What is low-dose naltrexone? Side effects, uses, and risks
Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a small dose of naltrexone, a medication commonly used to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Learn more about low-dose naltrexone.

What is Naltrexone? Side effects, uses, and risks
Learn about the benefits of FDA-approved medicine, Naltrexone, and why it isn’t always the best starting point compared to Suboxone®.

Managing stomach problems on Suboxone®
Discover how to manage gastrointestinal side effects of Suboxone treatment. Learn about common symptoms, causes, and safe remedies for nausea & constipation.

How to take Suboxone® sublingual film: A step-by-step guide
MAT with Suboxone is the best treatment for opioid addiction. Follow our step-by-step guide to ensure that you are getting the most out of your medication.
A quick kratom guide: dosage, effects, and risks
Kratom is a tree native to Southeast Asia and parts of Africa and its leaves are traditionally used as medicine. Learn more about Kratom in this post!

Suboxone® vs. methadone: What’s the difference?
When designing a medication-assisted treatment plan for patients, most doctors prescribe methadone or Suboxone®. Here are the differences.

The opioid epidemic and minors
Find out how the ongoing opioid epidemic affects children and teens. Learn how parents can mitigate risks of opioid misuse for their family.

6 common myths about addiction treatment via telemedicine
Debunk common myths about opioid addiction treatment and find out how telemedicine is a flexible and accessible option for those who need treatment.

Is it okay to combine marijuana + OUD treatment?
Explore the pros & cons of combining marijuana with opioid use disorder treatment. Learn how cannabis might aid recovery while understanding the risks.

More than OUD treatment: What else can telehealth help with?
Even though medical practices have resumed normal operations, telehealth remains a valuable tool for patients who are in recovery or otherwise can’t travel.

X-Waivered clinicians: getting to the bottom of a nationwide shortage and finding solutions
Understand what an X-Waivered clinician is, the qualifications it takes to be certified, and why there are not enough to meet the needs of those dealing with OUD.

Myths about fentanyl to dispel right now
Fentanyl is all over the news, but are the headlines missing something? Read about 6 common fentanyl myths and the truth behind them here.

Why fentanyl policy in the U.S. is such a mess (and why we need to do more to fix it)
Keep up with the latest news on laws regarding fentanyl to find out what state and federal legislators are - and aren’t - doing to keep people safe.