For many people, getting off of opiates is extremely difficult. Studies report around 15 million people have an issue with opiate dependence across the globe, and its use is prevalent in the Sacramento area. The good news that there are medications on the market that are being used in recovery, that are making kicking an opiate habit much easier. One of those medications is Suboxone.
Suboxone is a combination of two other drugs, one being Buprenorphine, which is in a class of medications called partial opioid angonists. The second component of Suboxone is naxalone. When combined the medication produces a response from the brains opioid receptors, without giving the same extreme high that a user might get from Oxycontin or heroin. The biggest advantage to taking the drug is that no matter the dosage, it will never deliver the full opioid effect of a narcotic drug.
The biggest advantage that Suboxone has over a treatment like Methadone is that it can be prescribed by any medical doctor. Many drug users never seek specialized treatment, but because Suboxone is available through a primary care doctor, the drug makes treatment available to many people that would not have otherwise received it.
While Suboxone has many upsides when it comes to being used as part of a recovery plan, it also has some downsides. Suboxone is typically used as a long-term recovery solution. While the drug makes a great replacement for dangerous narcotics, it does potentially come with a dependence of its own. When used under the proper supervision of a medical professional, this dependence is a much lower risk. Suboxone can definitely be used safely and effectively.
Withdrawing from heroin and other opiate-based drugs can be extremely taxing on the body, and a drug like Suboxone can help ease those withdrawal symptoms while detoxing from opiates. Used correctly, Suboxone can make a great bridge for a patient that is just entering recovery and is still working through the withdrawal process.
If an addict tries to take another opiate-based substance while on Suboxone, they won’t be rewarded with the high they are accustomed to. This helps in deterring drug cravings and prevents relapse in patients who are having a hard time quitting for good.
It’s always easier to take a leap into recovery when you know you won’t have to face any ugly withdrawal symptoms. Working with a treatment center that has a plan that includes Suboxone can help make your road to recovery a much smoother one.
If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, contact Diamond House Detox. We want to be your support during this crucial period.
Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on March 29th, 2018.
