A plethora of individuals suffer from opioid addiction, a tough fight which has an impact on their daily lives. Suboxone acts as a ray of light signifying hope in this tough fight. This post will shed light on how Suboxone can aid in the management of cravings as well as facilitate recovery from opioids such as heroin as well as prescription painkillers like Oxycontin.
So, without any further ado, let us dive right into the article and find out what is Suboxone used for, as well as its components, functions, and much more:
What is Suboxone Used For: Understanding What Suboxone is and How Suboxone Works
Suboxone refers to an opioid medication medical professionals prescribe to aid individuals who are struggling against opioid addiction. It mixes buprenorphine, which is a popular partial opioid agonist, along with naloxone, another opioid antagonist, to make withdrawal symptoms easier as well as to act as a barrier against the effects of opioids. It is used as prescribed to treat opioid use disorder.
Components of Suboxone
Used to treat opioid addiction, Suboxone primarily combines two major ingredients, namely buprenorphine and naloxone into a single medication. It is a combination of two drugs, each of which has a different function. The former functions on the opioid receptors of the brain, but in a particular way which minimizes opioid cravings besides withdrawal symptoms without giving the same amount of high as compared to other opioids such as morphine or fentanyl. Suboxone helps significantly when it comes to battling OUD as well as opioid withdrawal symptoms
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which aids in reversing the outcomes of opioid overdoses by stopping or blocking opioid receptors. This makes the medication a primary player in the battle against OUD or Opioid Use Disorder.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has provided approval to Suboxone for the treatment of OUD. The design of the treatment medication aims at both physical dependence besides misuse risk, targeting to give safer alternatives to different narcotic pain medicines which are generally linked with more potential for abuse.
Different Forms of Suboxone: Sublingual & Transmucosal | Taking Suboxone For OUD
The medication for opioid use disorder and its treatment plans comes in these two forms: Suboxone tablets and Suboxone sublingual films which are dissolvable. You merely need to place the tablet below the tongue to make sure that it gets absorbed properly into your system. It is important to not chew, swallow, or even talk when it is placed inside your mouth. This method aids in preventing misuse. Moreover, it also ensures that the medication performs as intended as a part of the opioid dependence treatment.
The second form of the medication involves applying it via the lining of mucous membrane which is found inside a person’s cheek and is referred to as transmucosal delivery. This particular method also helps in the delivery of the medication directly to the individual’s bloodstream, thereby bypassing the digestive or gastric system which, in some cases, can change its effectiveness.
Both the aforementioned methods are important for treating OUD by minimizing cravings in addition to withdrawal symptoms effectively.
The Uses of Suboxone
Treatment for OUD (Opioid Use Disorder)
Suboxone functions as the primary treatment for individuals suffering from opioid dependence, including the likes of heroin, Oxycontin, etc. It makes recovery from addiction or OUD more manageable by minimizing cravings besides withdrawal symptoms. Studies show that approximately 49% of patients utilizing Suboxone for 3 months witness a reduction in painkillers’ misuse.
Considerations for Pain Management
Medical professionals leverage Suboxone off-label for the management of chronic pain. This choice can provide a safer alternative to those individuals who have suffered from or struggled with OUD. It offers pain relief besides reducing dependency’s risk as compared to regular opioids such as oxycodone.
How Suboxone Functions
Buprenorphine plays a major role in the battle against OUD. It attaches itself to the same spots of the brain as the opioids. However, it does not provide the same high. This significantly reduces cravings as well as withdrawal symptoms without making way for additional drug abuse or dangerous euphoria.
Naloxone adds an additional layer of safety by getting into action if an individual attempts to misuse Suboxone, mainly through injecting it. This particular substance rapidly reverses the signs of overdose, i.e., overdosing on suboxone treatment is not possible. This makes it way less likely for individuals to run after the dangerous highs which are associated with stronger opioids such as methadone, heroin, etc.
The Advantages of Suboxone in Opioid Replacement Theory
Minimizes Cravings & Withdrawal Symptoms
By consuming Suboxone as per the medical professional’s directions, patients bid goodbye to the painful reality of opioid use’s withdrawal symptoms. One of the biggest benefits of Suboxone is that it brings about normalcy back into the lives of patients by regular discomforts like nausea, musical aches, and most importantly, insomnia which comes with the detoxification from opioids.
Besides this, it also plays a very important role in the prevention of cravings which generally lead to relapse in patients who are struggling with OUD. This beauty’s treatment lies in its power to stabilize patients when they are going through the process of detoxification without adding to the equation new risks which are associated with harmful, habit-forming substances.
Reduces the Chances of Misuse and Overdose
Suboxone mixes buprenorphine and naloxone. This blend is vital for fighting opioid abuse. Buprenorphine eases the symptoms of withdrawal, thereby making it more convenient for individuals to abstain from using opioids.
Naloxone aids in the prevention of the medication’s misuse. If an individual tries consuming Suboxone in a specific way which has not been prescribed, Naloxone comes into the picture and blocks the opioid effects of euphoria opioids tend to have.
Supports Goals for Long-Term Recovery
Using Suboxone to treat OUD establishes the perfect stage for lasting sobriety. This blends perfectly with behavioral therapy as well as treatment programs, thereby making it highly-effective for long-term OUD recovery. It forms allows for usage at numerous stages, thereby providing a steady pathway for the management of addiction.
How to Consume Suboxone
Recommended Dosages & Administration
When treating opiate addiction, healthcare professionals usually recommend beginning with 8 milligrams dosage of buprenorphine mixed with 2 milligrams of naloxone for the treatment of OUD. Individuals must consume Suboxone by placing the tablet under their tongues or the film inside their cheek in order to allow it to properly dissolve. It is important not to chew/swallow Suboxone since it will not function effectively.
The maximum amount of Suboxone one should consume in one day is 24 milligrams of buprenorphine with 6 milligrams of naloxone. Adjusting the dosage depends entirely on a person’s response and progress in the journey of stopping using .
Treatment’s Duration
The amount of time an individual uses Suboxone varies based on their recovery journey from OUD. Some patients may require it for a very short period, whereas others might need to continue maintenance treatment for numerous years to prevent going back to opioid use.
Doctors adjust the medication’s dosage over time, aiming to eventually minimize it until the individual can safely stop using opioid medication. This intricate tapering aids in the management of withdrawal symptoms efficiently.
Suboxone and Its Potential Side Effects | Side Effects of Suboxone Use
Short-term Side Effects
Using Suboxone may lead to common possible side effects such as constipation, headaches, dizziness or drowsiness, and sweating. Some individuals also exhibit common side effects such as flu-like symptoms, like vomiting, pain in the stomach, etc., besides minimal energy and trembling. Having trouble breathing, decaying teeth due to long-term vomiting, frequent headaches, pain in nerves, are other common symptoms after beginning Suboxone treatment for OUD.
Long-term Side Effects
Long-term usage of Suboxone, which is a full opioid agonist, may lead to alterations in brain function, thereby affecting mood as well as behavioral patterns over time. Prolonged usage also leads to opioid dependence besides potential withdrawal challenges.
Serious Health Risks & Precautions
Risk of Dependency & Abuse
Abuse of Suboxone often occurs when people who take Suboxone seek the feelings of euphoria which are associated with intense or stronger opioids. They may consume more Suboxone as compared to the recommended amount or make a mixture consisting of it and other harmful substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, etc., thereby increasing the danger quotient significantly.
Such actions increase the danger of developing dependency and putting individuals at the risk of experiencing intense health issues such as respiratory distress, overdose, etc., which could need emergency treatment with medicines to alter the effects.
Interactions with Other Kinds of Medications
Suboxone interacts with numerous other medications, leading to potential health risks. Drugs for minimizing cholesterol, fluoxetine, as well as HIV treatments must be taken with extreme caution. Suboxone can also alter how oral contraceptives function. Individuals, at all costs, must avoid mixing Suboxone with medications which affect the body’s serotonin levels.
Consuming Suboxone with acetaminophen, alcohol, etc., leads to dangerous effects. This is vital for those individuals undergoing treatment for painkiller abuse or are trying to actively manage symptoms of opioid withdrawal securely.
Contradictions & Cautions for Specific Populations
Individuals with a history or track record of tooth-related problems, difficulties in breathing, kidney or liver disease, and even alcohol use must notify their doctors before beginning Suboxone treatment. This specific medication used to treat OUD can have an impact on individuals depending on their medical history.
Individuals dealing with chronic issues or disabilities must consult their healthcare provider regarding the usage of Suboxone. The drug’s effects often vary based on their unique health challenges. For instance, management of OUD in someone suffering from extreme asthma needs proper planning and active monitoring in order to avoid complications.
Suboxone & Pregnancy
Doctors carefully consider this form of medication and its treatment plan during pregnancy, primarily to ensure the well-being of both the baby as well as the mother. They evaluate data related to safety besides recommendations for the treatment of opioid dependence in the case of pregnant women, staying focused on risks such as neonatal abstinence syndrome, a kind of syndrome which affects newborn babies exposed to drugs when they are in their mothers’ wombs.
Alternatives to Suboxone also get explored in order to get hold of the best-possible options for every unique situation. This meticulous approach also helps in the protection of developing babies from dangers besides supporting the recovery journey of mothers.
Safety & Recommendations
Pregnant women are strictly advised to consult their healthcare providers, especially if they are consuming Suboxone for OUD. This step ensures the safety of both the mother as well as the baby during the treatment process. Buprenorphine, which is one of Suboxone’s key components, can be prescribed by a doctor to women who are expecting a child or breastfeeding. However, it is very important for healthcare professionals to oversee the substance’s usage.
Alternatives During Pregnancy
For women who are expecting, having options at their disposal besides Suboxone for the management of OUD is very important. Other variants of buprenorphine such as Subutex, Zubsolv, etc., may be safer alternatives. Methadone, a different kind of medication which helps in the reduction of opioid drug cravings as well as withdrawal symptoms, is yet another option which is considered to be safe for women who are expecting.
Some doctors also suggest using naltrexone for pregnant women. Although it does not suit everyone, it may prove to help some in staying away from consuming opioids without inflicting any sort of harm to the baby. Note: Every alternative has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which is why consulting with healthcare professionals who properly understand the dynamic challenges which pregnancy brings forth is vital to finding the perfect solution.
Addressing Myths Related to Suboxone Treatment
Myth: Suboxone is Not an Actual Recovery Solution
Some individuals are of the opinion that Suboxone is not actually a true solution for fighting against OUD, i.e., treatment with Suboxone is not worth it, which is absolutely false. The FDA has provided its approval to the medication as an efficient alternative to methadone in terms of treating the condition.
Myth: High Risk of Misuse
Naloxone present in Suboxone significantly minimizes the chances of someone misusing the medication by causing symptoms of withdrawal if consumed in the wrong way. Besides this, Buprenorphine offers a “ceiling effect”. This means that there is a limitation to the amount of euphoria an individual can feel, thereby reducing the risk of experiencing an overdose.
Myth: Suboxone is as Harmful as Other Opiates
Suboxone is one of the more safe options in the treatment of opioid addiction. It actually is not as harmful as compared to other opiates which are used in OUD’s treatment. This medication blends buprenorphine, which is deemed an opioid agonist, with naloxone, which is specifically designed to prevent misuse besides minimizing dependency risks. This specific combination makes sure that the medication provides a safer and more secure alternative for lengthier medication-assisted therapy when it comes to managing OUD.
Myth: Therapy is Not Needed When Using Suboxone
This is another popular myth when it comes to Suboxone. The medication is known for minimizing cravings and managing withdrawal symptoms, thereby making it more convenient to stop consuming opioids. However, taking Suboxone alone cannot solve the entire issue. For lasting sobriety, individuals must join behavioral therapy as well as other programs related to the treatment. The combination addresses both the physical dependency on different drugs such as bunavil or sublocade, as well as the mental aspects related to addiction.
Counseling plays a major role in the process of recovery by teaching important coping skills, fixing broken relationships and other similar issues, and most importantly, dealing with the challenges of life without turning to drug consumption. Support groups also provide a sense of community in addition to understanding from others involved in similar battles against OUD.
Myth: Suboxone is for Short-term Use Only
This myth usually leads individuals to think that they cannot utilize Suboxone as an integral part of their long-term strategy to manage OUD. In reality, there is no specific maximum duration related to the length of time an individual can use the medication. The plans of treatment vary based on individual needs. In fact, some might benefit from remaining on Suboxone for months or even years.
The Role of Counseling & Support in Treatments Using Suboxone
Essence of Integrated Behavioral Therapy
Integrated Behavioral Therapy has a major role in the treatment of OUD. This specific approach mixes treatment such as CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with medications like Suboxone to provide a more complete solution.
CBT aids patients in dealing with challenges which are related to anxiety, depression, as well as chronic pain by making them learn coping strategies. This specific combination has shown to amplify lasting sobriety when paired with treatment programs.
Using IBTR also aids patients in the management of their withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Moreover it also addresses issues which are linked with alcohol usage and other related conditions efficiently.
Other Supportive Services & Resources
Support groups in addition to counseling play major roles in the journey of recovery for individuals suffering from OUD. They offer a space wherein people with opioid use disorder can share their experiences, obtain support, and most importantly, learn coping tactics from others who are facing similar issues.
Such services also connect different patients with doctors and professionals who hold a specialization in addiction treatment, thereby ensuring access to proper holistic care. Resources like online forums as well as mental healthcare applications serve as extra avenues for support.
Consulting With Healthcare Professionals
Consulting with professionals at a reputed treatment center is important for any individual who is facing trouble with OUD. These professionals can guide you through the complicated process of beginning opioid treatment programs , specifically Suboxone treatment.
They evaluate patients’ medical history, current health condition, and discuss the vitality of Suboxone within their recovery plan. Frequent follow-up appointments are important for actively monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as and when required.
Final Thoughts
Suboxone plays a very significant role in the treatment of opioid dependence, providing relief without adverse effects caused due to withdrawal. The treatment works perfectly for individuals hooked in substances such as heroin or prescribed narcotics. With correct use under proper medical guidance and surveillance, Suboxone offers support to those individuals who are on their substance use disorder recovery journey. This makes it a major cornerstone in the fight against opioid addiction. Individuals are advised to research all about the treatment programs, treatment costs, etc.