Suboxone therapy involves the medically supervised use of Suboxone, which is a prescription drug used to treat patients who are addicted to opioids and other narcotics. It can also be used to treat pain.
This medication contains both buprenorphine and naloxone and is taken sublingually (under the tongue). Suboxone acts to prevent the intense symptoms (i.e., pain, cravings) caused by withdrawal from opioids that typically make it even harder to kick the habit.
Suboxone therapy combined with psychotherapy has helped many patients recover from their addiction to opioids. Unlike methadone, Suboxone is non-habit-forming, which is why it is increasingly becoming the favored method for opioid addiction treatment.
How Suboxone Therapy Works
Suboxone therapy works best when the patient has already begun to experience withdrawal symptoms following detoxification. At this stage, the opioids have left the opioid receptors – which is the perfect time for the buprenorphine from Suboxone to bind to them, essentially replacing the opioid with a neutralizing agent.
The result? A great improvement of the patient’s withdrawal symptoms, along with suppression of cravings. Plus, if the patient does end up relapsing and taking the addictive heroin or prescription painkillers, the Suboxone acts to weaken its effects – thereby making the drug less palatable to the user.
By taking the dosage as prescribed or given by your doctor, the Suboxone will keep the opioid receptors filled up and occupied. This leaves no room for other opioids to produce the desired maximum effects.
Stopping Your Addiction to Opioids
Suboxone therapy may be the help you need to finally quit your addiction to opioids. It is important not to take or ingest certain other chemicals while you are taking Suboxone, including sedatives, tranquilizers, benzodiazepines, or alcohol.
Common side effects associated with Suboxone therapy include slowed-down breathing, darker urine, dizziness, paleness or jaundice, and loss of appetite. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, you should let your doctor know so he can adjust the dosage or make other modifications in your treatment.
Suboxone Therapy for Opioid Addiction in Southbury, Connecticut
Every addiction story is different, and your needs are different from other people with addiction problems. Suboxone therapy is highly adaptable according to your needs. Once you move on to maintenance therapy, you can begin counseling as part of psychotherapy and be on the road to a full recovery. This two-pronged approach is the most effective form of opioid addiction treatment.
If you or your loved one needs help with substance abuse and addiction, Psy-Visions is here to help. Dr. Mark Stracks can provide you with comprehensive and highly personalized addiction treatment and psychiatric care. We also treat the full range of psychiatric, behavioral, and emotional disorders, which are usually the underlying cause of many addictions.
Know that your life matters. For care and support at this time of your life, we are here for you. To schedule a consultation, call Psy-Visions today at (203) 405-1745 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to helping you begin the best chapter of your life.
