Opioid addiction is a serious problem in the United States. In fact, between 1999 and 2017, more than 700,000 Americans died from an opioid overdose.
If you’re currently struggling with an addiction to opioids, it’s important to know that there are resources out there that can help you. One of the most effective tools is Suboxone.
If you’re considering taking Suboxone pills, it’s important to know what to expect and how they might affect you.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about Suboxone before deciding if it’s right for you.
Suboxone is a brand-name prescription drug.
It is most often prescribed to individuals who are struggling with opioid addiction. It can be used by individuals who are addicted to prescription opioids like oxycodone or illicit opioids like heroin.
Suboxone is a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone.
Buprenorphine is a type of drug known as a partial opioid agonist. A partial opioid agonist blocks the opiate receptors in the brain. This, in turn, helps to minimize the urge to consume opioids.
Naloxone is a drug that reverses the effects of opioids. It’s often administered to individuals who have overdosed on opioids.
Buprenorphine and naloxone work together to prevent withdrawal symptoms and make them easier to manage.
Clearly, there are lots of benefits to taking suboxone pills. But, it’s not without side effects, either.
As with any drug, Suboxone does have some potentially negative side effects. It can also be habit-forming, and individuals who consume it long-term may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using it.
Suboxone comes with a number of side effects, both mild and severe.
Other opioid withdrawal symptoms like body aches, a rapid heart rate, and abdominal cramps are common, too.
Suboxone also has the potential to be abused, especially when it is consumed long-term.
If an individual becomes dependent on Suboxone, they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop taking it.
Many of the withdrawal symptoms associated with Suboxone are associated with withdrawal from other drugs.
People are more likely to become dependent on Suboxone if they have a history of narcotic abuse or have been addicted to heroin.
If you’re taking any of these drugs, it’s important to talk to your doctor before you start taking Suboxone. You may need to discontinue them or switch to a different medication.
If you do decide to use Suboxone, you will need to get a prescription for it from a doctor. You can also get a prescription if you stay in a medical detox center.
You can get a prescription for Suboxone pills or Suboxone film. Suboxone pills are swallowed just like any other pill, but Suboxone film is placed under the tongue and dissolved.
Both forms of Suboxone are viable options for individuals struggling with opioid withdrawal. If you have a hard time swallowing pills, though, the film might be a better choice.
Over time, your doctor should decrease the dosage of Suboxone prescribed to you. This will help you wean off the medication and avoid becoming too dependent on it.
Suboxone is most effective when it’s used alongside other treatment options.
For example, it’s best to take Suboxone while also working with a therapist or receiving treatment in a detox center or rehabilitation facility.
Induction phase: During this phase, which lasts a couple of days, you’ll consume a 2-4 milligram dose; your doctor may also slowly increase your dose up to 8 milligrams.
Maintenance phase: After the induction phase, your doctor will gradually increase or decrease your dosage depending on how you’re responding to the treatment.
Honeymoon phase: About two weeks after you begin treatment, you’ll likely begin to feel much better — possibly even like your old self again.
At this point, you’ll continue taking your Suboxone as prescribed. You should also continue attending counseling sessions or support group meetings. You’ll be doing better, but you’re not fully cured yet, either.
Your doctor might begin or continue to decrease your dosage to help you start weaning off the drug. Some people take Suboxone for several months before they can fully give it up.
Suboxone pills can be a very helpful tool for individuals who are trying to overcome opioid addiction. But, if you are going to take Suboxone, it’s best to take it in a supervised detox center.
Do you live in or around the Stuart, Florida area? If so, consider staying with us at Coastal Detox.
Coastal Detox is an award-winning detox center that specializes in helping individuals overcome drug and alcohol addiction with a combination of holistic therapies and medication-assisted treatments.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to take a tour of our facility.
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