Suboxone (Buprenorphine/Naloxone) is a medication that is used to treat opioid use disorder; it contains 2 different ingredients, buprenorphine, and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that blocks the opioid receptors and reduces cravings. Since Suboxone is an opioid, it prevents withdrawal symptoms from occurring in someone that has become dependent on opioids.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone suppresses pain at low doses, but at increased doses, it starts to block the opioid receptors from getting any more stimulation. Since the opioid receptors are blocked, an addict can no longer get high on any other opioids if they are taken while the individual is on suboxone. Naloxone helps to reverse the effects of opioids. These medications work together and are very effective in treating opioid dependence.
Important Things Before Start of MAT With Suboxone
When someone decides to start medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with suboxone there are a couple of very important things to know. Number one, before starting Suboxone, the opioid-dependent individual must be in full-blown opioid withdrawal. Since suboxone has an opioid blocker in it (Naloxone), starting the medication too early will throw a person into precipitated withdrawal, and that is a terrible experience. The second most important thing to know when choosing MAT, medication-assisted treatment requires a combination of therapy and medication to be effective.
The First Part Of Suboxone Treatment is Called Induction Phase
Suboxone treatment generally happens in three phases: induction phase, stabilization phase, and maintenance phase. The induction phase starts when the individual detoxes off of the opioid they have been abusing and starts taking suboxone. We have already discussed the importance of being in full opioid withdrawal before starting treatment.
The Stabilization Phase in Suboxone Abuse
The second phase is the stabilization phase. During the stabilization phase of treatment, the patient’s suboxone dose is adjusted until they are no longer experiencing any withdrawal symptoms, cravings, or problems using their opioid of choice. Suboxone is a long-acting drug, so the dose may need to be adjusted a few times during this period. This is why you are usually required to make more frequent visits to your doctor. The most important thing here is to get to the bottom of what caused the individual to start using opioids in the first place, and treat the underlying causes of the addiction. Suboxone is only a tool to use in treating opioid use disorder.
Third And Last One Phase In Suboxone Misuse Treatment
The third phase of suboxone treatment is the maintenance phase. The maintenance phase occurs when the patient is doing well on a stable dose of the medication. During suboxone maintenance, visits to the doctor are much less frequent, but therapy sessions will start and be frequent at this time. The medication does not treat the behaviors associated with addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual counseling, group counseling, and treatment for any underlying mental health disorders are all necessary once the individual is stable and on a maintenance dose of suboxone.
How Long Does the Suboxone Treatment Last?
Once a person decides medication-assisted treatment with suboxone is the right path for them, the length of maintenance treatment is going to vary for each person. Some people may only need suboxone treatment for a short period, while some may need it for a longer period. This country is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, and people are dying every day from opioid overdoses, and addiction is a complex relapsing brain disease. Many addicts have detoxed and attempted to recover from an addiction to opioids only to relapse shortly after treatment and even overdose. Suboxone has prevented a lot of overdose deaths and has given people their lives back.
Treatment for Opioids Addiction With Evoke Wellness at Miramar
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioids addiction, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness at Miramar offers cutting-edge addiction treatment. We offer a safe environment and treat our clients with respect. We specialize in making sure our patients have the most comfortable detox process possible. You no longer have to continue to suffer out of fear. It is time you stop letting opioids control your life, we can help you on your journey to sobriety. We have specialists that are just a phone call away that are there to help you or a loved one. Give us a call to find out if Suboxone (MAT) treatment is the right fit for you.
