Suboxone is a drug commonly prescribed to patients with opioid addiction. It is actually a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone and both target opioid receptors. In a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), sustained use of Suboxone was able to reduce prescription drug use in almost half of participants. Suboxone treatment can start as soon as 12 hours after a patient’s last dose.
Here are other things that patients should know about Suboxone therapy.
It Blocks The Effects of Opioids
Suboxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. It helps manage cravings and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Should you use opioids, the effect of the drug is weakened as Suboxone prevents the activation of the pain receptors, which is what makes opioids so addictive.
It Is Less Habit-Forming
Methadone is a type of long-acting drug used to treat opioid addiction. It is very addictive, however, and doctors have since preferred to prescribe Suboxone. This drug is formulated to reduce the risk of dependency.
There Are Side Effects
Side effects from Suboxone are less severe and more physical than mental. Patients undergoing therapy may experience headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, and digestive issues. Fortunately, these issues are temporary, and the benefits of taking Suboxone to rid yourself of opioid addiction far outweigh these side effects.
It Comes in Two Delivery Methods
The delivery method for Suboxone is either oral or sublingual, each has its own advantages. Tablets are more discreet but sublingual films can be delivered in smaller doses, which makes weaning off the medication easier. The delivery methods are both convenient, unlike methadone, which can only be administered in a clinic.
It Works Best With Other Therapies
Suboxone is a great addition to any opioid addiction treatment plan, and it works best with forms of psychotherapy, like cognitive behavior therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy, as well as programs such as the 12-step program.
Suboxone Therapy Has Four Parts
The induction phase is when the doctor determines the proper dosage for the patient. The second phase is the stabilization phase, which involves finding out the underlying cause of addiction and the patient beginning to receive psychotherapy. The third part is the maintenance phase, where the patient slowly makes a return to life before the addiction. The last phase is the taper phase, where the doctor reduces the dosage of Suboxone until the patient no longer needs to take the medication.
Suboxone Therapy in New York
If you have a growing dependence on opioid medication, Psy-Visions offers a comprehensive and highly individualized substance addiction program for our patients. Our opiate addiction program will help restore your mental and physical well-being through medication, psychotherapy, and individual attention to your needs. Psy-Visions’ very own Dr. Mark Stracks has the utmost compassion for patients with substance abuse and addiction problems and is dedicated to helping you make a full recovery.
If you have questions about Suboxone therapy or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Stracks, call (718) 887-2918 or use our online request form.
