People seeking medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder will have the option to take a number of medications, including Suboxone® and methadone. Suboxone®, made up of buprenorphine and naloxone, has shown to lower the risk of overdose by about 50%, making it the perfect choice for those who suffer from chronic relapse. It is important for individuals who may seek help to understand the facts about taking Suboxone® for opioid addiction.
Aiding Long-Term Recovery
Abstinence simply isn’t an option for some people with opioid use disorder. The drastic way opioids change the way the brain responds to certain stimuli can make quitting “cold turkey” nearly impossible. Not only are withdrawal symptoms highly uncomfortable, but the brain itself needs support to heal and rewire the reward pathway that has been damaged by drugs. Without MAT (medication-assisted treatment), many people find themselves continually relapsing, which can be devastating, but also very dangerous due to their tolerance levels fluctuating, making them more prone to overdose. Because addiction is a disease, medications like Suboxone® can help ease the effects of the condition to keep patients from giving into triggers and relapse.
Preventing Overdose and Relapse
It’s much more difficult to misuse Suboxone® versus other medications available for treatment. That’s due to the ingredient naloxone, but also because Suboxone® does not activate the receptors of the brain fully. This “ceiling” limits the impact that the medication will have on the user, with the effects only increasing to a certain point, no matter how much medication is taken. If Suboxone® is injected, patients will immediately feel withdrawal symptoms because of the naloxone, a deterrent to overdose.
Customizing Treatment
There is no specifically allotted time for patients to take Suboxone®. Some falsely believe it should be taken for only a short period of time, but everyone will have a different treatment journey. Each patient’s medical provider will be sure to manage their treatment with the correct dosage and timeline for that person. A single, effective does of buprenorphine for opioid addiction can last 24-60 hours. Over time, due to the long lasting nature of the medication, a medical provider may recommend decreasing the dosage or changing the frequency to achieve the same result with less medication required.
Suboxone® is an excellent option for people looking to get help with their opioid addiction in an effective and scientifically-proven way that can provide long-term benefits and success.
Recovery Services of New Mexico team is here to help you! Contact us today to begin your recovery journey.
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