Suboxone Treatment For Opioid Addiction
There are many different approaches for treating addiction and it can vary by the type of substance the person is addicted to. One of the first steps in the treatment process is detox. In order to facilitate more effective recovery, the client’s body must be free of the substance. This can be scary for some people because they are worried about going through withdrawal and what it will be like. This is when medically assisted detox can be very beneficial to keep them comfortable and help ease withdrawal symptoms.
When it comes to opiate addiction, Suboxone has become a common medication used to support recovery and reduce risk of continued drug misuse. It helps to alleviate not only withdrawal symptoms, but also cravings. Suboxone is a combination of two different medications:
- Buprenorphine: Opiates attach to receptors in the brain and trigger an increase in dopamine. This is what brings about a feeling of euphoria. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist which means that it binds to these receptors like an opioid would, but does not produce the same high. It simulates what the person would feel when taking opiates but not to the same extreme and blocks other opiates from attaching to the receptors.
- Naloxone: This medication is present to keep people from abusing Suboxone. When Suboxone is used correctly and placed under the tongue, there is little effect from the naloxone. However, if the Suboxone is injected, the naxolone takes full effect and deactivates the opioid receptors in the brain making the person go into immediate opiate withdrawal. It is an opioid antagonist.
Suboxone can only be prescribed by a licensed professional that has been properly trained in its use. The doctor will carefully monitor the client to ensure that they are taking the correct dosage and it is working effectively. Suboxone can be very beneficial in helping clients to overcome opiate addiction and focus on recovery.
Some clients are concerned about replacing one addiction with another by getting hooked on Suboxone. In many cases the doctor will prescribe it only as long as necessary and then slowly taper the client off of it. The withdrawal from Suboxone is not nearly as intense as that of opiates and is often much easier for clients to manage. There are some clients who remain on Suboxone for continued maintenance.
Comprehensive Treatment
When paired with intensive therapy and other approaches to treatment, Suboxone can be an effective part of addiction recovery. It focuses on relieving the physical dependence so that clients can put their efforts toward the mental, emotional, and social effects. Therapy can help clients to restructure their lives and implement strategies for reducing risk of relapse. Recovery from opiate addiction is possible.
If you or someone you love is battling an opiate addiction or dependency, it is essential to find a rehab facility that specializes in this type of care. Chapters Capistrano provides clients with personalized treatment tailored to their specific needs and is well trained in dealing with opiate addiction. Through on-site detox, intense therapy, and other services, clients can start a new chapter in their life and begin the road to recovery. Contact Chapters Capistrano at 949-276-2886 to get started today.
