While suboxone is an effective tool in opiate addiction treatment and recovery, it does have quite a few downfalls that have made it a very controversial subject in the addiction recovery community. In our last #LetsTalkRecovery video, we quickly went over the cause and effects of Suboxone, but we wanted to talk about it in more detail. Here, we go over what it is, how it works, and why exactly it is so controversial.
Using Suboxone in Opiate Addiction Treatment
Suboxone is a synthetic prescription medication that is primarily used in the treatment of opiate addiction and can help wean addicts off heroin slowly yet safely. For decades methadone was the number one choice in medication to aid in withdrawals from heroin and other opiates, and after time, methadone was found to be highly addictive. Suboxone is less habit-forming than Methadone and was developed to take its place. Less of a high can be felt by those who use Suboxone and it stays in the addicted person’s system for a longer period of time.
How Does Suboxone Aid in Opiate Detox?
Suboxone consists of a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine. Naloxone blocks the effect of opioids, while buprenorphine mimics the effects of normal opioids except that it gives a less effective “high” compared to, say, heroin. Buprenorphine is used to reduce the unpleasant withdrawal effects that an addict will have when they are going through withdrawals during opiate detox. The combination of naloxone and buprenorphine in one pill makes it a more effective option for opiate rehab.
Why is Suboxone Use in Opiate Rehab Controversial?
The reason that Suboxone has been stirring up a bit of controversy over the past few years, is because of its high risk of dependency. Higher doses taken by users with a low opiate tolerance can quickly cause symptoms of overdose, as can administering the drug via intravenous injection. Additionally, pairing Suboxone with other opiates, alcohol or central nervous system depressants can overload the body’s systems, leading to an overdose.
When someone is addicted to Suboxone, or any drug for that matter, there are certain signs of drug addiction to look out for. If you suspect that someone has been abusing Suboxone or if they are overdosing, take immediate action by calling 911. The window of opportunity can be fleeting, so act fast. A Suboxone overdose can be fatal.
If you or someone you love has developed an addiction to Suboxone, it is urgent that you get help immediately. The knowledgeable addiction specialists at The Discovery House will help you find a drug or alcohol treatment program that will work for you and your specific situation. Call us today at 1 (855) 203-7930 and get started on your path to recovery now!