Suboxone Side-Effects: A Comprehensive Guide

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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/

Suboxone Stigma: An Informative Guide

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Realizing that you have an opiate addiction and choosing to get help for it is a very courageous decision. The medication Suboxone is often utilized as the first line of defense against the addiction.


Suboxone is a mixture of two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist which helps relieve the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which diminishes the effects of other narcotics. Because this medication is an opioid itself, there is a heavy stigma surrounding it even though there are studies proving its worth.

Why Is Suboxone so Stigmatized?

A large part of the stigma behind Suboxone has to do with miscommunication because it isn’t readily available throughout the United States. As of 2015, 53.4 percent of U.S. counties, most of them rural communities, don’t have a buprenorphine provider.

Because these areas don’t have an authoritative figure that’s familiar with Suboxone, untrue rumors spread about the usage of the medication. Those rumors then become law in certain people’s minds, including medical and healthcare professionals, even though they don’t have the proof to back up the claims.

Why Stigmatizing Medication Assisted Treatment is Harmful

Suboxone has helped many different people whose lives were torn to shreds because of opioid addiction. The stigma surrounding medication-assisted treatment can often be the barrier that stands between addiction and recovery. Some of the misconceptions of using Suboxone for opioid addiction are:

  • Suboxone just substitutes one drug for another – There’s a difference between using a medication to treat disease and misusing a drug. Suboxone has been proven to be a stable, safe drug that can be utilized for a long-lasting effect if the recommendation of a doctor is followed.
  • You can get high off of Suboxone just like any other drug – At the end of the day, intoxication isn’t going to occur from Suboxone if a person is already opioid dependent. You can only get intoxicated from Suboxone if you misuse it, combine it with other substances, or if it’s used to medicate heavy episodes of agonist opioid abuse. Even if a person does misuse Suboxone, it can be easily discovered through urine drug testing and pill counts.
  • Using suboxone is just like giving up – Getting over an opioid addiction is a struggle that involves daily physical and mental work. Addiction isn’t just a habit or a hobby gone wrong. It’s a disease within the brain. When using Suboxone, a person’s craving for opioids is being fulfilled without receiving that euphoric high. Because the Suboxone is fulfilling that need, they’re able to focus on other aspects of therapy such as analyzing their psychological health so they can have the chance at making a full recovery.

 

The Truth About Suboxone

Often, the factor that keeps those with opioid addiction from the road of recovery is the effects of withdrawal. They can be debilitating to any individual. The symptoms of opioid withdrawal include severe diarrhea, insomnia, and abdominal cramping.

Just to prevent themselves from going through the effects of withdrawal, they’ll choose drugs like heroin and opioid painkillers to balance themselves out. Using Suboxone stops that vicious cycle because this medication is an opioid itself. It caters to the cravings of the individual without giving them a high.

The key to success is sticking to the doctor’s recommendation and administering the medication in a safe setting, accompanied by therapy and other methods of support. Because those with an addiction don’t have to worry about going through withdrawals, the rate of relapse lowers.

 

How to Handle the Stigma

Handling the stigma of Suboxone can be rough. But, there are a couple of things that you can do to manage the stigma accordingly and share accurate communication about the medication.

  1. Share Your Progress: The best weapon against miscommunication is proof. As you move further and further through your recovery, share aspects of your journey with the people around you. This is especially important for those who hold an unfair preconceived notion of the use of Suboxone. Educate those around you about your recovery and the things that you have learned through professionals about Suboxone.
  2. Ask For Help: Dealing with the stigma of using Suboxone can make you feel very alone. You may feel as though you don’t have anyone to talk to about your experience. But, there are places out there that will allow you to tell your story. Research support and 12-step groups in your area. You may be able to find one that’s specifically designed for those who have dealt with opioid addiction. If there aren’t any 12-step programs in your area, then you might be able to find an addiction support group online. Facebook has a wide variety of groups that have that same goal.
  3. Practice Self-Care: Constantly trying to prove that your method of recovery is beneficial is exhausting. Take time out of your day to do productive activities that’ll help improve your mental and physical state. For example, you can start a journal or read a book before bed. Put yourself first and make yourself living proof of the medication’s benefit.

Despite the heavy amount of research backing the use of Suboxone for treating opioid addiction, stigma still runs rampant around certain communities. If you believe that using Suboxone is the right choice for you, stay focused on your recovery journey.

Spread accurate information to combat the miscommunication, ask for help when you’re feeling frustrated and prioritize self-care. You deserve to live the fulfilling and healthy life that you deserve, and the path that you choose to get to that stable place is valid whether you’re using medication or not.

 

Sources

[1] Sung S and Conry JM. (n.d.). Role of buprenorphine in the management of heroin addiction. – PubMed – NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16434562

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

Can Suboxone Get You High?

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Opioid addiction is running rampant across most of the United States. People experiencing massive amounts of pain after an accident, injury or surgery are prescribed pain killers to help treat the pain.

When the dosage they were prescribed no longer squelches the pain that they feel, some people tend to take the medication more frequently or in larger doses to help treat the pain. Taking prescription pain killers can be a slippery slope because you don’t have to take them for too long to become addicted to them.

Nearly 2.5 million people in America are currently battling an addiction to opioids. Being able to get clean from them can be difficult to do on your own, especially if you are still in a lot of pain.

Fortunately, there are options when it comes to getting clean from your addiction though. Walk through the ins and outs of drug addiction treatment and how it can be beneficial to you.

Detoxing from Opioids Can be Difficult

Many people feel ashamed of their addiction and attempt to overcome it on their own only to fail. This is due to the extreme withdrawal symptoms that they experience. When you stop using opioids, your body craves them for quite a few days. During the first few days, you will detox from the drugs.

This means that the number of drugs you have in your body will slowly decrease over time. As this happens, your body starts to react in unpleasant ways.

During the detox period, many people have muscle cramping, nausea, dizziness and even vomiting. It can be hard to function because your entire body can feel as though it is revolting against you.

At the same time that your body is going through the symptoms, you may start to feel emotional symptoms of withdrawal too, such as paranoia, depression, anxiety, and even anger.

You Don’t Have to Fight Your Addiction Alone

There are many great treatment facilities available that you can go to when you are ready to quit using drugs. You can take suboxone while you are in the treatment facility to help you with the withdrawal symptoms that you experience.

Suboxone is created with two main ingredients, buprenorphine, and naloxone. The combination of these substances creates a drug that helps to minimize the overall withdrawal symptoms that you have to incur as you detox.

Suboxone Should be Taken in a Controlled Environment at First

It’s important to know that when you first stop using drugs, you will still have an emotional attachment to them. Many people assume that the only reason they take drugs is that they are physically addicted to them, but that isn’t always the case. There are many times when the tie to drugs is emotional, as well.

Suboxone can help reduce your cravings for opioids for the most part, but it cannot stop you from wanting them psychologically. You need to go to drug treatment counseling in order to determine if you have a psychological or emotional addiction to the drugs as well.

Many people battling opioid addiction have a co-occurring disorder and need to be treated for their mental or emotional disorder, as well as their addiction.

When you first quit using drugs, taking suboxone on your own may not be the best option to consider. You will still be surrounded by all of the temptations that you had before and there is a good chance that you could still be around drug abusers that you hung out with when you were getting high.

There are many drug addicts who steal suboxone because it can create a euphoric state if it is taken in excess.

How will suboxone get you high? Suboxone is designed to block pain receptors to make getting clean from drugs easier. The euphoric feeling that it creates when you are taking it in a controlled setting, as prescribed is so minimal that most addicts don’t even recognize it as being high.

On the streets, addicts know that taking suboxone outside of its intended use can get them a similar feeling to the high that they get on opioids, but it will last much longer than it does when they take other drugs.

The high that suboxone causes isn’t as intense as the high opioids cause, but due to the long duration of the high that it causes, it is still very sought after by addicts across the United States.

Avoiding a Suboxone High Isn’t Difficult

If you really want to get clean from drugs, you shouldn’t try to get high from suboxone. Taking the medication in a controlled setting prevents you from being able to abuse it and allows you to learn how to take medications properly so that you don’t abuse other drugs again in the future.

While you are within the facility, you’ll be taught important things that you need to know about drugs and addiction.

There are many addicts who don’t realize that they are susceptible to become addicted to other drugs again in the future. The education that you receive from the drug treatment facility arms you with the necessary tools you need to be able to avoid addiction in the future and to seek help right away if you feel that there is a chance that you may be relapsing.

Nearly half of all addicts who try to quit do end up relapsing again at some point or another. Avoiding a relapse requires hard work and dedication on your part.

After your initial treatment in a drug treatment facility, you may be able to seek outpatient care. This could mean that you could be prescribed suboxone to take at home. You need to be sure that you always take it as prescribed and that you store it properly.

You need to be sure that no one can get their hands on the prescription without your knowledge and that it isn’t within reach of pets or small children.

 

Sources

[1] American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2016). Opioid Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). How effective are medications to treat opioid use disorder? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/efficacy-medications-opioid-use-disorder

[3] Science Direct. (2017). Partial Agonist. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/partial-agonist

Suboxone Vs. Methadone

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Methadone and Suboxone are prescription drugs that help to combat a wide array of addictions. With so many similarities and intricacies in their usage, we take a look at a comparison between the two.

What do Suboxone and Methadone Treat?

Suboxone is a special kind of medication that was developed to help combat dependence on certain drugs. However, while its brand name is Suboxone, it contains a combination of two medications; naloxone and buprenorphine. Buprenorphine is a mild opiate that helps in abating pain, while naloxone is an opiate antagonist that blocks opioid agonists and helps with treating overdoses.

A combination of these two underlying ingredients helps people who have developed addictions to prescription drugs to develop a safer way to stop abuse.

Methadone is another popular drug that is usually used in treating narcotic addiction. It was once considered to be the industry standard in painkillers, but it has undergone much more evolution from World War II days. Now, it helps with treating narcotic addiction and reducing about a painless, much safer way.

What do Suboxone and Methadone Have in Common?

Both Suboxone and Methadone are opioids. They can also both be used by people in getting through the detoxification (detox) process. Essentially, a detox is the process that occurs when the body tries to cleanse itself of a drug. During this process, certain symptoms arise as a result of the body trying to acclimatize to an absence of the drugs in question. Most detox withdrawal symptoms aren’t life-threatening, but they’re still uncomfortable and can cause much pain to the patient.

This is where drugs like Suboxone and Methadone come into play. Using them in their appropriate dosage will help reduce your cravings for these drugs and ease the process of detoxification a great deal.

Even though both of these drugs were manufactured to treat certain forms of withdrawal symptoms and ease the transition from addiction to sobriety, there is a potential for misuse with the two of them. Misuse of the two drugs would create addiction symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms of the drugs are also quite similar, with the most common being nausea, dizziness, headaches, and sweating.

Addiction to many drugs comes with certain forms of treatment. For some drugs, the patient needs to stop usage all at once and other drugs need to be weaned from the system. Detoxing from most addictive drugs can be eased with certain medications.

When it comes to both Methadone and Suboxone, the rule of thumb when treating withdrawal is usually to seek professional help. This is because withdrawal is traditionally handled by tapering the victim off gradually. This should be done in the presence of a professional, who will be able to measure progress and prescribe resolutions.

How are They Different?

While the two of them are usually manufactured and are taken to treat withdrawal symptoms, it is worth noting that the types of withdrawal symptoms differ a little bit. Methadone helps with the treatment of narcotic withdrawal symptoms, while Suboxone specializes in opioid withdrawal symptoms.

You can get a Methadone prescription from various federal clinics, while Suboxone is usually prescribed through a local pharmacy, as long as you get a signed prescription form from a licensed health care practitioner.

Suboxone provides partial agonist action, while Methadone is a full opioid agonist. Essentially, this means that Suboxone will most likely have less of an impact on the cognitive abilities of the user, as well as fewer general opioid effects, than Methadone.

Generally, Suboxone is considered to be a much safer alternative to Methadone as far as opioid addiction treatment is concerned. However, the choice you make between the two is a personal one and it should also depend on the recommendation of trained and licensed medical practitioners.

The dosage forms for these drugs also differ a bit. While Suboxone is usually taken in doses of thin film and tablets, Methadone has a much wider range of application, with dosage forms, including liquid, tablets, and suspensions.

Both Suboxone and Methadone are opioids, which means that they are capable of providing symptoms of withdrawal. As a Schedule II drug, there is a much higher tendency of Methadone being misused than Suboxone which is a Schedule III drug. Also, the symptoms of withdrawal from methadone usually last from three to six weeks, while those of Suboxone last for several months.

If You’re Considering MAT, How Do You Find Out Which is Right For You?

If you’re considering Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) and you’re stuck between a choice of Suboxone or Methadone, your decision should depend on a consultation with a doctor.

Medical practitioners are a crucial ally in the treatment of addiction withdrawal symptoms, especially with the use of medications. They will help determine the right kind of medication for you, as well as the level of dosage that will be able to help in keeping your addiction under control. Your doctor will also be able to direct you to the right facilities that will provide you with the medications and the kind of counseling that you need to improve your condition.

Also, you should know that in most cases the mere administration of drugs won’t be sufficient in treating withdrawal symptoms. The journey is one you take with mental health experts and doctors if you hope to get off effectively.

 

Sources

[1] Buprenorphine vs methadone treatment: A review of evidence in both developed and developing worlds. (2012, January). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3271614/

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). How effective are medications to treat opioid use disorder? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/medications-to-treat-opioid-addiction/efficacy-medications-opioid-use-disorder

[3] Science Direct. (2012). Chapter 4 – Drug Antagonism: Orthosteric Drug Effects. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123848567000045

Guide to Finding a Suboxone Doctor

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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