Opioid overdose has become one of the most significant public health challenges in many areas of the world. In the fight against opioid use disorder (OUD), effective recovery options are crucial for helping patients lead healthier lives. One of these is Suboxone, an evidence-based treatment for opioid dependence that has gained popularity and presents excellent outcomes.

Brain Health USA, located in Monrovia, Los Angeles County, CA, offers specialized care for individuals battling opioid addiction. Their approach to recovery focuses on using Suboxone as a primary treatment option to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. 

Monrovia, Los Angeles County, CA, is a key area where Brain Health USA has established itself as a leading addiction treatment provider, offering comprehensive services tailored to individual needs.

Suboxone is classified as a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) scheme, which is intended for opioid dependence management. It works by reducing cravings, managing withdrawal symptoms, and supporting overall recovery. This article will provide insights on Suboxone, its mechanisms of action, its efficacy, and side effects, and finally, it will be highlighted as an effective treatment option for opioid use disorder.

What Is Suboxone Medication?

Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. It has two active ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone, which work together to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Buprenorphine is considered a partial opioid agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of opioids like heroin by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Cravings and withdrawal symptoms are alleviated without causing the euphoria that full opioids produce.

Naloxone is an ingredient in Suboxone that counteracts its effects, thus preventing misuse. If Suboxone is misused—such as by intranasal injection—naloxone will block the opioid effects, triggering withdrawal symptoms and reducing the likelihood of abuse. 

Combined, buprenorphine and naloxone are a sure way of averting overdose among opioid users, giving our patients a better shot at full recovery.

Is Suboxone Treatment Effective?

The ultimate aim of Suboxone therapy is to promote sober living among those addicted to opioids with as little discomfort and harmful consequences as possible. The medication functions in the following three critical ways: 

• Reducing Cravings: Opioid addiction is often accompanied by intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making cessation a significant challenge. Suboxone contributes to decreasing this desire gradually until it is gone and it is easier to quit.
  
• Alleviating Withdrawal Symptoms: When someone discontinues opioid use, they may end up with withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, sweating, body aches, depression, anxiety, and irritability. Suboxone works to eliminate these symptoms to provide the best opportunity for them to recover free from physical discomfort.
  
• Preventing Misuse: Suboxone addresses the concern of prescription drug addiction, with the naloxone component being included in it. When taken as prescribed, Suboxone works without causing any high. On the other hand, if someone tries to misuse it by injecting or crushing it, the naloxone will prevent the effect of the opioids and cause withdrawal symptoms, making misuse difficult.

How Suboxone Treatment Is Beneficial

Among the many reasons that Suboxone treatment is so successful is that it has several advantages. Some of the essential benefits of Suboxone treatment include:

• Lower Risk of Overdose: Compared to substances with an extremely high possibility of overdose, Suboxone offers a much lower risk of fatality. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist in Suboxone, does not produce the intense high that leads to respiratory depression, and the inclusion of naloxone further deters misuse and reduces the likelihood of overdose.
  
• Support for Long-Term Recovery: Suboxone is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling, therapy, and additional support services. Suboxone may be utilized for many months or years, depending upon the individual’s requirements. It is typical to see improvement in symptoms with this medication during the recovery process.
  
• Reduced Risk of Relapse: The high chance of recurrence, a hallmark of substance abuse, hinders recovery from opioid addiction. Suboxone helps reduce physical cravings, making it easier for individuals to maintain their recovery.
  
• Convenience: Suboxone is often administered as a sublingual tablet or a film that melts under the tongue or within the buccal pouch. This allows patients to take it at home, reducing the need for frequent clinic visits and enabling them to continue with their daily routines.
  
• Less Impact on Daily Life: Suboxone therapy plays a supportive role, limiting the activities a patient may need to avoid, such as attending school, working, and socializing with friends. Since sipping water reduces cravings and withdrawal signs, persons in recovery may concentrate more on reconstructing their lives.

Is Suboxone an Addictive Drug?

A common concern among patients considering Suboxone treatment is whether it leads to habituation. Although Suboxone could cause dependence, it has a much lower addictive potential than full opioids. This is because buprenorphine is a partial agonist, which means it is likely to be less rewarding for the brain and, hence, has a lower potential for abuse.

Suboxone does this by reducing the craving for opioids and withdrawal symptoms without providing the euphoric effect of taking opioids itself. This makes it safer and less addictive for those seeking opioid dependency recovery.

Still, some individuals may attempt to misuse it. The person could inject Suboxone or take it in larger doses, so following the healthcare provider’s instructions is crucial.

How Suboxone is Taken

Suboxone is most commonly available as a sublingual tablet or film. The sublingual tablet or film is held under the tongue or inside the cheek and gradually melts. It should not be swallowed, chewed, or crushed into powder. This ensures that the medication enters the bloodstream effectively and produces the desired effects. 

For optimal results, it is necessary to comply with the prescribed administration of Suboxone, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of substance dependence and potential side effects.

Side Effects of Suboxone

Just like any medication, Suboxone may lead to some adverse effects. While most patients tolerate the medication well, there are cases of mild side effects, particularly during the first few days of treatment. The most common adverse effects of Suboxone include:

• Constipation
• Headache
• Excessive sweating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Fatigue
• Mouth irritation or numbness (noticing a film or a tablet dissolving in your mouth)

These adverse reactions are generally mild and disappear as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if severe side effects occur or persist, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider.

In rare cases, more severe reactions may occur, such as:

• Respiratory depression (when breathing becomes slow or difficult)
• Allergic reactions, including itching, rash, and swelling
• Liver problems, indicated by yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), unusually dark urine, or persistent nausea

These could signal more serious side effects, and immediate medical attention should be sought.

Who Can Benefit from Suboxone Treatment?

Suboxone is mainly used for opioid addiction treatment or opioid use disorder. It is also beneficial in preventing relapse for both short-term and long-term opioid drug use.

The medication is usually prescribed to patients who have already undergone detoxification (the process of eliminating opioids from the system) and who are ready to begin the appropriate treatment regime.

Suboxone is typically prescribed to adults over the age of 18, though in some cases, individuals aged 16 to 17 may also be candidates for treatment. However, it is not usually recommended for those under 16.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Suboxone Treatment

1. What is Suboxone?
   Answer: Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat opioid addiction. It contains two active ingredients—buprenorphine, which reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, and naloxone, which helps prevent misuse.
2. How does Suboxone work?
   Answer: Suboxone acts on the opioid receptors in the brain and produces a moderate feeling of control and relief from cravings but does not lead to the excessive euphoria obtained from full-strength opioids. Through its binding potency to the receptor, naloxone exhibits a blockade on the sensitivity to the drug.
3. Is Suboxone addictive?
   Answer: Suboxone is considered less addictive compared to full opioids; however, it could still be habit-forming. It is much less likely to trigger addiction.
4. How do I take Suboxone?
   Answer: Suboxone is usually prescribed as a sublingual film or tablet that dissolves under the tongue or between the eye and cheek. It should not be swallowed, chewed, or ground into powder. 
5. What should I do if I miss a dose of Suboxone?
   Answer: Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once. Stick to the prescribed schedule.
6. What are the common side effects of Suboxone?
   Answer: Common side effects include constipation, headache, nausea, sweating, and insomnia. These effects are often mild and reverse quickly.
7. Can Suboxone be misused?
   Answer: While Suboxone is less likely to be misused compared to full opioids, it is still possible. It is crucial to adhere to the prescribed dosage to prevent misuse.
8. Can Suboxone be taken with other medications?
   Answer: Suboxone may interact with certain medications, such as sedatives and benzodiazepines. Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking.
9. Can Suboxone be used during pregnancy?
   Answer: Suboxone may be prescribed during pregnancy if deemed necessary by a doctor, but it must be done under strict medical supervision due to potential risks to the baby.
10. What happens if I stop taking Suboxone suddenly?
    Answer: Stopping Suboxone suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms. It is important to gradually transition off Suboxone under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Suboxone is a highly effective treatment for opioid addiction. Its ability to reduce cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and prevent misuse contributes to its success in the recovery process. When combined with a holistic treatment plan, Suboxone can break the cycle of addiction, leading to a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Brain Health USA in Monrovia, Los Angeles County, CA, is committed to helping individuals find their path to recovery through Suboxone and other proven treatment methods. 

As with any medication, Suboxone should be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Long-term sobriety is often best achieved through a comprehensive treatment program that includes counseling, therapy, and other support options. With the right approach, Suboxone can be a powerful tool in overcoming opioid dependence and facilitating recovery.

Strick reminder from Brain Health USA to seek a doctor’s advice in addition to using this app and before making any medical decisions.

Read our previous blog post here: https://brainhealthusa.com/psychiatrist-lomita-los-angeles-county-california/