You may have heard about Suboxone if you are familiar with medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Its ability to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms makes it the most preferred brand among MAT patients.

But how does this drug work? This and other questions will be responded to below.

1. Suboxone: What is it?

Naloxone and buprenorphine are the two active ingredients of the combination drug Suboxone. It is employed to treat addiction to opioids, including heroin and morphine. Suboxone can thus, over time, lessen a patient’s reliance on certain substances. Although buprenorphine is an opioid, it is not harmful when administered appropriately. The second ingredient of Suboxone, naloxone, prevents the effects of opioids, including the sensations of well-being that can result in drug addiction.

2. Suboxone: Does it block the “opioid effect”?

The most widely used drug in treatments with pharmaceutical assistance is Suboxone. Opioid agonists like morphine, heroin, and oxycodone are “opioid agonists,” whereas this substance is an “opioid antagonist.” In brief, Suboxone obstructs the “opioid effect.” We refer to this as the “opioid effect” because endorphins are released to simulate pleasure when opioid agonists engage a pain-blocking receptor in the brain. Your body receives a medicine that counteracts the effects of opioids when you use opioid antagonists, such as Suboxone. It prevents them from turning on the pain receptors. You can control your urges and have less severe withdrawal symptoms.

When struggling with drug abuse, receiving the appropriate care in an addiction clinic is essential. Self-medication is not advisable, especially with Suboxone.

3. Suboxone: Does it form habits less easily than methadone?

A synthetic opioid known as methadone (sometimes marketed as dolophine) is used to alleviate pain and aid in detoxifying drug addicts. Suboxone is frequently recommended by addiction specialists instead of methadone (the MAT predecessor). Suboxone has a reduced risk of dependence compared to methadone because it was developed to treat opiate addiction.

Additionally, the negative effects are less than methadone and are often more physical than mental. Still, it has some adverse effects that may be quite painful depending on the patient. However, it is safe when used appropriately, and is still utilized in many clinics.

You shouldn’t use methadone alone, just like Suboxone. Only when a medical practitioner prescribes it is this medicine safe.

4. How is Suboxone taken?

Suboxone was created with patients undergoing medication-assisted therapy in mind. A sublingual film and a tablet are the two available forms. Both kinds disintegrate in your mouth. You may select the MAT format you want to use, but you must first speak with a Suboxone treatment psychiatrist about your preferences. Tablets are less expensive than other techniques and, for some people, are a wiser choice because they produce the same outcomes.

However, when their recovery goals involve weaning off the drug, some patients prefer the sublingual film since it is tapering their dose in smaller amounts. Remember to never perform these procedures without consulting a physician.

Only a portion of the recovery treatment involves Suboxone.

Although medication-assisted therapies are excellent for helping people overcome substance misuse, they should not be the only factor taken into account in a recovery plan. A comprehensive MAT comprises not just a closely watched drug regimen but also general care, counseling for substance abuse, and medication management. Some patients do not prefer Suboxone because they believe it is not the greatest rehab option. Some people don’t even require any help with their medicine.

Every case is unique, so if you’re having substance abuse problems, you should speak with a Suboxone treatment psychiatrist in addiction therapy first.

Stopping your drug dependency

Suboxone therapy can be what you require to overcome your opioid addiction. While using Suboxone, it’s vital to avoid consuming or ingesting certain other substances, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.

Slowed breathing, darker urine, dizziness, pale skin or jaundice, and appetite loss are typical adverse effects of Suboxone medication. You should inform your doctor if you have withdrawal symptoms so that they can change your medication dosage or other aspects of your care.

The most successful method of treating opioid addiction is this two-pronged strategy. Your requirements differ from other addicts, just as every addiction narrative is unique. Suboxone therapy is quite flexible and may be tailored to your requirements. You can start counseling as a component of psychotherapy after you transition to maintenance treatment and be on the road to a full recovery.

Conclusion

A board-certified clinic is ready to assist if you or a loved one needs support with substance abuse and addiction. You can receive thorough and highly individualized mental and addiction therapy from a doctor. The complete spectrum of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders – frequently the root causes of many addictions – are also treated by them.

Recognize the value of your life. Cooperative Recovery is available to you if you need assistance and support at this point in your life. Contact Cooperative Recovery at (615) 802-0453 to arrange a consultation with a Suboxone treatment psychiatrist or use our online form to make an appointment right now.