Two proven medications, one coordinated program
For many people recovering from opioid or alcohol use disorder, medication is the difference between white-knuckling it and being able to focus on the work of recovery. North Jersey Recovery Center’s Suboxone and Vivitrol program in Fair Lawn pairs these FDA-approved medications with evidence-based therapy and psychiatric care for co-occurring mental health conditions, all delivered by one team at one Bergen County location.
Our medical team, led by Director of Medical Services Suzanne Salamanca, PhD, APN, PMHNP-BC, evaluates every client individually and helps you choose the medication that fits your history, health, and goals.
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone)
Suboxone is a sublingual film or tablet containing buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone. Taken once daily at a stable dose, it:
- Relieves opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings
- Blocks the euphoric effects of other opioids
- Has a ceiling effect that lowers the risk of respiratory depression compared with full opioids
- Lets you think clearly, work, and participate fully in therapy
Who it is for: Adults with opioid use disorder involving heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, or other opioids who want a daily medication that can begin soon after their last use.
How we start it: In most cases you see a prescriber on the day you intake, and your Suboxone prescription is sent electronically to a local pharmacy that same day. Your prescriber times your first dose and follows up closely over the first days. Follow-up visits fine-tune your dose.
Vivitrol (extended-release naltrexone)
Vivitrol is a once-monthly injection of naltrexone, an opioid antagonist. It contains no opioid, produces no euphoria, and has no potential for dependence. Vivitrol:
- Blocks the effects of opioids for about four weeks per dose
- Reduces cravings for alcohol and blunts its rewarding effects
- Removes the daily decision to take a pill
- Is approved for both opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder
Who it is for: Adults who prefer a non-opioid, non-daily option; people completing detox or an inpatient stay who want protection during the return to daily life; and people working on alcohol use who want craving support. If you need medically supervised detox before starting Vivitrol, we coordinate it with accredited partners and hold your place.
How we start it: Vivitrol begins after a short opioid-free period, which your prescriber confirms with you. Your NJRC prescriber writes the prescription and coordinates the injection every four weeks with one of our partner medical providers nearby — we schedule it around your program days and keep it on track with you.
Choosing between Suboxone and Vivitrol
| Suboxone | Vivitrol | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Daily film or tablet | Monthly injection |
| Contains an opioid | Yes (partial agonist) | No |
| When it can start | Soon after last opioid use | After an opioid-free period |
| Approved for | Opioid use disorder | Opioid and alcohol use disorder |
| Prescriber visits | Set by your prescriber; daytime or evening | Every 4 weeks, injection at a partner provider we coordinate |
Your prescriber walks through this decision with you. Some clients begin on Suboxone and later transition to Vivitrol; others start and stay on one medication. The plan is yours, and it can change as you progress.
Medication plus therapy, in one place
Suboxone and Vivitrol work best alongside counseling. Every client in our program participates in treatment at the level of care that fits their life:
- Partial Care — full days of structured treatment, home each night
- Intensive Outpatient (IOP) — several sessions a week, day or evening
- Evening IOP — Monday through Thursday, 6:00–9:00 p.m., for people who work or attend school
- Outpatient — weekly sessions and ongoing medication management as you build independence
Across every level you receive group therapy, individual therapy, CBT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and family therapy, along with psychiatric evaluation and medication management for co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Because the same medical team manages both your MAT and any psychiatric medication, everything is reviewed together.
What a month looks like
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Prescriber visits | Set by your prescriber — more often at the start, then spaced out as you stabilize; daytime or evening |
| Vivitrol injection | Once every 4 weeks, at a partner medical provider we coordinate for you |
| Suboxone refills | Sent electronically to your local pharmacy |
| Drug screening | Routine, as a clinical tool |
| Therapy | Per your level of care |
| Nursing support | On program days |
Why Bergen County chooses North Jersey Recovery Center
- Physician-led medical team; Joint Commission accredited, LegitScript certified, NAATP member
- Licensed by the State of New Jersey (license 2000822)
- Suboxone, Vivitrol, and psychiatric medications managed by the same providers
- A full outpatient continuum so your medication continues seamlessly as you step down, and a medication management program so you can stay on Suboxone or Vivitrol with the same prescribers after you finish treatment
- Confidential phone support 24 hours a day
- 22-08 NJ-208 Suite 2, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410, minutes from Paramus, Glen Rock, Hawthorne, Paterson, Ridgewood, and Wyckoff
Paying for Suboxone and Vivitrol
Most commercial plans include benefits for buprenorphine and for Vivitrol, along with the associated medical visits. Some plans ask for prior authorization for Vivitrol, and our team handles that paperwork for you. We verify your coverage at no cost, usually the same day you call. Visit our insurance page for carrier-specific information.
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I start Suboxone?
After your intake and medical evaluation, your prescriber will let you know when to time your initial dose of Suboxone. Your assessment happens the same day you call, treatment can start as soon as the next day, and in most cases you see a prescriber on your first day and leave with a prescription already at your pharmacy.
How long do I need to be off opioids before Vivitrol?
Vivitrol requires a short opioid-free period first, which your prescriber will confirm based on the opioids you were using. If detox is needed to get there, we coordinate it with accredited partners.
Does Vivitrol work for alcohol?
Yes. Vivitrol is FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder as well as opioid use disorder and can reduce cravings and the rewarding effects of drinking.
Can I switch from Suboxone to Vivitrol?
Yes. Many clients taper buprenorphine and transition to Vivitrol under medical supervision. Your prescriber will plan the transition with you.
Will I be on medication forever?
Length of treatment is individual. Your prescriber reviews your goals with you regularly, and any change in dose or medication is a shared decision.
Is Suboxone or Vivitrol covered by insurance?
Most commercial plans include benefits for both medications and the related medical visits. We verify your specific plan at no cost before you begin. Call (877) 632-5541.
Ask about Suboxone or Vivitrol today
Call (877) 632-5541 to speak confidentially with our admissions team, or verify your insurance online. We answer 24 hours a day.
North Jersey Recovery Center · 22-08 NJ-208 Suite 2, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
