What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a combination medication that combines the opioid partial agonist buprenorphine and the opioid antagonist naloxone. Buprenorphine helps alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, while naloxone is included to deter abuse by precipitating withdrawal if the medication is injected. This unique formulation makes Suboxone a valuable tool in the treatment of opioid use disorder, as it can help individuals transition away from more potent opioids while minimizing the risk of misuse.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Buprenorphine, the active ingredient in Suboxone, is a partial opioid agonist. This means it binds to the same receptors in the brain as full opioid agonists like heroin or oxycodone, but it only partially activates them. This results in a milder, less euphoric effect compared to full opioid agonists.
Naloxone, the other component of Suboxone, is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. When Suboxone is taken as prescribed, the naloxone remains largely inactive. However, if an individual attempts to misuse Suboxone by injecting or snorting it, the naloxone is activated and can precipitate immediate and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. This is another reason why Suboxone has a lower potential for abuse.
What Are the Side Effects of Suboxone?
Like any medication, Suboxone can cause a range of side effects. The most common side effects associated with Suboxone use include
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Muscle aches and pains
When the drug is misused or abused, Suboxone use can also lead to respiratory depression, liver damage, and allergic reactions. It is crucial for individuals taking Suboxone to be monitored closely by their healthcare providers, especially during the initial stages of treatment, to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
What Is Suboxone Addiction Treatment?
Suboxone addiction treatment typically follows a multi-faceted approach that combines medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with behavioral therapies and ongoing support. The difficulty with targeting Suboxone addiction is that it is often the first-line treatment for opiate addiction when using MAT. For this reason, treatment providers must develop a comprehensive plan to help taper Suboxone from the body, often with the use of different medications, such as blood pressure (clonidine) and benzodiazepines (alprazolam, etc.) The goal of Suboxone addiction treatment is to help individuals achieve and maintain long-term recovery.
Tapering and Discontinuation
When Suboxone is used in MAT, there comes a time when it is time to taper off the substance. It is dangerous, similarly to other opioids, to discontinue Suboxone abruptly, as it can cause severe withdrawal. When the individual is ready to discontinue Suboxone, the healthcare provider will gradually taper the dosage to minimize withdrawal symptoms. The tapering process is typically tailored to the individual’s needs and may take several weeks or months to complete.
Depending on the length of use and how much was being used, a person who is solely abusing Suboxone may experience this same type of treatment (tapering) as opposed to a complete detoxification. It is important to remember that, even though detoxification and tapering may not be as severe as that of other opiates, additional treatment (such as inpatient or outpatient treatment) is recommended to achieve long-term sobriety from Suboxone.
What to Expect During Suboxone Addiction Treatment
Those who need inpatient detoxification and treatment for Suboxone will undergo a multifaceted approach similar to that of other opiates.
Intake and Assessment
During the initial intake and assessment phase, the healthcare provider will gather comprehensive information about the individual’s medical and substance use history, mental health status, and any co-occurring conditions. This information is used to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Medication Management
Throughout the treatment process, the healthcare provider will closely monitor the individual’s response to tapering, adjusting the dosage to ensure optimal effectiveness and minimize side effects. Regular check-ins and medication adjustments are a crucial part of the treatment plan.
Behavioral Therapies
In addition to tapering and/or medication management, Suboxone addiction treatment often includes a range of behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and family therapy. These therapies help address the underlying psychological and social factors contributing to the individual’s opioid use disorder (OUD).
Support and Aftercare
Ongoing support and aftercare are essential components of Suboxone addiction treatment. This may include participation in support groups, individual counseling, and access to community resources to help individuals recover and prevent relapse.
Life After Treatment: Maintaining Recovery
Achieving sobriety is a significant milestone, but the journey of recovery does not end with the completion of Suboxone addiction treatment. Maintaining long-term recovery requires a continued commitment to a healthy lifestyle, ongoing support, and strategies to prevent relapse.
Relapse Prevention
Relapse prevention strategies may include developing coping mechanisms for cravings, building a solid support network, and engaging in regular self-care activities. Individuals in recovery may also benefit from participating in support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery, to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges.
Embracing a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining long-term recovery often involves embracing a healthy lifestyle, which may include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and the development of healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional challenges. By prioritizing self-care and building a fulfilling life outside of substance use, individuals in recovery can increase their chances of sustained sobriety.