Suboxone is a medication prescribed to patients suffering opioid addiction or dependence. It comprises a mix of buprenorphine and naloxone, two other addiction treatment medications. Suboxone is fairly new to the market, having only been approved in 2002. It is primarily as a tablet to be placed under the tongue where it dissolves.
While it has been shown to be highly successful in treating opiate addiction, it has a potential for abuse. The prime suspect in Suboxone abuse is buprenorphine. In one report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, over 30,000 emergency room visits in 2010 were related to buprenorphine abuse. In 2005, only about 3,000 emergency room visits involved buprenorphine.
Symptoms of Suboxone Addiction
Addiction is based on a chemical dependency which is why many people struggle with how to get off Suboxone. Drugs often cause a flood of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in a wide range of functions, including motivation, movement, pleasure, and reward. Overproduction of dopamine caused by drug use forces the brain to compensate by lowering its natural production. This forces you to take more the drug to replenish your low dopamine amount while triggering a sense of reward.
Some common symptoms pointing to Suboxone abuse include:
Using the drug to attain a high instead of for its intended purpose; Using more Suboxone than is prescribed; Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school; Using Suboxone even though it is knowingly causing problems in your life; Trying to quit but failing; Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug.
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms
Insomnia; Nausea and vomiting; Diarrhea; Aches and pains in muscles, bones, and joints; Chills; Sweating; Anxiety; Depression; Irritability; Intense cravings; An inability to concentrate
The Effects of Suboxone
Buprenorphine is a partial opiate analgesic, while naloxone is an opioid antagonist. The combined effect creates an effect similar to other opiates, albeit at much lower levels. The main effects of Suboxone include euphoria, slower breathing, pain reduction, and an overall sense of relaxation.
Some common side effects of Suboxone include:
The Dangers and Complications of Suboxone
Even at regular doses, Suboxone is habit forming and addictive. Addiction can ruin your physical health, but it also has a significant impact on your behaviors and way of life. Addiction takes control of your life, forcing you to do and say harmful things, behave recklessly, and push away loved ones.
When using Suboxone avoid operating heavy machinery or driving as the drug can cause coordination problems, drowsiness, and slowed reaction time. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking an depressants, which could cause a severe drop in respiration, leading to unconsciousness, coma, or even death.
Suboxone can cause some serious problems. Call your doctor if you experience:
Medical Intervention
Trying to recover from any sort of drug addiction can feel overwhelming, but medical intervention, in the form of medication and counseling, can play an integral role in your recovery. Medication can help maintain chemical equilibrium in your body, curb cravings, manage withdrawals, or make your body actually reject the drug.
Opiates like Suboxone are generally treated with opioid antagonists, which essentially bind to receptors in the body to block the effects of opiates. Some common medications for opiates include:
These medications are often accompanied by cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, contingency management, and other forms of therapy.
The Road to Recovery
Recovering from drug abuse starts with detox, but it’s only the first step. Most Suboxone treatment centers programs lead directly into longer rehab programs. These offer counseling, therapy, and education to help you stay sober and healthy in the long-term. However, without the help of a supportive detox program it is common that patients fail to make a full recovery.
Georgia Drug Detox can put the control back in your hands by helping you find an inpatient detox facility that matches your needs. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. When you’re ready to commit, call us at (678) 771-6411 and start the admission process today.