Kind people don’t judge others. They also don’t stigmatize the unfortunate and desperate.
When you learn about the struggles of someone who suffers from addiction, it is not for judgment or criticism but rather for understanding and compassion.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addictions in recovering addicts. It is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which blocks the effects of opiate drugs like heroin or other opioids. It does this by binding to the same receptors in your brain without producing any psychoactive effects on its own.
It has been proven effective over other methods when it comes to treating drug addictions and preventing relapse. Let’s take a look at what suboxone is, how it works, and its effectiveness as an addiction treatment.
What Is Buprenorphine?
Buprenorphine is an opioid medication used to treat opioid addictions. It is also sometimes prescribed as a painkiller for those with moderate to severe pain.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it acts on the opioid receptors in the brain without producing any psychoactive effects. Instead, it blocks other opioids from binding to those same receptors, effectively stopping you from getting high.
Buprenorphine is unique because it can be prescribed in small doses over a long period of time. This is unlike other medications for opioid addiction, which must be taken daily.
Buprenorphine is effective for treating opioid addiction because it activates opioid receptors without completely blocking them. This means it can ease withdrawal symptoms without causing the intense high that other opioids do.
What Is Naloxone?
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of other opioids. When someone addicted to opioids uses them, the opioids bind to the opioid receptors in their brain to produce a high. Naloxone competes with those opioids for the receptors and blocks them from binding, which causes withdrawal symptoms in the user.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it partially activates opioid receptors. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which completely blocks the receptors. If a person addicted to opioids takes suboxone and naloxone, the naloxone will block the buprenorphine from binding to the receptors. This means the suboxone will not relieve their cravings.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone works differently than other medications used to treat opioid addictions. It is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. When a person addicted to opioids takes suboxone, it works to treat their addiction in two ways.
Buprenorphine acts on the opioid receptors in the brain to relieve the cravings. It does not produce a high, which means the user does not feel a need to take more. Naloxone is a completely different drug that does not bind to the opioid receptors. Instead, it blocks other opioids from binding to the receptors.
Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it only partially activates the receptors. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which completely blocks the receptors. This leaves a gap between the two drugs in suboxone.
This is why suboxone is taken daily: The patient can take a very small dose of naloxone daily to keep their receptors occupied by the suboxone. This means they will not be able to get high off other opioids unless they increase their suboxone dosage.
How Effective Is Suboxone?
Suboxone has been proven effective in treating opioid addictions and preventing relapse.
Studies show that recovery is more likely when taking suboxone. This is likely because it treats cravings, prevents relapse, and reduces dependency on other opioids.
The effectiveness of suboxone is dependent on dosage; the higher the dosage you take, the more likely you will experience withdrawal symptoms if you relapse. However, it is important to note that suboxone does not cure opioid addictions.
You also cannot take suboxone forever, as it is meant as a temporary treatment for opioid addictions. The dosage and length of treatment will depend on the user and their situation.
Most users on a suboxone program will take it for about 8 weeks and then taper off by lowering the dosage. This is a slow process taking about a month to completely stop taking suboxone.
Who Can Benefit From Suboxone Treatment?
Suboxone has proven effective in treating opioid addictions and preventing relapse.
Anyone suffering from opioid addiction can benefit from suboxone treatment. However, it is important to note that it is not a cure.
Because suboxone is meant as a temporary treatment, it is often recommended for people who have been struggling with opioid addictions for less than a year. After you take suboxone for a year, you have to take a break before starting another suboxone treatment.
People who are taking suboxone have to take it daily. This means it is not recommended for those with severe addiction who have trouble following a treatment plan.
Limitations Of Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone is effective in treating opioid addictions and preventing relapse. However, it does come with some limitations.
Suboxone has a low risk of overdose and death like other medications used to treat opioid addictions. Studies show that it is safer and less addictive than methadone.
However, suboxone does come with some side effects and limitations.
One of the biggest risks with taking suboxone is that it can cause mild to severe withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. It is important to stop taking suboxone correctly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
There is also a risk of becoming dependent on suboxone. While this is less likely than with other treatments, it can happen with suboxone use.
Should You Try Suboxone For Recovery?
Suboxone is a safe and effective treatment for opioid addictions. It can help you get your life back and make a positive change in your life.
Whether you are new to recovery or have been struggling with addictions for a long time, suboxone can help. However, it is important to note that suboxone is not a cure. It is a treatment designed to help you avoid relapse and manage your addiction.
If you are ready to take control of your life, suboxone can be an effective treatment for your opioid addiction.
