Suboxone, an FDA-approved drug for treating addiction that is frequently used with counseling and behavioral therapy, offers some hope to those who are suffering from opioid dependence. Since the early 2000s, addiction treatment experts have chosen to recommend Suboxone over methadone, the MAT that before it. Suboxone was created specifically to combat opioid addiction, and as a result, it was built to carry a far reduced risk of dependence than methadone. Suboxone’s negative effects are also typically milder and more frequent physical rather than mental.
Here are the top 10 things you should know about Suboxone.
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How does Suboxone Work
Four parts buprenorphine and one component naloxone make up Suboxone. While naloxone prevents the activation of opioid receptors and reverses the euphoric effects of buprenorphine, buprenorphine works by deceiving the brain into believing it is receiving a full dose of an opioid. The opioid compounds that are naturally created by the body are what make up opioid receptors, which are located in the brain.
Feelings of satisfaction and reward occur from opioid receptor activation. Buprenorphine and naloxone work together to reduce the intoxication that other opioids cause, stop opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and help you return to a safe and normal life.
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Does Suboxone Pose Any Risks
Yes! Suboxone has the potential to save lives, but it’s important to remember that since it contains an opioid by nature, taking it in excess, without a prescription, or in any other way than recommended on the label can still put you at risk for addiction and overdose.
It has a ceiling effect, therefore some users turn to injecting the medicine, which gets around its time-release properties and increases the risk of overdosing.
It is logically only accessible under the guidance of a qualified mental health professional in a licensed opioid treatment program.
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Suboxone and its Side Effects
Dizziness or blurred vision, sleepiness, headache, back pain, tongue pain, numbness or tingling, increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and sleeplessness are just a few of the potential side effects of Suboxone.
You may have withdrawal symptoms, such as muscle aches, sweating, nausea, and restlessness, to mention a few, if you abruptly stop taking Suboxone or use it too soon after using heroin or another opioid. These symptoms frequently lead to a relapse.
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Suboxone Treatment has Four Parts
The first is known as the induction phase, during which you go through an intake evaluation to establish the right dose. The stabilization phase is the second step, where you receive therapy and support services to address the root of your addiction. The maintenance phase, or third step, is when you start to get back to your regular routine while continuing to take the recommended dosage of Suboxone. The final phase is known as the taper, during which your mental health professional will gradually lower the necessary dose of Suboxone until you no longer require it.
Before starting treatment check if your doctor provide suboxone treatment insurance.
It can help in managing your treatment budget.
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Don’t Mix Suboxone with Alcohol
It is recommended that people who take Suboxone should not take it with alcohol. Suboxone with alcohol interactions can be lethal. It may result in brain injury, hypoxia, respiratory suppression (reduced breathing), and comatoseness.
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There are Two Ways to Take Suboxone
Suboxone is available as an oral tablet and an oral film, both of which can be dissolved under the tongue (sublingual). You can place the oral film on your cheek (buccal).
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Suboxone Prevents the Opioid Effect
Suboxone is a member of the class of drugs known as “opioid antagonists” that are used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Opioid antagonists are the antithesis of “opioid agonists” like heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. An opioid agonist alters your sense of pain and releases endorphins that simulate pleasure when it activates a pain-blocking receptor in your brain. The “opioid effect” is the name given to this. When your suboxone doctor prescribe an opioid antagonist like Suboxone in your rehabilitation, the drug will counteract the effects of an opioid by keeping those pain receptors from being activated. This lessens withdrawal symptoms and helps you control urges.
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Suboxone Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms of Opiates
Suboxone is designed to lessen the withdrawal symptoms experienced by opiate addicts as they work toward sobriety. It is claimed to lessen opiate cravings’ frequency and potency. If this is the case, there is a less dangerous alternative to stopping the use of dangerous opioids like morphine and Fentanyl. The issue with this mindset is that many individuals who undergo prolonged treatment develop a reliance on Suboxone. What was supposed to end someone’s opiate addiction instead led to the development of a new one. The number of emergency room visits connected to overdoses on buprenorphine is increasing yearly.
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Suboxone Simply Replaces One Drug with Another
Abstinence has traditionally been the mainstay of addiction treatment. However, the failure of that approach, particularly when used without ancillary therapies. Like talk therapy, in-residence monitoring, and other supports. That has prompted the medical profession to reevaluate the use of medication-assisted therapy for opioid addiction. It makes more sense to treat addiction with medication. Just as you would treat high blood pressure. Once you realize that addiction is a chronic medical problem.
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Suboxone Should be Used Carefully
The doctor will advise you to start taking a modest dose as soon as withdrawal symptoms appear. If necessary, dose levels can be increased. Always follow your doctor’s instructions for dosage exactly. Initially, Suboxone may make you feel sleepy. Until you know how this drug affects you, you shouldn’t drive or engage in other potentially dangerous activities. Your doctor could change the dosage if drowsiness persists. As long as it’s required to stop relapse, you can take buprenorphine for days, months, or even years. However, if you have liver illness, a doctor should regularly check you.
Don’t Go Through Addiction Recovery Alone
Recovery is incredibly difficult to experience on your own. Support from friends and family is crucial. Your decision to seek treatment and maintain it can be aided by love and encouragement.
Some treatment centers provide family therapy.
They act in this way because your addiction may have resulted in hurt, resentment, or emotions of guilt and despair.
Family and friends can benefit from counseling by learning more about your condition. How they can support you, and how to deal with the issues your addiction has caused them. They can feel free to express their emotions there. And learn what resources are available to support those who are affected. Having loved ones around makes recovering easier. Many people even go through recovery just because they know that there are people around them who want to see them get better.
So, involve your loved ones in your recovery process to ensure long-lasting recovery!
The Bottom Line…
Many different drugs can be used for medication-assisted treatment (MAT). But Suboxone may be the one you’ve heard of the most. Buprenorphine and naloxone, the two medications. That make Suboxone, combine chemically to lessen the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and lessen a patient’s long-term dependence on opioids. Although medication-assisted treatment is an excellent choice for people who are struggling with addiction. It shouldn’t be the only part of your recovery strategy. To maintain your mind and body in good fighting shape. A comprehensive MAT strategy combines a carefully regulated pharmaceutical regimen with substance abuse treatment and routine medical care.
