Fighting addiction is difficult for both the person suffering from an addiction and their family and friends. For some, an inpatient treatment program places an additional strain on emotions already stretched thin. A comprehensive outpatient treatment program that incorporates medication maintenance treatment plans is a good option for individuals looking for a second chance while maintaining the order of day-to-day life. At 2nd Chance Treatment Center, residents of Arizona can access a comprehensive Subutex medication maintenance plan to beat an addiction.
What is Subutex?
Subutex is a brand name for the medication buprenorphine. Under the care of a physician, it is used as part of an opioid abuse treatment program. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, buprenorphine was first approved for clinical use by the FDA in October 2002. The administration says the medication can be used in combination with behavior therapy and counseling sessions to provide a whole-patient approach to combat dependency.
When used in a treatment plan, Subutex has a lower potential for misuse than traditional opioid medications. Subutex also helps lower the symptoms and cravings of withdrawal for recovering addicts by stimulating the same receptors in the brain that an opioid stimulates. Because of this, Subutex also still presents certain effects, such as euphoria, but at a reduced level — without the high. There is also ceiling for how much the effects increase with increased dosages. This is what helps lower — but not eliminate — the potential for misuse during a recovery plan.
How Subutex Treatment Works
Subutex, often distributed in a film placed under the tongue or in the cheek, is used as part of a treatment program to combat withdrawal symptoms as a result of heroin addiction and other such opioids. It is administered once daily in a dosage determined by the physician assisting with a treatment program. The medication is introduced during an induction phase that helps move patients from the use of other opioids to a consistent daily Subutex dosage. Over time, a patient can slowly taper off of Subutex by lessening a physical dependence on the drug.
Signs You or a Loved One Suffers From Addiction
Many people become addicted to opioids after being legally prescribed opioid medication for pain relief. When you have an uncontrollable urge to use the drugs when they are no longer needed, an addiction is present. As an addiction worsens, it tends to take over other daily activities as additional drugs are sought. If a family member is requesting additional opioid medications despite recovering from an injury, refuses non-opioid treatments or pain management techniques, such as physical therapy, or starts looking for new sources, an addiction is likely present. It is important to seek help immediately before the dependency increases.
Subutex vs. Suboxone
Subutex and Suboxone both were developed in 2002, and both medications contain burprenorphine. Subutex contains only burprenorphine while an additional ingredient, naloxone, is part of Suboxone. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, people without an opioid dependency can misuse Subutex. The naloxone added in Suboxone helps lower the chances for abuse by blocking withdrawals from the opioids. Suboxone also fails to mimic the effects of opioids as well as Subutex, making it a less suitable initial treatment option for some fighting addiction.
The ability to still abuse the prescription medications used in a treatment plan make a comprehensive approach to addiction extremely importation. The comprehensive plans offered through the 2nd Chance Treatment Center also include a behavioral therapy component that helps patients learn new behaviors to replace those that helped lead to drug use.
Looking for Subutex Doctors in Arizona?
We know how difficult opioid addiction can be, which is why we’re here. Our facilities and expertly-trained medical staff exist to help you overcome the obstacles of addiction and substance abuse and to help you get your life back on track. Subutex treatments can make the difference between suffering and living the life that you deserve. Call the 2nd Chance Treatment Center in Arizona today to schedule an appointment with our doctors and to start a treatment plan that’s right for you.
