Suboxone Clinic

The Suboxone Treatment Program was created in Lac Seul as a result of a 2013 needs assessment. That study determined the number of drug users in the community was quite high. Since then, the
community has worked to get the program off the ground.

Located in Kejick Bay, the program had its first intake in June 2015 with eight clients taking part. Since then another intake of six clients have started the program, for a total of 14 people varying in age from 20–40 years old.

Recognizing that individuals are abusing drugs for a reason, such as past trauma, the program aims to integrate aftercare into the program. This includes counselling as well as land-based
activities such as hunting trips or fishing. It’s the aim of staff, as well as the community, that the program not become a dispensing clinic for Suboxone. It’s important to address the issues behind their drug abuse.

While still in the early stages, program staff are already seeing positive changes in clients. They are getting back to themselves and getting back to their families.

Showing signs of success so far, the community wants to see the program continue.

Funding is not in place at the moment, but the community is supporting it until the end of March. Ongoing funding is currently being pursued.

Program Process

The clinic runs seven days a week with a staff of three: Program Coordinator, Aftercare Coordinator and Support Worker.

When individuals enter the program they sign a contract which stipulates that they must be drug and alcohol free and must report regularly to the doctor.

Upon entering the program, clients go through a detoxification period and are started on Suboxone.

The amount of time an individual can stay on Suboxone varies. Over time, the dosage is lowered until the individual no longer requires it.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a Schedule III controlled substance and is an FDA approved medication for treatment of opioid addictions.

Suboxone works by tricking the brain into thinking it is receiving a full dose of an opioid and blocks the intoxication effects one would normally get. It also works to alleviates withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone should only be taken under the direction of a medical professional.

Simon Thompson
Suboxone Program Coordinator
Phone: (807) 582-0619
Email: simonthompson@lacseulfn.org