Suboxone Side-Effects: A Comprehensive Guide

According to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 70,200 people in the U.S. are estimated to have died from drug overdoses in 2017, making this the worst year of overdoses in U.S. history. But medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help wean people off these deadly drugs. Suboxone, in film form, is one option. It’s classified as a schedule three prescription drug. This means that it has an accepted medical use, but it may cause physical or psychological dependence. Becoming educated on the medication and the potential side-effects is imperative to a safe withdrawal process.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a brand-name prescription drug. It’s the combination of Buprenorphine and naloxone and it’s a controlled substance. There are also versions of the medication that just contain Buprenorphine. Both medications are usually taken under the tongue.

  • Buprenorphine’s Role: Buprenorphine is in a class of medication called opioid partial agonist-antagonists. In simple terms, it helps people reduce or quit their use of heroin, opioid drugs, and narcotic pain killers. The effects of Buprenorphine can last as long as 24 hours.
  • Naloxone’s Role: Naloxone is classified as an opioid antagonist. This means it blocks the effects of opioid drugs. It’s included in Suboxone solely to help prevent abuse of the medication. Naloxone is designed to prevent you from experiencing a high from other opiates.

The combination of buprenorphine with the opioid antagonist naloxone further increases its safety and decreases but does not eliminate the likelihood of diversion and misuse.

Studies from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) show that Suboxone is effective for reducing opioid misuse. The medicine reduces cravings and the pain of withdrawals. This combination drug is used as part of a treatment program that typically includes counseling, lifestyle changes, and other interventions. How well Suboxone performs is partly assessed based on how long people stay in treatment.

Under the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 (DATA 2000), qualified U.S. physicians can offer buprenorphine for opioid dependency in various settings, including in an office, community hospital, health department, or correctional facility.

What Are the Side Effects of Suboxone? 

Although your healthcare provider should run tests before you start taking and while you are taking Suboxone, mild or serious side effects can occur. Some of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they become more severe over time or don’t go away, talk to your healthcare provider. According to the CDC, some of the most common side effects are:

  • Headaches: This is one of the most common side effects and generally goes away with continued use of the medication.
  • Constipation: Studies show this occurs in 12 percent of people taking Suboxone. Constipation is common and should not last after continuous use of the medication. If it does, consult your healthcare provider.
  • Sweating: On average, sweating occurs in 14 percent of people taking Suboxone and gradually goes away with continued use of the medication.
  • Insomnia (trouble sleeping): Lack of sleep can lead to dizziness and problems with coordination.
  • Fatigue: Despite the fact that the drug causes insomnia for many users, it can also cause fatigue.

Serious side effects from Suboxone aren’t common but can occur. Consult your healthcare provider right away if the following occurs:

  • Respiratory Problems/Depression: Respiratory depression is a condition in which breathing becomes too shallow or slow, causing a lack of oxygen in the body. Respiratory depression is perhaps the most severe of the side effects. Misuse or overdose of Suboxone can increase the chances for severe respiratory depression. Respiratory problems are more likely when Suboxone is used together with other drugs such as alcohol, Ativan, Valium, or Xanax.
  • Liver Problems: You may be experiencing liver problems if your skin or the white part of your eyes begin to turn yellow. You may also have stomach pain, dark urine, and lighter stools. Liver problems are the most monitored by physicians.
  • Allergic Reactions: If you develop a rash, hives, swelling of the face, or you start wheezing, you may be allergic to the medications.
  • Decrease in Blood Pressure: You may have low blood pressure if you feel dizzy when you get up too fast from sitting or lying down.
  • Fertility Problems; Long-term use of Suboxone may cause fertility problems in males and females. If this is a concern, talk to your healthcare provider before taking the medication.
  • Physical Dependence: Unfortunately, Suboxone can be addictive for many people. Suboxone has opioid effects, including mild euphoria, and long-term use of it can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Suboxone dependence can cause drug-craving and drug-seeking behavior, which may lead to misuse and/or abuse.

What Precautions Should Be Taken?

Before taking Suboxone, inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Do not begin new medications without consulting your health care provider.

SAMHSA indicates in all their studies that Suboxone should not be injected. Injecting the medication will trigger immediate opiate withdrawal symptoms which are extremely uncomfortable. You should not drink alcohol while using Suboxone, as it can lead to loss of consciousness or even death.

Suboxone film isn’t for occasional or “as needed” use. Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Conclusion

These are not all the possible side effects. Consulting your health care provider for medical advice about side effects is imperative to ensure a safe dosage of Suboxone film.

Sources
[1] Understanding the Epidemic | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center. (2018, December 19). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html

[2] Controlled Substance Schedules. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/

[3] Buprenorphine Sublingual and Buccal (opioid dependence): MedlinePlus Drug Information. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605002.html

[4] U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2004). Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Buprenorphine in the Treatment of Opioid Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.naabt.org/documents/TIP40.pdf

How Going to Meetings Helps you in Recovery

How Going to Meetings Helps you in Recovery

Addiction can be a difficult battle that involves not just the addict, but also friends, coworkers, and family members. When someone is dealing with substance abuse, they likely feel alone, disconnected, and helpless. Thankfully, with a good treatment program, addiction can be beaten. One of the key elements to a quality rehabilitation process is group therapy or meetings. So, how can going to meetings help you in recovery? Read on to learn more about this integral part of recovery and sobriety.

What Happens in Meetings?

While every program is different, most group meetings are scheduled by the patient’s specific recovery plan. These meetings usually involve one or two therapists or group leaders along with other addicts. Meetings can occur weekly, monthly, or less frequently depending on a variety of factors. During the meeting, all patients are encouraged to participate and talk about their struggles, their current status, and their feelings. The mediator or therapist is there to help guide the group and to ask important questions. It’s a good way for addicts to vent their concerns and frustrations without feelings of judgment.

You are Not Alone Throughout Recovery

When you’re dealing with addiction, the feelings of isolation can be overwhelming. Meetings can help you feel much less alone since you’re surrounded by others who are struggling with similar situations. Often addicts won’t reach out to people they know for fear of being judged or turned away. With group meetings, you'll hear other peoples’ stories and soon you’ll discover that you are not alone. This fact can do wonders for the psychological state of an addict. In any situation, feeling alone tends to make the problem worse. With meetings, you’re allowed to connect with others who understand the struggles you are going through.

You’ll Learn New Coping Skills

Of course, meetings are a great way to connect with others, but it goes much deeper than that. The recovery meetings will teach you new tools and how to cope with a variety of situations that can arise in daily life. Some people in your meetings are likely much more experienced and will be happy to share some advice about the way they handle things. Getting good advice from those who have already been in your shoes can give you the confidence and the information you need to recover more effectively. You may also hear some stories from former addicts who want to help you in the meeting. These people are an incredible source of inspiration and will encourage you to continue down the road to recovery so you can lead a more fulfilling life.

The Odds of Relapsing are Lower

Attending addiction meetings helps hold you accountable for your actions. Once you’ve met your fellow group members, you will probably feel a sense of responsibility to them and to yourself not to go into relapse. And, if you do relapse, you’ll at least have the understanding that the group is still there waiting for you. This can be highly effective at reducing the odds of relapsing altogether. When you’re held accountable by others, you may feel much more apt to try harder to stay sober. Since addiction is a chronic disease, these meetings provide you with an ongoing tool you can use whenever you need it.

You will Experience Compassion

While the behavior of some addicts can be appalling, compassion is still required for a successful recovery. In your meetings, you’ll be able to spend time with those who understand your struggle and can offer you a helpful shoulder to lean on. Just by having some level of empathy and compassion in your life, you will feel much more support during difficult times. Being able to garner some emotional support can do wonders for your self-esteem, and it may motivate you to try harder. You will also be given the chance to show compassion toward others, which can make you feel stronger. Meetings offer a place where you can experience a non-judgmental environment which prompts you to open up more about your problems without fear.

You’ll Make New Friends

Friendship is especially meaningful when you’re coping with addiction. This is particularly true with younger addicts like teens and young adults. Attending regular meetings can help you meet new people who are not only going through similar situations, but who could probably use a friend, too. Over time these friendships get stronger and you can spend time together in a sober environment. Depending on the format of the meetings, you might also have a “sponsor.” This person is your go-to and your confidant when times get tough. Addicts develop strong bonds with their sponsor since they are people they know they can trust.

Whether you’ve been assigned a meeting through your rehab program or you’re just looking for help on your own, meetings provide a range of benefits that will help you down the road to recovery. Simply knowing that you are not alone is a big relief for many. Combine that with helpful therapy and learning new coping skills, and you can begin your journey to sobriety. Meetings are offered free of charge in many locations, so don’t be afraid to find one near you and reach out for help. With some compassion and understanding, attending meetings on a regular basis can be part of the tools that will get you back on the path toward recovery.

One of the first steps toward recovery is recognizing that you need help. By going to meetings you’re already taking great strides toward handling the problem. Help from other addicts and your meeting leader can give you the strength and encouragement you need to get better. Try to attend meetings as often as possible so you can create a new support system that will provide you with empathy, understanding, and new skills to be successful. The right tools for addicts can mean the difference between continuing the addiction and moving forward to a better, more productive life.

Can You Do Other Drugs on Top of Suboxone?

Every prescription medication comes with warnings and side effects. It is important to heed these warnings, as to not risk dangerous and even fatal consequences that could occur. This is why your doctor or a medical professional at a treatment facility will ask you if you are on any other medication. Suboxone is a drug that is a combination of Buprenorphine and naloxone. It contains an opioid, used to induce an opioid-like high without the rewarding effects. Suboxone is primarily used to help with opioid withdrawal. Since it contains an opioid, it can be life-threatening if you choose to take other drugs.

Drugs That Have Especially Bad Interactions With Suboxone

You will want to avoid these drugs specifically if you are on Suboxone because they have the most life-threatening risks associated with them.

  • Benzodiazepines – People with an anxiety disorder will most often be prescribed a “benzo”. They are prescribed to slow down the central nervous system. Buprenorphine also functions as a depressant, meaning the increased sedation can cause a coma, seizures, or even death.
  • Cocaine – Cocaine is a stimulant, which means it works the opposite as the Buprenorphine in the Suboxone. It can cause withdrawal symptoms to appear and counteract the drug. Another, much more dangerous risk is that someone taking cocaine and Suboxone have a greater chance of overdosing.
  • Alcohol – Alcohol also depresses the central nervous system. Alcohol poses one of the greater risks because it is readily available to almost anyone and drinking can sometimes be seen as a “normalized” behavior. However, since taking alcohol and Suboxone doubles a user’s depressant intake, it can cause fatal side effects such as respiratory failure.

Talk To Someone About Your Cravings

While suboxone can alleviate some withdrawal symptoms, you may still notice that you crave other drugs or even alcohol. If you notice these cravings persisting, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may need to reassess your needs and move you to a different prescription. You can also call local outpatient centers or support groups to drop in for a few meetings. These support groups will give you personal insight and guidance to stay on the right path.

Do Not Smoke, Snort, or Inject Suboxone

In pill form, Suboxone works by satisfying the addict’s need for a high and also renders opioids ineffective to the brain. When Suboxone’s form is changed, the drug itself changes and produces different results. Crushing, dissolving, or injecting Suboxone stops the Buprenorphine from working properly. The naloxone will be released, completely neutralizing any high received and make the drug not function properly. When Suboxone is not taken as prescribed, users can experience swelling, difficulty swallowing, facial pain and muscle spasms and could even overdose. Always use Suboxone as prescribed by your doctor.

 

Sources

[1] Warning: 3 Dangerous Suboxone Interactions to Avoid. (2019, May 14). Retrieved from https://drugabuse.com/warning-3-dangerous-suboxone-interactions-to-avoid/

[2] Snorting Suboxone. (2018, November 25). Retrieved from https://drugabuse.com/suboxone/snorting/

Suboxone Myths: Learn The Truth

The nation is facing an epidemic of monumental proportions. The concern surrounding addiction is not new but is growing. Addiction can tear at familial seams, create other mental health problems, stir up personal problems, and even lead to death.

More people today are dying from opioid overdoses than any other accidental death. Substance abuse treatment centers, support groups, and medical centers are all designed to help curve an addict in the hopes of keeping them clean. However, relapse rates still remain high.

One of the top abused drugs is heroin. Suboxone, a drug originally formulated for pain, was approved under the Drug Treatment Act Of 2000 to be used to help treat opioid addiction and help addicts recover.

Myths Surrounding Suboxone

  • Suboxone Treatment is More Dangerous than Other Alternatives for Treating Pain: Suboxone is actually quite a simple treatment. A treatment facility or medical center can create a treatment plan for an addict incorporating suboxone. Suboxone is no more dangerous than any other prescription treatment for opioid addiction and chronic pain. A medical professional will monitor usage and keep tabs on your progress. Any adjusts that need to be made will be made.
  • Use of Suboxone is Just Replacing One Evil with Another: Unfortunately, there is a stigma surrounding addiction treatment. Suboxone is a prescribed medication used to treat addiction and won’t cause a new addiction if used properly. Most of the time these myths are spread by people who are not educated about prescriptions used to help treat addiction and assume Suboxone serves as a gateway drug. In reality, medication-assisted treatment is common for opioid use and is FDA approved.
  • Rehabilitation is Proven to be More Effective than Suboxone: There is no evidence suggesting that rehabilitation and detox are more effective than prescription medication for overcoming drug addiction. Medication-assisted treatment does not replace rehabilitation, however. Consult with a medical professional to find a treatment plan that is right for you. Most patients on the road to recovery find that a mix of both medication and support groups or therapy help them to remain sober.
  • Getting a Prescription for Suboxone Takes Too Much Time: Obtaining a Suboxone prescription is as easy as visiting your local medical center or treatment facility licensed to prescribe Suboxone. The medical professional will ask you standard questions regarding your chronic pain and run laboratory tests. This process is no longer than any other procedures to obtain medication for drug addiction.
  • Suboxone Gives the Same High as Heroin: A common misconception surrounding Suboxone is that it can produce the same euphoric feelings or “high” that heroin produces. However, it is very rare that a patient will experience any euphoric effects and if they do it will feel very weak. This is because a patient will work closely with their doctor to find a dosage that will work for them.
  • It’s Easy to Overdose on Suboxone: A very dangerous myth that surrounds Suboxone is that it is easy to overdose on it. This prevents a lot of addicts from ever considering Suboxone as an option. In fact, when compared to other opiates, it would be really difficult for an addict to overdose on Suboxone. Suboxone is designed to work as a weakened opioid. Suboxone contains naloxone, which is activated when the drug is attempted to be misused. It causes symptoms similar to withdrawal. It helps to prevent people from overdosing and from abusing the drug.
  • Suboxone is Frequently Abused: It’s a common misconception that Suboxone is frequently abused. Any prescription medication has the possibility to be abused. Since Suboxone is designed for opioid abusers, it has ingredients that help to prevent abuse and overdose. This is a deterrent to addicts who may want to abuse the drug and makes abuse of the drug a rare case.
  • Suboxone Should Only be Used for a Short Period of Time: A medical professional will be able to determine just how long an addict should remain on Suboxone. Every addict is different and therefore every addict’s treatment plan will vary. A detailed plan along with a prescription will be given to the patient. These guidelines must be followed to achieve maximum results.

Medication-Assisted Treatment & Rehabilitation

These myths surrounding Suboxone and medication-assisted treatment options can have dangerous repercussions. They can overshadow the success of Suboxone and turn addicts away from a medication that could help them stay clean.

Suboxone has been regarded as being superior to Methadone in quite a few factors, while they have the same retention rate. Suboxone reduces the rates of overdoses and drug abuse cases while prescribed the drug, as well as significantly improved the quality of life for several individuals.

While Suboxone is an option to talk about with a healthcare professional, it is also important for an addict to remain involved with treatment centers or support groups.

Suboxone cannot replace the positive social and cognitive benefits of support groups and rehabilitation centers, as they both offer very clear positives. The use of Suboxone should always first be discussed with a primary doctor or treatment facility where the addict is located.

 

Sources

[1] Suboxone: Rationale, Science, Misconceptions. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855417

[2] Primary Care and the Opioid-Overdose Crisis? Buprenorphine Myths and Realities | NEJM. (2018, July 4). Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMp1802741

 

Suboxone Implant – A Comprehensive Guide

With the heroin epidemic on the rise and overdosing becoming more and more common, the race to find a solution is more critical than ever. Traces of fentanyl can be found in many street drugs which raises the risk of overdose.

Treatment facilities are battling every day with trying to treat the overwhelming amount of people coming in the doors. There are many medications that are aimed at detoxing patients and reducing the risk of relapse. Suboxone is one of those medications that come in sublingual pills or strips. Luckily now, there is a newer form of Suboxone that doesn’t have to be taken every day.

The Suboxone implant is four small rods that are placed underneath the skin in the upper arm and can last for up to six months. The rods are fairly safe and can be easily removed at any time. This new advanced technology can potentially save thousands of lives and prevent overdoses.

What is the Suboxone Implant?

For many, getting off heroin and staying off can be a challenge. The problem isn’t only going through the initial week-long detox process, it’s continuing to abstain afterward. The drug has a very high psychological dependence and a lot of people experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms or cravings for months after they have stopped using. The Suboxone implant, or Probuphine, was created for people who have a difficult time staying sober on their own.

Unlike Subutex or Suboxone, which have to be taken daily and are absorbed into the bloodstream quickly, Probuphine is a one-time implant that automatically releases the daily dose of medication over the course of several months. The slow absorption rate of the medication allows for reduced side effects, if any at all.

Why Was the Suboxone Implant Created? 

One of the main concerns with the pill form of Subutex is that patients will end up abusing the medication the same way they abused their drug of choice. The US National Library of Medicine concluded that the drug was almost impossible to abuse.

This is due to its subdermal placement in the body and the fact that rods use a matrix system instead of a reservoir so even if the patient was able to remove the rod, they wouldn’t be able to disperse the medication in mass doses.

This medication was created in order to allow recovering heroin addicts to go through their everyday lives without having to worry about a pill and all the potential side effects that accompany the pill. The reason this medication is considered so revolutionary is that it may be a cure for “chronic relapsers” or people who have a very difficult time achieving any sort of long-term sobriety.

A lot of chronic relapsers may not necessarily have a difficult time remembering to take the pill every day. They also might intentionally stop taking their prescription so that they can use and feel the effects.

Who Should Consider the Suboxone Implant?

The fact that the Suboxone implant doesn’t have to be taken daily gives the user a sense of freedom that they didn’t have before. The recovering addict can now travel without having to worry about having enough medication or trying to fill this script out of state.

In the first few months, Suboxone may be dosed multiple times a day, which means the user has to take multiple pills. According to their website, the Probuphine implant can deliver the same dosing variation because the medication is measured by the number of bars that are implanted in the user’s arm.

Instead of having to take a pill three times a day the recovering addict is simply implanted with more rods, which deliver a higher dose. The good news is that instead of tapering down on the pills the rods can simply be removed to allow for a similar taper.

One reason that people don’t opt to get the implant is the cost. A lot of times insurance companies don’t cover medications that are newer on the market. However, this medication is considered preventative and since it is an alternative to rehab or a trip to the hospital due to an overdose, many insurance companies are slowly beginning to consider it. While the price may vary depending on your coverage you can always call and check to see if it is covered.

Alternatively, if your doctor can explain to the insurance company why you would greatly benefit from this medication the odds of it getting covered increase substantially.

Even if the medication isn’t covered under your insurance it’s worth looking into. What is a couple of hundred dollars compared to the cost of your life? Also, it’s a six-month investment, not a thirty-day supply so you have to think of the benefits over a longer period of time.

Find a Doctor Near You

You can search for Suboxone doctors in your local directory or search the web for a doctor near you. Some things to look for are how long they’ve been practicing and if they can perform the implant procedure.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of this medication, there is no way to test it out or sample it. Although, if you do have a hard time staying sober and the pill just isn’t working out for you, this may be the next best thing. The procedure is a simple thirty-minute-long process.

The patient doesn’t even need to go under anesthesia, they simply numb the area and place the rods and you can go about your daily life. The patient is scheduled for follow up visits where the doctor can assess the amount of medication that is being administered and dose the patient up or down accordingly.

There is no hassle, no waiting at the pharmacy, no monthly fights with your insurance company, and no worry about remembering to take your medicine. Find a doctor today and see if this medication can potentially change your life for the better.

Sources

[1] Probuphine® (buprenorphine implant): a promising candidate in opioid dependence. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5354129/

[2] About Probuphine About Probuphine. (2016, November 23). Retrieved from https://probuphine.com/about-probuphine/

Suboxone & The 12-Step Programs

Unless you’ve been studiously avoiding all TV, press and even social media for the past couple of years, you are likely aware that our country is in the throes of an opioid epidemic that is affecting millions of people.

In 2017 alone, more than 47,000 people died as a result of opioid overdose and this is not including the many more addicts who die in accidents while high or who are hospitalized due to their drug abuse.

Suboxone is one of the medically approved drugs used to treat opioid addiction, but there are some who protest it. This includes many people who are in 12-step programs. Some believe that suboxone and the 12 steps don’t mix, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Just because you’re on suboxone treatment does not mean that you can’t participate in the 12-steps. Suboxone is the most effective way of managing opioid addiction that has been approved for use yet.

Here we discuss some of the arguments against it and why taking Suboxone is not just replacing one drug with another. You need to be confident in your opioid treatment decision.

 

Don’t Let Anyone Tell You that You’re Not Clean and Sober

When you are addicted to pain medication or heroin, or any opioid, it is likely that taking the drug and focusing on where to get more of it is a central part of your existence. On Suboxone, this simply isn’t the case. You can function; without the dope sickness that occurs when you stop taking opioids.

Those who tell you that you’re not clean and sober when you’re taking the medication may not have a thorough understanding of how it works. The medication is designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms without the characteristic euphoric effects, which means you don’t feel the extreme highs and lows of opioid abuse.

 

The Difference Between Suboxone Addiction & Dependence

There’s a huge difference between taking Suboxone to maintain your sobriety and struggling through each day thinking only about the drug that rules your life.

Detoxification and therapy may not be enough for every patient. For many people, sheer abstinence is near impossible to maintain, which often lead to higher overdose rates when people relapse. Medically assisted treatment is lifesaving and helps patients transition to a healthier lifestyle.

Being clean and sober means waking up and not being addicted to a substance. Suboxone lasts longer in your bloodstream, so after the first few days of its use, you don’t need to take it every day.

This allows you to get on with the business of living. Although you may feel some pleasant effects associated with the drug,it’s not the same as a high you get with heroin.

 

Everyone’s Recovery Is Different

Just as people choose different jobs, people also end up on different paths to recovery. There’s no right or wrong way to stay clean. The point is to find something that works for you.

There have been some studies of Suboxone use in conjunction with the 12-step programs, and while medication-assisted treatment works for many people, Narcotics Anonymous has been known to disapprove of it. These groups may not be effective for the addicted person who’s chosen medically assisted treatment.

However, many support groups are available that do accept this method of recovery. Thousands of people are prescribed methadone for recovery and this maintenance program has been proven effective, however; it doesn’t align with the philosophy of every support group.

 

Find a 12-Step Sponsor That Understands Suboxone Treatment

Your sponsor is a vital source of support to have during your recovery. Be sure to find one who understands your chosen method for recovery and is supportive; an unsupportive sponsor can be detrimental to your recovery.

People who haven’t been addicted to drugs shouldn’t look down on you, nor should you look down on anyone else’s choice of treatment. Recovery programs should be a safe space for all and should welcome those pursuing any kind of treatment.

A huge danger in recovery is the chance of relapse and overdose. For several reasons, Suboxone reduces these chances.

Firstly, because it is a partial opioid agonist, cravings are non-existent, so people are less likely to seek out other opioids.

Secondly, the chances of overdose are much lower on Suboxone itself, as it doesn’t have the same level of risk for respiratory depression as other opioids.

 

How MAT Stigma Makes People Feel About Themselves and Their Recovery

Stigma about medically assisted therapy (MAT) is very damaging. The fact is that MAT lowers the rate of overdose by around 50%.

Suboxone offers hope to addicted people who’ve been previously unsuccessful in achieving long-term recovery. They may have tried abstinence, as well as detox and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); this may be their fifth attempt at trying to give up pain medication or they may be trying to get off street drugs.

Not having access to Suboxone is often perceived as just another dead end to them, in a life that seems full of them. When someone using Suboxone and the 12 steps is told at a meeting that it’s not the right thing for them to do, then it may seriously harm their recovery.

If they quit Suboxone, they will go into withdrawal and the cravings will resume, just as severely as before.

The fact is that the stigma of medically assisted therapy means that people are dying. Celebrity deaths such as Mike Starr, former bassist of Alice in Chains, show the dangers of restricting access to medically assisted therapy.

Suboxone should be seen as a medication that is central to your recovery; a lifeline rather than a hindrance. Those who accept how complex addiction is often understand this.

Myths that surround its use do not help anyone recover and can even prevent people from receiving treatment.

 

The Big Picture

Those who are against Suboxone haven’t fully grasped the concept that this medication regulates the brain chemistry, and are simply looking at it as another opioid. Any addict chasing a high isn’t going to seek out Suboxone. Not only is it harder to get than other opiates, but also its ceiling effect means that you can’t get the same high, and the naloxone in the drug means that you’ll go into withdrawal if you decide to inject or snort it.

This reduces overdoses and the spread of infectious diseases because people aren’t relapsing as often as they would be if they quit cold turkey.

With Suboxone being relatively new to the market, further education may be needed for addiction medicine professionals, including those in world-renowned support groups, as well as medical professionals.

They simply may not understand that the medication saves lives and increases the likelihood of long-term recovery, which is the goal of addiction treatment. From its origins in the 1970s to recent studies, this wonder drug is letting people live clean, sober, happy lives while managing their disease with less risk of relapse and overdose.

Sources

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019, January 22). Opioid Overdose Crisis. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis

[2] American Medical Association. (2014, April 9). Confronting the stigma of opioid use disorder- and its Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.hcppainnetwork.org/file/opioid_disorder.pdf

[3] 5 myths about using Suboxone to treat opiate addiction. (2018, March 20). Retrieved from https://blog.content.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-myths-about-suboxone-addiction

[4] Dangers of Cultural Stigma Against Suboxone. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.patmoorefoundation.com/blog/dangers-cultural-stigma-against-suboxone

[5] Harvard University. (2018, March 20). 5 myths about using Suboxone to treat opiate addiction. Retrieved from https://blog.content.health.harvard.edu/blog/5-myths-about-suboxone-addiction/