Suboxone Treatment for an Opioid Addiction
Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist that is comprised of buprenorphine and naloxone and is used in the treatment of opioid addiction.
One of the primary ingredients in Suboxone is buprenorphine, which itself is a partial opioid agonist. This means that buprenorphine triggers the exact same brain receptors that opioids do, yet without causing an individual to suffer the same effects that narcotic opioids cause. Therefore, when this medication is consumed, those receptors in the brain are taken over, allowing the individual to obtain relief from the withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings that generally develop once opioid abuse has stopped.
Naloxone, another active ingredient in Suboxone, is classified as an opioid agonist, which is also known as an opioid blocker. This medication is capable of reversing the dangerous effects of opioids on the body. As a result, when an individual ingests Suboxone, he or she will no longer experience the pain that comes with opioid withdrawal and cravings.
Detailed research has proven that when Suboxone is used as prescribed within a medication assisted treatment program, it is both safe and effective.
The Effectiveness of Suboxone Treatment
Thorough research has shown that Suboxone is highly effective in treating opioid addiction. Those who have taken Suboxone within a medication assisted treatment program have reported that it is effective in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Consuming Suboxone will not cause disorientation, meaning that it is less likely to be abused by patients. In addition, if a patient does attempt to abuse Suboxone, he or she will not get high like he or she would if he or she were to abuse OxyContin, Vicodin, or similar substances.
To find out if Suboxone will work best for you, you must work with your treatment provider. Keep in mind that studies have proven that when Suboxone is included into an individual’s treatment plan, he or she is able to keep a clear head in ways that allow him or her to stay focused on recovery.
The Benefits of Suboxone Treatment Plus Counseling
Defeating an opioid addiction can be exceptionally trying. As soon as an individual has grown dependent on an opioid, he or she will begin developing withdrawal symptoms if his or her use is abruptly stopped. Knowing that withdrawal is just looming in the background is often enough to keep those who abuse opioids continually stuck in their destructive cycle of use. When Suboxone is introduced into the picture, however, withdrawal symptoms can be avoided, making recovery seem like a much more viable option. Not only does Suboxone decrease withdrawal symptoms, but it is also effective in curbing cravings too.
The use of Suboxone can be an exceptionally beneficial tool in allowing individuals to overcome an opioid addiction. However, it takes more than just medication. The utilization of group and individual therapy as a complement to the medication provided allows patients to yield even greater success during their treatment. Partaking in group therapy allows patients to learn from the experiences of others who share similarities, all while seeing that they are not battling addiction alone. This is a critical aspect to the process of recovery, as an individual can begin building his or her confidence and shedding his or her feelings of loneliness. Individual therapy is also beneficial in that it offers a private setting for patients to talk through their concerns with a therapist, all while having their progress monitored. This form of therapy affords individuals a secure environment where they can be heard.
How to Support Your Loved One During Medication Assisted Treatment: Addiction does not just impact the individual abusing the substance(s). His or her abuse also affects his or her loved ones. If you have someone you care for who is battling with an opioid addiction and has decided to obtain help from a medication assisted treatment program, the most important thing you can do for him or her is to actively engage yourself in his or her recovery. You can show your support by doing the following:
- Obtain as much information about medication assisted treatment and Suboxone as possible so that you can be educated on what your loved one is going through.
- Motivate your loved one to always attend all of his or her scheduled appointments.
- Show your support by always checking in with your loved one in regards to his or her medication, therapy, etc.
- Applaud all of your loved one’s successes, big and small.
- Obtain support for yourself.
Know that the recovery process is a journey that can be filled with a number of challenges. Always stay hopeful and share your hope with your loved one, especially when he or she seems to need an additional boost of support.
How You Can Be Successful in a Medication Assisted Treatment Program: Engaging in a medication assisted treatment program is a courageous and beneficial first step towards defeating an opioid addiction. However, it is important that, when you begin your journey in a program such as this, you are prepared to actively engage in the process. You must dedicate yourself to your recovery. Here are some tips that can help you obtain success while you are recovering:
- Do not use any opioid while using Suboxone.
- Follow all of the recommendations and directions your treatment provider has given you in regards to the process of treatment.
- Continually show up for all your appointments to obtain Suboxone.
Come forward if you have any problems, concerns, or questions that might come up while you are taking Suboxone. Doing so can help your treatment provider keep track of your progress and make any adjustments to your medication, should it become necessary.
Stick to the guidelines that you are supplied with, including avoiding alcohol use while on Suboxone.
Remain honest and transparent with your therapist in your individual therapy sessions. He or she will not be judging you, but rather helping you to the best of his or her abilities based on the honesty that you provide.
Participate in your group therapy sessions so both you and the other group members obtain the most benefit.
The Side Effects of Suboxone
Any time a medication is being taken, including Suboxone, there can be a number of side effects that develop. Below are some of the many side effects that can occur when Suboxone is being consumed:
- Chills
- Infections
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Painful tongue
- Numb mouth
- Low blood pressure
- Sweating
- Sleeplessness
- Nausea
- Generalized pain
- Headache
- Constipation
- Runny nose
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Coordination problems
- Irregular heartbeat
- Back and abdominal pain
- Attention disturbances
- Fainting
If you should develop any of these side effects, inform your doctor so that he or she can continually monitor any alterations to your physical wellbeing. By doing so, he or she can make necessary adjustments.
At East Tennessee Addiction Specialist, our talented team of professionals is committed to offering kind and customized treatment to all of our patients. We are pleased to talk through all of our methods of treatment with you, and we will do everything we can to answer any questions you might have regarding Suboxone. Please do not hesitate to call us today.
