Suboxone

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone® is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. It was approved for use by the FDA in 2002. Unlike other opioid maintenance medications, Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone.

Suboxone is an opioid partial agonist, which means it releases the same pleasurable sensations you feel when taking opioids, but to a lesser degree. The pleasurable effects from the suboxone increase with each dose, but level off at a moderate dose, even if you take more. The effects Suboxone produce also last longer, so you may not even need to take it every day.

The naloxone in the Suboxone also counters the effects of an opioid overdose and blocks the opioid receptors in your brain to assist in the recovery process.

Am I a good candidate for Suboxone?

Your specialist at 2nd Chance determines if you’re a good candidate for Suboxone after your initial consultation. The medication is FDA-approved for people who are:

• Diagnosed with opioid dependency
• Willing to follow the safety precautions
• Not diagnosed with a contraindicated health condition

Treatment with Suboxone works best when combined with behavioral therapy. The experienced team at 2nd Chance offers an outpatient opioid use disorder program that includes medications such as Suboxone along with ongoing behavioral therapy.

How does Suboxone treatment work?

After your specialist at 2nd Chance has determined that you’re a good candidate for Suboxone, your treatment plan is initiated. Administration of Suboxone occurs in three phases:

Induction phase

The induction phase refers to the initiation of your Suboxone, which is conducted under medical guidance after you’ve gone 12-24 hours without opioids and you’re in the early stages of withdrawal.

Stabilization phase

You enter the stabilization phase after you’ve discontinued use of the opioid. Your Suboxone is adjusted as needed to help control cravings and prevent a relapse.

Maintenance phase

Once you’re doing well on a stable dose of Suboxone, you’re considered to be in the maintenance phase. You can continue to take Suboxone indefinitely if desired.

You can also discontinue your use of Suboxone after you’ve reached the maintenance phase, but only under medical supervision to help manage withdrawal symptoms.

Opioid addiction is a medical condition that requires physician management with treatments such as Suboxone and behavioral therapy. To learn more about Suboxone and how it can help you, call 2nd Chance today or request an appointment online.