How Suboxone Can Be Used to Treat Opioid Addiction

Naloxone and buprenorphine are combined to form Suboxone. Suboxone is not the same as Subutex. It is a prescription medicine and the primary active ingredient is buprenorphine. It attaches to the receptors other opioids attach to. This reduces the effects of other opioids by blocking the receptors. Misuse of Suboxone is prevented by naloxone. Negative effects such as respiratory depression are prevented by naloxone as well as removing any other opioids from the receptors. The effects of buprenorphine are not affected if Suboxone is administered below the tongue.

The drug is usually administered inside the cheek or under the tongue. The dosage strengths available are only four.

People who are allergic to naloxone or buprenorphine should not use Suboxone.

The main use of Suboxone is the treatment of adults experiencing opioid addiction or dependency. The opioids may be legal or illegal. The treatment plan of which Suboxone forms a part should also include psychosocial and counseling support. The treatment is mandated under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act to be initiated by waivered physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners.

Before Taking Suboxone

It is important to share with your doctor whether you have had;

• A Breathing Problem or Lung Disease;
• Enlarged Prostate, Urination Problems;
• Liver or Kidney Disease;
• Abnormal Curvature of The Spine;
• Issues Relating To Your, Adrenal Gland, Gallbladder, or Thyroid;
• Brain Tumor, A Head Injury, Or Seizures;
• Alcoholism, Mental Illness, Drug Addiction

In the beginning, your doctor will closely monitor your Suboxone treatment. Your doctor may observe you taking the medication. The dosage prescribed by the doctor will be limited. You will be able to manage your treatment over time.

Understanding Opiate Addiction

The opium poppy plant seed provides narcotic drugs called opioids which can be natural or synthetic. They are used to reduce pain or induce sleep. This is due to the fact that they affect the central nervous system by depressing its activity.

The use of opioids for a prolonged duration may lead to an increased tolerance. The same effect from the drug would need to be achieved using a larger dose of the drug. Addiction can be caused by this increased dependence. Addiction can result in overdose and unfortunately, death.

Suboxone can be used to treat opioid addiction with the use of naloxone and buprenorphine. Some opiates that can cause addiction include;

Some of the most commonly abused opiates include:

• Heroin
• Oxycontin
• Oxycodone
• Fentanyl
• Morphine
• Vicodin (Hydrocodone)
• Codeine
• Methadone

The Effectiveness of Suboxone Treatment

Suboxone has been reported to lower any cravings for opiates as well as deterring current use. Methadone is used to treat opioid addiction but Suboxone takes a shorter time. Suboxone treatment may take around a week while method treatment stretches to weeks or months.

As a medication-assisted treatment program, suboxone enables individuals to deal with opioid addiction with relative ease compared to other programs.

The dosage prescribed to patients depends on multiple factors such as previous medical history and the specific opiate(s) he/she is addicted to. Changes can be made to the dosage as is seen appropriate by an approved physician, assistant physician or nurse.

Suboxone has shown better results when used for longer durations. A 12-week detox program with suboxone was found to increase the chances for abstinence in opiate-dependent youth compared to those whose only took part in a two-week treatment program.

Suboxone has numerous benefits that make overcoming an opiate addiction that much easier. These benefits include;

• Lower potential for abuse.
• Greater accessibility.
• The withdrawal symptoms of opioids are reduced.
• Reducing cravings for opioids.
• A lower rate of illegal opioid use.
• The effects of other opioids are blocked.
• Patients are able to stay in treatment longer.
• A high rate of success in opiate addiction treatment.

If you’re interested in learning more about how Suboxone works or you’re ready to take the first and most important step to recovering from your addiction or opiate dependency, contact us today. 2nd Chance Treatment Center proudly serves Phoenix, AZ, Gilbert, AZ, and the surrounding areas.