Guide to Finding a Suboxone Doctor

Find a Suboxone Doctors – What to Look for

An addiction to opioids can take over your life very quickly. Many people start taking opioids for the right reasons and become addicted to them accidentally. They may have taken them more frequently than their doctor advised them to or taken more of them than they were prescribed. Being able to give up the drugs can sometimes be harder than people think.

Many addicts find that it’s more than just mind over matter that they need in order to overcome drug addiction. The physical and mental addiction to the drugs often have such a tight hold on people that quitting on their own isn’t possible. Fortunately, there is help available to them. Suboxone is a medication that people can be prescribed to help minimize the withdrawal symptoms that occur as they detox.

Suboxone mainly contains naloxone and buprenorphine and must be prescribed by a doctor to ensure that it is taken properly. Finding the right doctor is important, though. Learn the steps to take to find the right suboxone doctor if you need to overcome an addiction in the guide that follows.

Where to Start if You’re Looking for a Suboxone Doctor?

In order to gain access to suboxone, you need to work with a doctor who has been certified to prescribe. Just because someone is a licensed doctor, it doesn’t mean that they can prescribe suboxone. You need to consider if you want to go for inpatient or outpatient treatment before choosing a doctor to see. Some doctors specialize in outpatient treatment with others specialize in inpatient treatment. A few factors need to be considered to determine which option is right for you though.

Inpatient Treatment

  • Ideal for addicts who face a lot of temptation to do drugs in their daily life.
  • Ideal for addicts who have easy access to opioids.
  • Ideal for addicts who have tried to quit in the past unsuccessfully.
  • Ideal for addicts who don’t have access to suboxone treatment locally.

Outpatient Treatment

  • Ideal for addicts who feel they can resist the presence of opioids during their recovery.
  • Ideal for addicts who have already been through an inpatient treatment program.
  • Ideal for addicts who had a momentary relapse but are trying to get their life back on track.

How to Use Our Order Directory to Find a Doctor

When you are ready to get help for your addiction, you need to find the right doctor to provide you with the care that you need. You aren’t going to go to a doctor, get prescribed suboxone and be able to go on your merry way. There are other treatments that must be used in conjunction with suboxone in order for it to be as effective as possible.

You can use our order directory to find local doctors who can give you the treatment that you need. You need to consider where you want to go for treatment before choosing a doctor though. There are some people who choose to move to a different area in order to get treatment because they are fearful that they will release when they finish the treatment if they are surrounded by the people that they hung out with when they did drugs. You could go to stay with friends or family in a different area where you don’t know anyone if you want to try to get clean without all of the emotional triggers or temptations from your past surrounding you.

Once you know where you want to go for treatment, you need to know what form of treatment you want to get. You can use our directory to find out what type of treatment each doctor specializes in and set up an appointment to meet with one or many of them to discuss your specific situation. There are many times when people go for addiction treatment that they don’t realize the severity of their addiction and assume that they can go for outpatient treatment when in reality they need inpatient treatment in order to be as successful as possible.

Things to Consider When Finding a Doctor

When it’s time to choose a doctor, you need to be sure that you choose someone who you feel comfortable talking to. There will be times when you will need to discuss intimate things with the doctor and if you don’t feel comfortable with him or her, you won’t be able to be as open and honest as you need to be.

It’s important to realize that the doctor isn’t there to be your friend. They are there to provide you with the support you need to get clean. When you meet with him or her, you need to feel like you can trust them enough to talk to them about important things, but you shouldn’t expect them to talk to you like you are best friends. They aren’t required to sugar coat things with you or try to be delicate with you. Tough love is often the best approach when it comes to addiction treatment and having a doctor that is persistent, confident and trustworthy is going to be far more beneficial for you in the long run.

Conclusion

Only you can really choose to make a change in your life. Nearly half of the people who get clean from drugs end up relapsing because they don’t take the time to treat their mental addiction to drugs. You aren’t just addicted to the way that the drugs make you physically more than likely. You will need to go for continuing treatment long after you are no longer physically addicted to the drugs. You want to be sure that you create a support system that allows you to talk about the way that you are feeling and provides you with advice when tough issues arise in your life. Being able to take suboxone will make physical addiction easier to overcome, but the long-term effects of drug addiction require intense mental and emotional care.

 

Sources

[1] Buprenorphine. (2019, 7). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/buprenorphine

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Treatment and Recovery. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery

Suboxone: The Difference Between Addiction and Dependence

The difference between addiction and dependence can be difficult to understand, however, it is still important to understand. Medication-Assisted Treatment has been proven to be one of the most effective methods in the fight against opioid addiction. However, heavy stigma is still alive and well today with the belief that people will fall into suboxone addiction

Understanding key differences helps to break down this stigma. In order to continue working against the opioid epidemic and helping addicts get clean, this understanding needs to be recognized across the board. Your brain plays a substantial role in this equation.

Addiction and dependence actually affect different parts of your brain. Addiction follows the reward pathway, while dependence follows the brain stem to the thalamus.

Addiction can occur without physical dependence and vice versa. Modern evidence-based treatments center around this understanding that addiction and dependence are in-fact different. In order to become more self-aware and receive the best treatment possible, it is imperative that an addict understands this concept too.

What is Addiction

Having an addiction is classified as having a disease. An addict is a frequent drug or alcohol user, going to great lengths to obtain such drugs. Addiction causes the person to have uncontrollable cravings, which can lead to compulsive drug use. The uncontrollable cravings are the result of the addict’s brain becoming altered. This makes it difficult to stop using the drug.

People with an addiction may know they are causing harm to themselves and others, but are unable to stop. They may experience social and mental or physical health problems. These could include loss of their job, increased family tension, severe anxiety, and kidney failure. Mental illnesses can arise after extended drug use or may be made worse.

The common symptoms of people experiencing addiction are:

Social problems. An addict will experience an increase in social related problems. Since they are willing to do anything for drugs and alcohol, this may put themselves, friends, or family in danger. Family members and friends may not know how to handle the addict or may become enablers, causing tension. Addicts may give up hobbies they used to enjoy to use drugs or alcohol instead. They may lose their job or drop out of school, due to missing days or arriving under the influence.

Uncontrollable use. The addict is unable to slow down or stop drug and alcohol use. They may have attempted and failed. An addict can feel out of control and feel as though the addiction is running them.

Risk-taking behavior. An addict will sometimes do anything for their next fix. They may find themselves in risky situations that could lead them to harm. Their bodies and mental state may start to deteriorate, but the addict will not stop.

Treatment

Addicts should consult a medical professional about their condition, as each case is unique. Addicts usually become enrolled in a treatment center or rehabilitation. This provides them with one on one support, peer counseling, and different treatment options to get sober.

What is Dependence?

When a person’s body is reliant on a drug in order to not experience physical symptoms of withdrawal, it is referred to as dependence. In normal circumstances, the body can produce enough endorphins to minimize withdrawal effects. However, this changes if the body’s tolerance is heightened. The body will soon become reliant on the substance. The body merely adapts to the drug and requires more of it to produce the same effects. This is also called building tolerance.

Physical dependence can be associated with many drugs, not just opioids. However, physical dependence usually accompanies opioid addiction. A body can be physically dependent on caffeine, nicotine, and prescription drugs.

Physical Symptoms

The key factor to physical dependence is the physical symptoms a person will experience when they stop taking a substance. Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some even being life-threatening. A person who drinks three cups of coffee every morning may suddenly decide not to have any coffee one morning. That person will most likely experience withdrawal from the caffeine, usually resulting in a headache. While it depends on the type of drug, a person may experience withdrawal symptoms like difficulty sleeping, sickness, and fatigue.

Treatment for Suboxone Dependence 

The goal of addiction treatment is to change how the brain is wired when associated with addiction, but this does not always solve physical dependence. To receive optimal results, doctors treating dependence will suggest tapering off approach. Medications will be given to the person in order to maintain the dependence, but minimize the symptoms. This helps to slowly rewire the brain and helps to eliminate the tolerance associated with the substance.

Conclusion

It is important to recognize the difference between addiction and dependence, not just for the addict’s benefit but also for the healthcare providers’ and the general public. Becoming familiar with the distinguishing factors of both addiction and dependence will help to eliminate the stigma surrounding treatment. An addict suffering from addiction will experience more behavioral changes that can lead them down a path of harm. A person going through dependence may be experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms. Addiction does not have to exist with dependence and vice-versa.

Suboxone for Teens: Is it a Good Choice?

Opioid addiction is a debilitating phenomenon that’s affecting a wide range of individuals from different nationalities, ethnicities, and age groups. One age group that’s been affected significantly is teenagers.

Research found that between 1997 and 2012 the rate of hospitalization due to opioid poisoning nearly doubles in children and adolescents in the United States.

If you know a teenager that’s dealing with opioid addiction, now is the time to be proactive and help them overcome it through Suboxone.

Suboxone is one of the most effective medications utilized to treat opioid addiction. Suboxone consists of two main ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

Together, they can prevent the painful withdrawal symptoms of opioids. This gives an individual a better chance of overcoming their opioid addiction since they don’t have to deal with those debilitating withdrawal symptoms.

The Phases of Opioid Withdrawal

The first phase of opioid withdrawal, entitled acute withdrawal, often includes abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. These symptoms can last anywhere from one week to one month depending on the seriousness of the opioid addiction.

The second phase of opioid withdrawal, entitled post-acute withdrawal, can last up to two years. These symptoms include disrupted sleep, mood swings, struggles to concentrate, and low enthusiasm.

These symptoms can be a lot for adults to deal with, so you can only imagine how these symptoms would affect a child.

Suboxone has helped thousands of adults across the nation combat their addiction to opioids. But, what you may not be aware of, is that Suboxone has been approved for use for teens over the age of 16. If a teen is addicted to opioids, then Suboxone should be considered to help them overcome their addiction. Suboxone can be used in a variety of different ways in order for a teen to work through their addiction.

It doesn’t have to be a long-term medication that a teen would have to work into their daily routine for the rest of their lives. It can also be used during a short time period to help a teen detox from opioids. This stops the teen from experiencing the harmful effects of opioid withdrawal. Suboxone is prescribed to cater to the specific needs of the patient, especially when dealing with a teen.

Suboxone is Becoming More Available for Teens

Currently, suboxone is becoming more accessible and being recommended more frequently for teenagers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that medication-assisted treatment is appropriate for adolescents with opioid use disorders. Additionally, they stated that pediatricians should consider offering medication-assisted treatment to their adolescent patients.

Suboxone can be a great option for teens who are dealing with opioid addiction. When a teen uses Suboxone, it doesn’t completely stop their life. They won’t have to take time off from school or work. A teen can use Suboxone and live their life as they normally would, as long as they cater to the doctor’s wishes. Additionally, using Suboxone is less expensive than putting your loved one in a rehab facility.

Parents can be very involved in their teen’s recovery and help them make that next step, through using Suboxone. If you think that your teen is abusing opioids, you may feel as though you’ve lost control. Introducing a medication-assisted treatment to your child can help you gain some of that control back and put your child on the right path to success.

Medication Assisted Treatment Can Be Useful Harm Reduction for Teens

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that drug overdose death rates for adolescents aged 15-19 more than doubled from 1999 to 2015. The CDC also found that the majority of drug overdose deaths for male and female adolescents were done accidentally. Research has found that intervening with medication-assisted treatment, like Suboxone, reduced harm for teens. This gives the teen a chance at living and thriving through an opioid-free lifestyle.

When a teen takes Suboxone, they’re given a better chance at recovery. If they choose to stop using opioids “cold-turkey”, they would have to deal with a painful detoxing period. This often takes them away from work or school and cause them to get behind in some areas. When using suboxone, the teen is able to look at their life aside from their addiction and understand truly why they’ve been abusing opioids.

Therapy Should Always be a Part of The Recovery Equation

Therapy can be a great option for teens who are recovering from opioid addiction and using Suboxone. There are many different types of therapy to take part in including group, individual, and family.

Group therapy is beneficial because it allows the teen to learn through other people’s experiences and gain valuable information about opioid addiction. Individual therapy gives the teen much needed one on one time and may be more comfortable for the teen, depending on their personality. As for family therapy, It’s very important for parents to get involved and for the whole family to get a better understanding of their teen’s addiction. Addiction doesn’t just affect one person, it affects the whole family as well.

Each type of therapy offers its own benefits, but all will give the teen key information and valuable coping skills to help them stop using Suboxone for the long term.

Misconceptions Surrounding Suboxone

A common misconception surrounding using Suboxone is that it’s just “trading one addiction for another.” It’s important to realize that’s just not the case. Addiction isn’t just a bad decision gone wrong, it’s a disease. In order to cure a disease, you often need to fight back with some sort of medication. Suboxone is a medication that has helped thousands of people beat their addictions. Recovery looks different for every person, but it may be the chance that your teen needs in order to get a second chance at life.

Conclusion

Suboxone is a valuable option for any teens who are dealing with opioid addiction. It alleviates the symptoms of opioid withdrawal so teens can focus on their recovery and have a better chance of beating their opioid addiction for good. Research has proven Suboxone as a viable choice for individuals who have opioid addiction, including late teens. If you’re a parent with a teen who you may suspect has an opioid problem, you should consider Suboxone. Allowing your child to use Suboxone could save their life in the long run.

Suboxone and Pregnancy: A Guide for Expecting Mothers

Many people make the mistake of assuming that a pregnant woman can stop using drugs the second she finds out that she is pregnant because a maternal instinct takes over and her body automatically no longer craves the drugs she is addicted to. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. It’s important to learn about suboxone and pregnancy.

There are many women who try to stop using drugs but aren’t successful with their efforts because their addiction is too strong. When this happens, babies can be born addicted to the drugs and the mother will need to go through treatment in order to be able to overcome her addiction. Suboxone is often used to help make battling an addiction easier.

Below is some useful information to know if you are battling an addiction and want to use suboxone while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Suboxone and Pregnancy: About the Medication

Suboxone is a controlled substance that must be prescribed by a medical professional. It contains Buprenorphine and Naloxone. The Buprenorphine helps to reduce an addict’s urge to use, while the Naloxone reverses the effects the opioids cause.

When the two are taken together, they help to minimize or even prevent the withdrawal symptoms that are common when detoxing from opiates. Buprenorphine is classified as a Category C medication by the FDA because of the chances of their being adverse effects from taking it.

It’s ideal for anyone who has wanted to quit using opioids but hasn’t been able to overcome the addiction on their own.

Studies About Suboxone and Pregnancy

Many people avoid taking suboxone while they are because they fear that it will have an adverse effect on their baby’s development or cause mental defects. If you do drugs while you are pregnant, the chances of your baby having something developmentally wrong with them are very high.

Studies have shown that babies who were exposed to suboxone while they were in the who had no significant differences when tested from babies who were not exposed to it. There are cases where babies who were exposed to suboxone neonatally did go through neonatal withdrawal though.

Neonatal withdrawal typically becomes obvious within up to eight days of birth. Some infants suffer from neonatal agitation, tremors, seizures, respiratory depression, bradycardia, apnea and more. Doctors closely monitor any babies who are going through neonatal withdrawal to make sure that they are given the care that they need.

Many babies who are suffering from withdrawal symptoms do stay in the hospital longer than infants who are not going through withdrawal because they need to be monitored so closely.

Suboxone and Breastfeeding

Studies have shown that breastfeeding is of the best ways to provide your baby with the nutrients that they need early in life. It’s important to ensure that your diet is safe for your baby. Mothers who are taking suboxone to overcome addiction are often fearful to breastfeed while they take the medication because they are worried that it will cause adverse side effects for their breastfeeding children. It’s important to know that suboxone is ingested through breast milk.

Less than 1 percent of the dose that the mother takes is passed through her breastmilk though. It’s important to monitor your baby closely when you are breastfeeding and taking suboxone though. You want to be sure that he or she is eating well, gaining weight, not lethargic and not sleeping constantly.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor right away.  Suboxone doesn’t inhibit to lactate either. You can still produce the same amount of milk when you take suboxone as you would if you didn’t take it. Freezing the breastmilk is also safe when you are taking suboxone. The suboxone will not become more potent from being frozen.

Please Discuss Suboxone and Pregnancy with Your Doctor

Suboxone has been shown to be very beneficial for many pregnant or breastfeeding mothers because it helps them regain control of their life and be the best mother that they can. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your particular situation so that he or she can help you develop a plan for overcoming your addiction.

You want to be sure that you talk about any worries that you have and discuss what side effects are possible so that you can make an informed decision about if suboxone treatment is right for you.

Once you start using suboxone to treat your opioids addiction, it’s important to take the medication as prescribed. If you are fearful that you may take it improperly, you may want to try to enroll you in an inpatient treatment program so that you can get the help you need to stay on track and reach your overall goal of sobriety.

You cannot stop breastfeeding abruptly while you are taking suboxone. Even though Suboxone is ingested in such small amounts by your infant, stopping abruptly could cause the baby to go into withdrawal and experience symptoms that you don’t want them to experience.

If you feel that you are ready to stop using suboxone or that it is time to stop breastfeeding your little one, talk to your doctor about the situation.

He or she can help you learn how to wean your little one from breastmilk in a safe way or walk you through the process of how to minimize the doses of suboxone that you are taking over time so that you and the baby can slowly stop taking it.

If Suboxone Can Help You, There is No Need to Be Ashamed

Living with a drug addiction can be very difficult. Trying to take care of a baby and overcome drug addiction can be even harder. Getting professional help for an opioid addiction while pregnant or after having a baby can help you to provide yourself and your baby with the life that you both truly deserve.

It’s best to find out what options are available to you as quickly as you can. The longer you take drugs while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the more damage you could be causing to your little one. The long-term side effects of infant exposure to opioids can be severe and life changing so getting help right away could save your baby from a lifetime of complications.

 

Sources

[1] Observational study of the safety of buprenorphine+naloxone in pregnancy in a rural and remote population. (2016, October 1). Retrieved from https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/6/10/e011774

[2] FDA.gov. (2010, August). Suboxone Label: Highlights of Prescribing Information. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022410s000lbl.pdf

[3] What’s the Best Breastfeeding Diet? A Guide for New Moms. (2019, February 18). Retrieved from https://www.pregnancyhealth.net/whats-best-breastfeeding-diet-guide-new-moms/