Suboxone clinics are the result of an innovative program designed by the legendary heroine, Dr. Ann Lebaron. Suboxone, a buprenorphine medication provided to patients with an opiate addiction, is the only drug approved by the FDA to successfully curb heroin and morphine abuse and addiction. In its buprenorphine form, it acts like an opioid, but without the physical dependency or the associated withdrawal symptoms. “Suboxone saves lives,” says Lebaron. “Addiction is a progressive disease characterized by compulsive use of a narcotic substance, often an addictive agent, to alleviate a symptom or provide relief from pain.

Today, Suboxone clinics are located in clinics throughout Milwaukee and the surrounding area. Lebaron hopes that by offering this medication to heroin abusers in need, she will be able to stem the tide of an epidemic that is sweeping through the United States. As a matter of fact, Lebaron says that she wants to expand the services offered by her current Suboxone program so that it includes all of the clinics in Milwaukee’s West Side. Heroin abuse is out of control in the region, she notes, and she wants to do everything she can to address the problem. Heroin abuse has been responsible for the death of at least one young person every year in Milwaukee. “Addiction can be beaten,” says Lebaron.

In addition to providing buprenorphine therapy, the clinics offer other treatment programs and services to heroin abusers. Their 12-step program is the only one of its kind in Wisconsin. They also offer educational resources and referrals to individuals seeking treatment. Those who have been addicted to heroin for a long period of time and have achieved a “slippery slope” toward addiction, can enroll in the program at any of the Suboxone clinics in Milwaukee.