Why Should You Choose Suboxone?

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Why Should You Choose Suboxone?

Suboxone which contains buprenorphine and naloxone was approved by the FDA in October 2002 specifically to treat opioid addiction. If you choose suboxone, it can be a great help to you.

If you’re addicted to heroin or other opioids such as Oxycontin or fentanyl, you are probably aware of how fast these drugs can ruin your life.

Even if you’ve tried to quit before, relapse is common, and it can be deadly. If you’re having a hard time quitting, suboxone may be able to help. Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist.

This means that it has a ceiling effect, so you’re not getting the same high as you do from other opioids. It allows you to function without going into withdrawal.

If you’ve been in a vicious cycle of trying to quit, Suboxone could be exactly what you’re looking for and could help you get where you want in your recovery.


When Taken as Prescribed, Suboxone Is a Safe Drug

In order to be prescribed Suboxone, you need to go to a doctor and have a full medical examination and history assessment.

Many things are taken into account during the assessment because the doctor is going to want to ensure that you are a good fit for suboxone treatment.

There are some who may not be able to take suboxone…

Those who have co-occurring mental health disorders, or also abuse alcohol may not be a good fit for suboxone treatment.

Those who have liver issues or damage may also not be a good fit for suboxone treatment. If this applies to you, and you are unsure, you can explain your history to the doctor and iron out the details during your assessment.

If you get the assessment and are prescribed Suboxone or Subutex here’s the secret to a successful treatment…

Follow the doctor’s orders.

If you do, you will get the full benefits of suboxone treatment. You can focus on integrating back into your family, friends, and society. You can also begin to target the roots of your addiction – whether they be unhealed traumas or other issues.

Any temptation to relapse may be short-lived because Suboxone contains naloxone. Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and will keep you from experiencing any opioid high. Suboxone can also react badly with other drugs.

Ensure that you don’t drink on suboxone – or take sleeping pills. If you’re unsure or have any questions, simply speak with your doctor before taking anything and you’ll stay safe.

 

Suboxone Doesn’t Have to be a Long-Term Solution

Many people use a daily maintenance dose of Suboxone and live healthy, fulfilled lives.

You and your doctor can use what is best for you, but please know this…

If you do not want to be on suboxone permanently, you don’t have to be.

You always have the option of weaning off of suboxone once you get to a more stable place in your recovery and you feel ready to make the jump. You can do this with the help of your doctor.

At the same time, it’s important to know that staying on suboxone or subutex for a long period of time isn’t something to feel bad about.

You and your doctor will have to have to weigh the pros and the cons together.

It doesn’t mean that you won’t reach the point in your recovery where you are ready to come off of suboxone.

As far as short term use of Suboxone, it’s found to be effective to take a small initial dose at the beginning of detox and treatment.

Once you start to dive into your treatment, you will get stronger and eventually your doctor may begin to taper you off.

Your doctor will make sure that it’s in your best interest before doing so.

 

Suboxone Takes Your Mind off the Chase so You Can Focus on Recovery

When coming off of opiates cold-turkey and it can be very difficult to focus on treatment and recovery.

The physical symptoms that come along with withdrawal can be painful.

Not to mention the fact that there is a high likelihood of returning to drug use once you start to feel these intense symptoms.

Suboxone can help you during these beginning stages and later you can work towards living a drug and medication free life if that is what you truly want.

Suboxone will keep those withdrawal symptoms at bay while you work on yourself.

No matter how much suboxone you take, you will not experience an intense high like other opioids. This limits the chance of abuse.

This allows you to get on with your life normally, which is life-changing.

Your life no longer has to be monopolized by addiction.

It also allows you to step out of the drug-seeking cycle that you know about all too well.

You can begin to think about your recovery as a whole – mentally as well as physically, and you can dedicate your mind to a holistic path of healing.

In summary, suboxone has been around for over 15 years and is one of the most popular methods of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), among those available. While there is some controversy surrounding the medication, there is no doubt that it has helped many overcome addiction.

Need Help Finding a Suboxone Program? y more questions about suboxone, please browse our website for more helpful information.

You can also give us a call at  1(888) 501-2143 for help finding suboxone or any other types of addiction treatment near you.

 

Sources

[1] Buprenorphine SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016, 31). Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/treatment/buprenorphine

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). 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

 

Will Suboxone Get My Loved One High?

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Painkillers and heroin are major opioids whose addiction affects about 2.5 million Americans, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. To help with this, the Food and Drug Administration approved two products to treat the disorder; Subutex (which is buprenorphine), and Suboxone (a mixture of buprenorphine and naloxone).

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a man-made drug that helps to treat opioid addiction. While the drug is pretty impressive, it’s the included ingredients that grab all the headlines.

  • Buprenorphine – Buprenorphine is a component that has already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, which sees it as a low-risk alternative to methadone. This approval has made it easy for doctors and medical practitioners to prescribe the medication to patients who are looking to do something about their addiction to opioid drugs. While methadone requires strict medical supervision, buprenorphine is a bit more liberal in its dosage and administration.
  • Naloxone – Pharmaceutical companies added naloxone to buprenorphine to create a drug that had less potential for abuse than methadone. Ideally, the naloxone in suboxone will prevent the patient from just crushing the medication open and taking the buprenorphine in it (whether by injecting it or by sorting). Anyone who still chooses to crush the drug will end up wasting valuable time, as the naloxone will simply prevent the opioid receptors in the brain from acting on the intake of buprenorphine

Suboxone and methadone reduce the cravings people have for opioid prescription drugs like heroin. In addition to that, suboxone also eases the psychological and physical symptoms that are experienced by people who are struggling with withdrawal symptoms.

Treatments like suboxone are much more important for people who have developed a physical dependence on opioids. The medication bonds with the opioid receptors in the brain, helping the brain to release dopamine and helping the patient to return to normalcy.

A lot of people who have sought medication-assisted treatment options that include suboxone have had a lot of success (at the very least, much more than methadone, the previous standard for helping patients with tapering off the withdrawal symptoms that they face).

However, despite the numerous success stories with suboxone, there has also been an increase in the number of reports of people abusing the drug and getting addicted to it.

At the end of the day, it’s kind of ironic; the same drug that was meant to help people find a painless,  safe way out of addiction ends up getting abused by the very same patients who were looking to change their ways.

How Suboxone Can Get a Person High

Suboxone is quite addictive, although its rate of addiction is much lower than that of other opioids. An average suboxone user might not get high from it, but it could easily influence a person who develops an incredible dependence to it.

The drug was designed as a drug that prevents addiction. However, it is possible for individuals who receive the prescription of the drug to overcome addiction to end up abusing it instead. In other instances, people who have never actually taken an opioid before can stumble on the suboxone prescription with friends, pick it up and develop an addiction from there.

What Could Cause This?

The cause of methadone addiction is not farfetched in the United States. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, it is common for the buprenorphine medically assisted treatment to lead to illegal use eventually.

The report also claims that there have been several cases of addiction reported with suboxone, since it was approved in the country. Areas of high opioid abuse, such as the Northeastern part of the country, have seen exceptionally high abuse rates of suboxone.

Investigators found that some people can bypass the naloxone inhibition in the drug by injecting it directly into their veins, dissolving the drug into strips, and snorting the drug in its pill form. However, the agency also noted that abusing suboxone is much stronger in people who have used low doses of opioids, as opposed to those who used higher doses.

Another major cause of suboxone’s abuse seems to be as a result of the physicians who prescribe the drugs. According to an article published in the New York Times, over 1,000 doctors who prescribe buprenorphine (out of 12,780) have been sanctioned in one way or the other due to their opioid-prescribing practices in the past.

In addition to this, a report by the Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky, revealed that officials from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure claimed that many doctors reported to opening suboxone-prescribing clinics after the state saw a reduction in “pill mills” that prescribed excessive quantities of painkillers.

The analysis of the Journal revealed that 14 percent of the overseeing doctors in these clinics had a history  of unethical standards involving their profession and had one way or the other been sanctioned by the medical board.

The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure says that most of the new clinics run cash-based systems, and they fail to administer any checkups after they deliver the suboxone prescriptions which is dangerous and highly illegal to do.

In another piece that was published by WKTY, it was noted that law enforcement officers were clamping down on physicians who had the ability to prescribe suboxone legally by traveling from various parts of the state and giving out prescriptions in jurisdictions outside of their home clinic.

 

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

[2] Information about Medication-Assisted Treatment. (2019, February 14). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/informationbydrugclass/ucm600092.htm

[3] Intelligence Bulletin: Buprenorphine: Potential for Abuse. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs10/10123/index.htm

[4] Addiction Treatment With a Dark Side. (2018, October 19). Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/17/health/in-demand-in-clinics-and-on-the-street-bupe-can-be-savior-or-menace.html?_r=0

[5] Addiction medicine Suboxone now being abused. (2014, July 3). Retrieved from http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/2014/07/03/addiction-medicine-suboxone-now-abused/12153725/

[6] Combs, M. (n.d.). WKYT Investigates: Law enforcement officials express concern about doctors traveling to prescribe Suboxone. Retrieved from http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/WKYT-Investigates–368093891.html

Supporting Your Loved One in Suboxone Treatment

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Do you have a loved one who is suffering from an opioid addiction? Don’t give up even though it might seem like they have a long and never-ending road ahead of them. There are options they can go through to get their sober life back. Learn more about how suboxone treatment and counseling can pave the way to regaining their sobriety, and how your support can reinforce their motivation to get the help they need.

The Mixed Emotions You Might Be Feeling

Are you finding it difficult to remain calm when it comes to dealing with your loved one’s addiction? Well, you are not alone. You might not feel like you can be supportive all the time because you’re overwhelmed with emotions while helping them get the help they need to recover.

You could be having mixed emotions on whether suboxone actually works or not. There are always positive and negative effects on people who have gone through different types of treatments. Having the best one for your loved one might be what has you worried about them using suboxone. Making sure that your loved one has the best treatment to fs

Do you have some concerns about suboxone becoming a substitute for their other drug addiction?

It’s normal for you to have doubts about treatments that don’t make sense to you. Addiction is a disease, so taking suboxone for addiction is much like a diabetic taking insulin to keep their diabetes under control. Your spouse, sibling, or child who has this affliction will still be clean and sober when they are taking suboxone because it is medication prescribed by their doctor to help them get through their detox and help prevent relapses.

So, what can you do? Doing some thorough research on suboxone could make you feel more comfortable in allowing your loved one to be treated with something that really works. If you are questioning the effects of suboxone, read the following information about how it is one of the best choices in treating opioid addicts.

How Suboxone Works

You might be wondering: how does this medication help? Suboxone is an excellent choice in helping drug addicts get their life back. Why is this? According to Mental Health.gov, when someone takes suboxone during their detox, they will not feel high. This is because their brain is tricked into thinking it’s receiving the opioids their body is used to and stops the withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone is also a partial agonist, which means it isn’t as strong as some medications like methadone in treating addiction. Therefore, it also reduces the risks of your loved one getting addicted to it.

One of the significant signs that your loved one is becoming addicted to a drug is craving it. Suboxone can also help reduce the cravings, or the doctor can adjust the medication for them, so they don’t crave the drug. Having cravings when they are detoxing can be detrimental to their recovery process. Therefore, this treatment can prevent relapses from occurring during this stage of their recovery.

What to Expect From Suboxone Treatment

For those who decide to take their suboxone treatment at home, they will have to see a doctor who will give a thorough examination. The physician will ask several related questions concerning their health to make sure this medication is right for them. Everyone’s body is different, so your loved one might not be able to handle this type of treatment.

Before they even start to take the prescription, a person has to be experiencing the withdrawal symptoms. As reported by The National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment, taking it before the start of detox will make the withdrawal symptoms more severe than it should be.

Like with any medication, it should be taken precisely as prescribed by the doctor. Make sure you remind your loved one that taking more than prescribed will not make them feel better faster because that’s not how medicine works.

After taking this medicine, they can return to work by the second day. According to The National Alliance of Advocates for Buprenorphine Treatment, your loved one will feel like they never took any drugs by day 5. It’s hard to imagine your loved one feeling like they never abused those drugs, but this treatment is excellent at helping them feel like they can stay sober.

After a couple of weeks of feeling normal, your loved one might think they are cured, or they no longer need suboxone. However, remind them that this process won’t be so easy or fast. They will have to be patient when it comes to being able to remain drug-free without the assistance of suboxone.

However, they will still need counseling with a professional therapist to ensure they remain sober. This is a disease that will not go away or be cured with one suboxone treatment. By continuing their counseling sessions, they can maintain their sobriety and still live a normal life with you.

The therapist can also assist them in figuring out when they no longer have to rely on suboxone to stay sober. Also, NA meetings can help them get further support from those they can connect with others who are going through similar situations.

How to Be Of Support When Your Loved One is in Suboxone Treatment

Keeping your judgment and opinions to yourself might be hard when supporting your loved one who is in suboxone treatment. You can seek Nar-Anon meetings or your own therapy sessions to help you get through your own emotions and feelings on the matter. These are both ways you can express your anger, pain, and impatience that you might feel more comfortable communicating with people who can relate to your side. This can enable you to remain healthy and supportive for your loved ones.

Do you know what type of suboxone treatment is right for them? Inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment centers are also available for opioid addicts. You can both figure out which is better suited for their needs, while still taking finances into account.

Your Loved One May Need Extra Help

If you think your loved one can’t handle their detox alone or take their medication exactly as prescribed by their physician, you might want to encourage them to get treatment at a rehab facility. The doctors at rehab facilities can monitor them and make sure they only take the prescribed amount. This can reduce the chances of them abusing the drugs or becoming addicted to it.

Meanwhile, you can encourage your loved ones to share their experiences with you so you can be a shoulder for them to lean on. It’s essential to stay supportive through their recovery process. Your love might be the most powerful motivation for them to stick with the program and remain sober.

 

Sources
[1] the facts about BUPRENORPHINE. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/providers/sud/docs/english_buprenorphine_facts.pdf

[2] What Buprenorphine treatment is like for the patient, induction maintenance withdrawal. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.naabt.org/education/what_bt_like.cfm

Sublingual Suboxone: A Guide to Pills & Film

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In the midst of an opioid crisis, Suboxone is a medication used as a treatment for addiction to heroin and other opiates. The medication comes in both a sublingual pill and film form. Suboxone contains both buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine acts as a partial agonist which attaches to the receptors in the brain that are affected by using opioids.

This stops the effects of the drugs. Naloxone is added to buprenorphine to combat opiate withdrawal symptoms. It is also added to lessen the likelihood of Suboxone being broken down and injected. If this is attempted, the user will likely go into immediate opioid withdrawal.

Suboxone is meant to be administered under the supervision of a physician and used as part of a treatment plan that also includes counseling and other behavioral therapy.

The film is available in four dosage strengths and is meant to be taken by placing under the tongue or in the cheek. It has quickly become an essential part in successful recovery by helping people overcome the hurdles that are withdrawal and drug cravings.

How to Take Sublingual Pills & Film

Once your physician decides on the right dosage, the choice of pill or film form of Suboxone is decided. The film can be taken either sublingually or buccal.

If taken sublingually (under the tongue), take the following steps:

  • Hold the film on the outside edges
  • Place the film under the tongue on the left or right side near the base
  • If instructed to take 2 films at a time, place the second film on the opposite side of the first film, avoid the films touching
  • If instructed to take 3 films, do so on either side after the first 2 films have dissolved

If taking the film on the inside of the cheek (buccal administration) do as follows:

  • Hold the film on the outside edges
  • Place the film on the inside of either cheek
  • If instructed to take more than one film at a time, place the second film on the opposite cheek
  • If instructed to take 3 films at a time, place the third film on either cheek after the first 2 have dissolved

While waiting for the film to dissolve do not talk as it may affect how well the medicine is absorbed.

Also, chewing or swallowing the film before it is completely dissolved will cause the medication to not work as well. If a dose of Suboxone is missed, take the medicine as soon as you remember, unless it is close to the time of your next dose. If this is the case, skip the missed dose and continue taking medication as prescribed. Do not take 2 films at once unless instructed to do so. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions about doses.

If you are taking the sublingual pill:

  • Do not crush, chew, or swallow it
  • Place the pill under the tongue and allow to dissolve
  • If instructed to take more than one pill at a time do so by placing each pill under a different part of the tongue
  • Do not eat or drink until the pill is completely dissolved

The pills take 4 minutes to dissolve while the film takes 3 minutes. Many people believe that Suboxone is orange flavored because of the color of the pill and films, but it is actually lemon-lime flavor. The flavoring is added in an attempt to mask the bitter taste of the buprenorphine. Patients typically describe the taste as unpleasant. Drinking water before taking the medication will help with the medicine dissolve quickly.

Why Sublingual Pills & Film Can Be Beneficial 

As opioid addiction became more and more of a problem for people, a solution was created in the form of buprenorphine/naloxone tablets. However, not long after came the problem of diversion and misuse of the tablets, as well as the concerns of the unintended exposure to children. The sublingual films were introduced as a way to address those concerns.

Due to the sometimes-euphoric effects of buprenorphine, typically in people not dependent on opiates, there is a desire for the illicit use of the drug. The lack of access to treatment also creates a demand for diversion. Suboxone often times is administered in an office setting under the supervision of a physician to limit the frequency of misuse of the drug.

The quicker dissolving time of the film is beneficial as it typically dissolves one minute faster than the pill. Another key difference between the film and pills is that a partially dissolved pill can still be removed from the mouth, while the film quickly becomes unable to be removed once administered. According to this study, these are key factors in preventing misuse.

As more Suboxone was prescribed, the number of unintended exposures increased. Exposure to children became the most concerning as the side effects were more severe for them. The accidental exposures eventually led to the sublingual pills being discontinued in 2012 since almost all of the reported exposures were involving the pills, not the film. Each dose of the film comes in an individual child-resistant package.

Two child-resistance trials have been conducted with this packaging, each having high passing rates. Another positive of the film is that each individual film package has its own 10-digit code which allows for better tracking and discouraging diversion.

If a patient is being transitioned from the pill form to the film, there are not many differences. The conversion ratio for up to 4 mg is 1:1. This means the bioavailability is the same and no necessary dosage changes are required. Alternatively, the reported bioavailability of the 8 mg and higher doses of film is higher than that in the tablets. A lower dose may be required when switching from the tablets to the films in these cases.

Other Options for Taking Suboxone

For many years Methadone was the only option for the treatment of opioid addiction. With the introduction of buprenorphine, the access to treatment has been significantly increased.  Unlike Methadone, which can only be distributed in a highly structured clinic, Suboxone is allowed to be dispensed in a physician’s office or other settings.

This makes Suboxone more appealing to those unable to access a methadone clinic or who would prefer to receive treatment elsewhere. Buprenorphine is available in the following ways:

  • Bunavail (buprenorphine and naloxone) buccal film
  • Suboxone (buprenorphine and naloxone) film
  • Zubsolv (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual tablets
  • Buprenorphine-containing transmucosal products for opioid dependency

Buprenorphine is also available in an implant. The implant has been created for those who worry about taking their medication every day or possibly losing it. A small implant is placed under your skin in the upper part of your arm. This can be done at your doctor’s office or similar settings by those qualified to do so.

The implant releases buprenorphine into your body for six months. After the six months the implant is removed. A need for another implant will be assessed by you and your doctor. There are many options out there for addiction treatment that can be tailored to you. Reach out and find help today.

 

Sources
[1] A retrospective evaluation of patients switched from buprenorphine (subutex) to the buprenorphine/naloxone combination (suboxone). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2453114/

[2] Graham, R. L. (2014, January). Buprenorphine for opioid dependence: Are there really differences between the formulatons? Retrieved from https://mhc.cpnp.org/doi/full/10.9740/mhc.n186952

Suboxone vs. Subutex – Which One is Right for You?

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Opioid addicts and their families know the struggle of trying to stop, whether cold turkey, in rehab or other forms of treatment. The number of people in the US who suffer with opioid use disorder is estimated at over 2.5 million, and the mortality rate due to opiates has contributed to lowering the overall life expectancy of the US.

How Both Suboxone & Subutex Came to Be

Scientists and doctors have been searching for the best treatments since the 1960s and so far, the best successes have been achieved with buprenorphine. First on the market as an analgesic in 2002, it was approved for use in narcotic addiction, though physicians are limited in how much they can prescribe, with the most being to 100 people at a time.

If you are addicted to any sort of opioid, whether it’s heroin, fentanyl or a prescription painkiller, then you may have tried to quit and failed. Some may be too concerned about withdrawal symptoms to try. Subutex and Suboxone offer a way to come off those addictive drugs and, along with therapy, begin to build your life again.

These drugs offer a lifeline that wasn’t there before. They are far less likely to be abused than methadone, and they appear to be suitable for long-term use, allowing opioid addicts to recover. Also, because they completely get rid of withdrawals, there’s less chance of relapsing and potentially overdosing.


The Details about Suboxone

Suboxone can only be prescribed by a doctor and is usually taken in sublingual tabs that you place under the tongue. It’s not used as a pain medication. Suboxone is purely a brand name for two drugs combined, buprenorphine and naloxone, sometimes prescribed as Bunavil or Zubsolv. The buprenorphine is the partial opioid agonist in the tablet. This stops you from getting cravings or withdrawing from other opiates.

You may feel slightly euphoric, but it isn’t anything like the disorientating high you get from other opioids. The naloxone reacts if you try and abuse this drug in any way. If you inject it or crush it up and snort it, then you won’t get a high, or even pain relief, as the naloxone prevents this.

Of course, there is the potential for abuse, but it’s much lower with Suboxone than say, methadone. The naloxone also makes abusing it pretty pointless as it could put you into a nasty withdrawal. If you have a co-occurring addiction with alcohol or another drug, then it may not be safe to take Suboxone because it could be life-threatening. You shouldn’t drink alcohol or take sleeping pills whilst taking Suboxone.

 

The Details about Subutex

Subutex was the first approved partial opioid agonist drug to be used to treat opioid addiction, before Suboxone was developed. The main difference between Subutex and Suboxone is the lack of naloxone in the former. When you come off another opioid and are in a clinic or your doctor’s office, then it’s likely that you will first be given Subutex, and then may move on to Suboxone for maintenance.

People who have been abusing drugs such as heroin for years will have built a high tolerance for opioids, so they are unlikely to feel a high from it, even if they inject it or crush it up. However, because it’s an opioid there have been cases of Subutex being sold on the streets for people to get high, usually people who haven’t a long history of drug use.

But going on Subutex is not trading one addiction for another, as some people like to claim, it’s very effective as part of ongoing therapy for people who have come off other, more destructive opioids.

 

Which One Is Right for You?

If you are entering a detox or rehabilitation facility, then you will initially take Subutex, probably within a day of your last fix. This will ensure that you do not go into full withdrawal and can be managed by the medical professionals that are at the clinic.

After you have gone through intensive therapy, you might continue on Subutex, particularly if you’re confident that you won’t be in a situation where you’ll be offered other opioids, or if you know that you won’t abuse it.

However, Suboxone is the safer bet, simply because of the naloxone in the tablet. So, even if you think about getting high, the thought of the withdrawal that naloxone will plunge you into, should be off-putting enough, and if you go as far to try and abuse the drug, you will go into that very unpleasant withdrawal.

You could try one and then move to the other, as a study in Finland found that, with the right planning, this was an effective way to prevent addicts from abusing Subutex. The point is that neither should be undertaken without a therapeutic approach, and should be a maintenance therapy for your sobriety, helping you whilst you solve the other issues surrounding your addiction.

 

Sources

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Effective Treatments for Opioid Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/effective-treatments-opioid-addiction/effective-treatments-opioid-addiction

[2] Buprenorphine. (2013). Buprenorphine. Retrieved from https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/buprenorphine.pdf

[3] A retrospective evaluation of patients switched from buprenorphine (subutex) to the buprenorphine/naloxone combination (suboxone). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2453114/

What if Your Family Doesn’t Support You In Suboxone Treatment?

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Does your family support your treatment plan? Some families are not always supportive with their loved ones getting Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) with medications like Suboxone even if they are desperately trying to recover from opioid addiction. For some, suboxone is their best bet to catapult them into long-term recovery.

Regardless of whether or not suboxone is used short-term or long-term, studies in large cities with a high crime rate show that it has helped many sustain long-term recovery.

It’s essential to research how MAT can be useful for opiate addicts to reassure them that this method of treatment works. Read on to learn more about how MAT can help and about some misconceptions your family members may have.

What is Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Some of you might be wondering “What is MAT and what does it have to do with my opioid addiction?” MAT stands for Medication Assisted Treatment, which means those suffering from opiate addiction can get help from medications prescribed by their doctor. Suboxone, Subutex, and methadone are used in these types of treatments. They are meant to help you get through detox and stay clean while you are still vulnerable to another relapse.

How MAT Helps Addicts in Treatment

Are you curious why Medication Assisted Treatments are so beneficial? Using medications like Suboxone can be sufficient for those who use them as prescribed by a doctor. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, using medications like methadone and Suboxone can actually “restore balance to the brain circuits.” While an addict is using their prescriptions, they are able to heal their brain and can focus on their recovery process. Therefore, during their detox, it can reduce a patient’s cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This is essential in helping an addict stay sober since, without MAT, some people might give in temptation because they don’t want to continue experiencing those withdrawal symptoms.

Get More Intensive Help if You Need it

It’s always recommended to seek medical care during detox because medical professionals can oversee your condition. If you don’t trust yourself in taking the precise number of pills your doctor prescribes, an inpatient rehab treatment center might be the best solution. They can help monitor your pill intake and can also keep you away from temptation.

However, this medication will only work along with an exceptional therapy program and support groups to reinforce your successful recovery. You will still have to share your experiences and past behaviors dealing with opioid drugs. An excellent therapist can help you figure out the reasons why you started using drugs in the first place.

This doesn’t mean everyone has to have MAT to recover from an addiction. You should always consult with your doctor to make sure any type of treatment plan will work with your health condition and if it will benefit your kind of addiction. Some are able to live a drug-free lifestyle without the additional help of Medication Assisted Treatments.

Is Your Family Being Supportive?

Not every family will support their loved one through treatment. Some people merely forgo researching the positive and negative aspects of using medication as a treatment option for opioid addiction. You might not always gain their support in this, but you need to do what’s right for you. The primary goal is getting sober and staying that way. As long as you take the medication correctly, you shouldn’t get addicted to your MAT. However, you should be aware that you can become dependent. It’s important to understand the difference between addiction and dependence.

Why Don’t Families Always Support MAT?

Not all family members think MAT will work, but this could all come down to their ignorance in what MAT really does. This is why research is so crucial in understanding if MAT is right for each opioid addict.

Financial Reasons

When a drug addict tries to seek help and recover from their addiction, sometimes they are too young to support themselves financially. Some addicts have lost their jobs due to their actions while they were high on opioids. Whatever your case might be, you might be depending on family or friends to help support you in rehab. This might cause you to depend on their help to pay for your treatment, as well.

Some families might not agree with specific rehab programs because the of the cost. According to Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, it might take several treatments, medication switches, changes to your life choices, and continued family support to get to a place where you are able to recover from your addiction. Most families know how expensive treatments are and it could be one of the reasons they might not support you participating in MAT. However, if you are able to afford it yourself, you and your doctor can decide what your best options are best.

 

Misconceptions Concerning MAT

There are a lot of misconceptions about using medications to help opioid addicts recover in rehab facilities. Most families think it’s switching one drug for another. However, that’s so far from the truth. Your parents or siblings might worry that these medications could make you high and aren’t any different than the opioids you are addicted to. As reported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, when you take the dosage precisely as prescribed by your doctor, these medications won’t let you experience any kind of high from it. In simple terms, it really just cancels out the effects the opioids had on your body.

Addiction is a disease. It’s treated as such in a rehab treatment center. Everyone recovers from diseases like diabetes and heart disease in different ways, whether it’s going on a strict diet or using medication prescribed by their doctor. Every person’s recovery process is different just like those with other diseases won’t always need medications to live a healthier lifestyle. Therefore, getting MAT from your doctor or in a rehab treatment center is similar to those who are receiving medication for their diabetes.

However, you should know that there isn’t a cure for this type of disease. Therefore, you will always have to maintain your sobriety and continue getting support from NA meetings, family, and therapy.

Your family might change their minds on not wanting you to use MAT when you start to make smarter choices. Some people can begin to live their lives again by going back to work or school and making healthier choices. Don’t be discouraged by your family, because they only want what’s best for you and might be blinded by what that is by being too overprotective.

Knowing more about MAT can help you and your family feel more comfortable using this type of treatment. There are always some adverse side effects in taking any medication, but there are several positive ones when you use this type of treatment. All you can do is educate your family on the benefits MAT can have with those with opioid addiction. They could change their minds when they have detailed information about how this treatment helps.

Remember; always consult with your doctor before deciding MAT is for you. On top of Suboxone, there are many other options to successfully overcome an addiction to opioids. Your overall health is vital to living your life again!

Sources
[1] Sittambalam, C. D., Vij, R., & Ferguson, R. P. (2014). Buprenorphine Outpatient Outcomes Project: can Suboxone be a viable outpatient option for heroin addiction?. Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives, 4(2), 10.3402/jchimp.v4.22902. doi:10.3402/jchimp.v4.22902 Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3992357/

[2] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Effective Treatments for Opioid Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/effective-treatments-opioid-addiction/effective-treatments-opioid-addiction

[3] Is My Son Really in Recovery if He’s Taking Suboxone? (2019, January 28). Retrieved from https://drugfree.org/parent-blog/is-my-son-really-in-recovery-if-hes-taking-suboxone/

Does Insurance Cover Suboxone?

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The opioid epidemic continues to devastate America. So much so that it is likely that you or someone you know has been affected by opioid addiction. As a response, addiction treatment has been much more sought after in recent years. One of the more popular treatment methods is the use of Suboxone. Even though it is in high demand, access to and affordability of Suboxone can be an issue for some.

What is Suboxone and How it Helps Treat Addiction?

Suboxone is a medication commonly used to treat opioid addiction. The medication consists of buprenorphine and naloxone, which work in tandem at curbing withdrawal symptoms and cravings as well as preventing patients from using it to get high. It typically is used under the supervision of a doctor as part of a treatment plan that consists of medically assisted treatment as well as behavioral therapy.

What Does Addiction do to the Brain and Body?

Drug addiction has a huge effect on the user’s brain. In the case of opioid addiction, it changes the way the receptors in your brain react to opioids. Over time, you build up a tolerance and a need for the opioids. The tolerance causes the user to take more drugs to recreate the original euphoric effects.

A physical need for the drugs causes the user to go into withdrawal if they do not use. Withdrawal symptoms resemble a terrible flu, symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, body aches, chills, and sweating. This fear of withdrawal is what motivates a person to keep using despite any negative effects it would have on their life.

How Can Suboxone Help?

Suboxone works to block the effects of opioids as well as stop withdrawal symptoms. Blocking the high created by opioids aids in one’s recovery by breaking the cycle the brain has of positive reinforcement. If the drugs will not have an effect, you are less likely to use them. Stopping withdrawal symptoms helps people stick to treatment plans because they are not in pain and desperate to alleviate the symptoms.

Peer support and therapy help deal with the emotional aspects of drug addiction and are strongly suggested as part of a maintenance treatment program. The habit of drug use can be very hard to break, therefore, the typical length of a Suboxone treatment plan is generally one year. This time can be very beneficial for a person to build the foundations to their sobriety.

Suboxone vs. Methadone

Medically assisted treatment is not a new invention. Suboxone was approved by the FDA in 2002, previously methadone had been the treatment medication of choice. Even though methadone has been around for a long time, Suboxone is quickly becoming a safer, more successful option.

One advantage Suboxone has over Methadone is that due to the low risk of abuse, patients are allowed to take home their doses and only have to go to the doctor monthly. Whereas methadone carries a higher risk of abuse and dependence as well as the risk of overdose causing it to only be administered in supervised clinics. Need for a daily dose requires patients to travel to the methadone clinic daily, while Suboxone being prescribed in a doctor’s office is not only more convenient, it also greatly increases accessibility. With a 40-60% success rate, it is easy to see why Suboxone is the superior choice for medically assisted treatment.

Even with great advancements in the medication available, there is still a decline in people who use medically assisted treatment. Some factors as to why are:

  • Negative opinions about trading one drug for another
  • Discrimination against MAT patients
  • A lack of training for physicians

Paying For Suboxone

Suboxone can be very costly, the typical cost is usually $1 per milligram. Doses of Suboxone range from 12-24 mg per day. Without insurance, they could quickly get extremely expensive. Cost of Suboxone is attributed to the following factors:

  • Pharmaceutical manufacturer
  • Insurance
  • Health plans or prescribing clinic
  • Retail pharmacies

The price of the medication isn’t the only thing to consider when receiving medically assisted treatment. Office visits, therapy, and other required tests should be accounted for in treatment costs. Thanks to recent changes in insurance coverage, most companies now cover Suboxone treatment.

While most insurance companies now offer policies that cover treatment, it is important to know just how much is covered. Any portion of the treatment not covered by your plan will be your responsibility to pay out of pocket. Other factors to consider are time limits for treatment if a referral is needed and if you must receive the prescription from an in-network provider. If help is needed to pay for Suboxone treatment, look for programs that offer payment assistance. Your income will be considered when determining how much treatment will cost. Medicaid also offers coverage for treatment.

Information About Doctors Prescribing Suboxone and Accepting Payment

Although coverage is available that does not always mean accessing treatment is easy. Any doctor interested in prescribing Suboxone has to meet many legal obligations. In order to prescribe Suboxone, a doctor must be certified. There are also strict regulations on how many patients a doctor can treat every year. Thirdly, the DEA requires strict monitoring of the prescriptions. Those three factors may limit the number of available physicians who are currently accepting patients for Suboxone treatment.

Doctors may also choose to not accept insurance and require cash payment, leaving you to cover the upfront cost of treatment. In these cases, you may submit a claim to your insurance company to be reimbursed. Another downside is that due to our free enterprise system, doctors can decide what they are going to charge. Change is coming; however, many states have passed laws requiring insurance companies to cover addiction treatment. That being said, thorough research is best to find the right doctor and insurance company.

Find What’s Right For You

Treatment is not one size fits all, doing adequate research is vital to finding the perfect plan for you. Knowing your options and what to consider is an integral step in your analysis. Once the conversation is started, many companies will work with you. Take the time to examine your financial situation and the cost of care. Most importantly reach out. There is someone out there to help you navigate the road to treatment.

 

Sources
[1] Does Insurance Cover The Cost Of Suboxone? (2019, January 29). Retrieved from https://www.rehabcenter.net/insurance-cover-suboxone/
[2] Suboxone Addiction and Abuse Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/suboxone
[3] S.A. Health. (n.d.). Buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid dependence. Retrieved from https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/resources/buprenorphine+naloxone+for+opioid+dependence+important+points+to+know+about+buprenorphine+naloxone+suboxone

Does Insurance Cover Suboxone?

Does Insurance Cover Suboxone?

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When you or someone you love is contemplating treatment for addiction, a million and one things will go through your head. How will we ever get over this? How to manage the pain and sickness? How are we going to pay for this? If you're contemplating taking suboxone to overcome opioid addiction, then you might wonder whether insurance covers it. Here is where the costs of suboxone are explained for those interested, whether your insurance might cover all or part of the cost, and what else you can do if you're interested in Suboxone treatment.

Is Suboxone Covered By Insurance?

If you, or your loved one have an insurance policy, then check it, as there should be some coverage for addiction treatment. The more expensive your policy, the more will be covered. If you have a lower cost insurance policy, there may be some co-pay, where you will have to pay for a portion of it from your own pocket. One way or another, you should have some of the costs of Suboxone covered as a form of treatment.

Your insurance company will likely have a list of registered pharmacies where you can go to fill the Suboxone prescription, so check that carefully before you waste time going into any pharmacy. Not all pharmacies are licensed to dispense the drug.

If you don't have your policy on hand right now, here are some of the big insurance companies that do include cover for Suboxone treatment:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • UMR
  • Aetna
  • Beacon
  • Cigna
  • Multi Plan
  • United Health Care

If you don't see your insurance company on the list above, don't worry, it is not exhaustive. There are other companies that provide the cover required, simply check your policy or give your company a call to find out.

Why Would I Need Insurance For Suboxone?

On it's own, Suboxone isn't cheap. You will still need a prescription from a doctor, but you can buy the sub-lingual films from a pharmacist for cash. For Suboxone sublingual film (2 mg-0.5 mg) the price is roughly $158 for a supply of 30 film, depending on which pharmacy you go to. However, it is not likely to be much less. Don't try and buy Suboxone on the black market, as you don't know what you're getting.

If you'd like to check into a detox or rehab facility where Suboxone is used, there are some residential treatment facilities where it is part of the treatment that can charge around $8,000 per month. If this isn't an option for you, then there's no need to worry because there are other alternatives.

One of the good things about Suboxone is that you don't need constant surveillance to take it. Due to the fact that it's nearly impossible to get high from it, users can be trusted to take it responsibly. In this sense, it can be a cheaper way to pursue a life without addiction, especially if your insurance covers the cost of the medicine.

Why Should You Choose Suboxone?

If you are addicted to injecting opioids, then Suboxone can help you break that habit. Firstly, it will take away your cravings and you won't have to mess about with needles and doses anymore.

Your dosage is prepared and you take it in a daily dose or one every two days. Even if you take more, you won't get the same effects as you did with heroin, so there's little point in trying. Your habit with the needle goes away and you can return to some normal form of life, without having to spend every day chasing a high, or trying to get enough heroin so that you won't get sick.

If you've been addicted to prescription opioids, Suboxone means that you can come off the drugs you've been abusing and not have to endure a debilitating withdrawal. You can get back to a normal routine, without thinking about taking drugs. It's important that when you take Suboxone you realize this is only treating the physical side of the illness and you must figure out what lies beneath. Addiction is a psychological condition that can be very complex, and you may have some stuff to work through in order to really get better. Insurance packages now cover addiction as a chronic illness, so you will get some cover for medication, such as Suboxone, under your plan.

What's Different About Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medicine that has been specifically developed to treat opioid addiction. It is made with a combination of two drugs: buprenorphine and naloxone. Suboxone was approved for treatment of opioid addiction by the FDA in 2002. People who have tried other forms of treatment for their addiction often have more success with Suboxone, so it has been seen as somewhat of a wonder drug.

Some people argue that it's not real recovery when you are still taking an opioid to replace another opioid. It's true that when treating opioid addiction with another opioid, there is the potential for dependency. This has been seen with some people buying methadone on the black market.

However, when you have been abusing opioids for some length of time, the drugs have affected the receptors in your brain, so giving them up does not simply make you go back to normal. In fact, you will get very sick, which people who have tried to go cold turkey have quickly realized!

Suboxone is different to methadone, because it has a ceiling effect, thus users won't get high from it, no matter how much they take. The naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can reverse the effects of narcotics such as heroin and methadone.

This also means that the user cannot feel the euphoric effects of Suboxone, even if they try to use it in a way that's against doctor recommendations. Naloxone can cause a person to go into severe withdrawal if they abuse opioids. This helps prevent misuse of Suboxone.

Unlike methadone, which is frequently used in the treatment of opioid addiction, Suboxone is prescribed in a sublingual or tablet form and doctors can provide patients with a take-home dose of 30 days. It works on the nervous system to reduce cravings and users will not go into withdrawal as long as they adhere to their doctor's instructions.

Suboxone Offers Hope

Coming to terms with the fact that you or a loved one suffers from opioid addiction can be overwhelming. With deaths from overdoses at an all time high, it's vital to get someone in addiction into some sort of treatment, even if they have tried before.

You need to consider what treatment options might suit and the cost. If you have insurance, it will certainly cover some of the cost and it can be more successful than other ways that have been tried before. It's a long, hard road, and it can often seem like there's no good news. Suboxone offers people some hope, even if other treatment methods have failed.

If you have a loved one who has been suffering with opioid addiction, you can find out more about its benefits here. Your help and support while your friend or family member is trying to recover can be invaluable.

Is Suboxone Just Trading One Drug for Another?

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Living with a drug addiction can make you feel trapped. There are many who want to get clean from their addiction but have a hard time doing it because they want to keep their addiction hidden from the world. Suboxone is one of the proven treatment methods for opioid addiction. There are many times when suboxone is scrutinized and written off as trading one drug for another. This can make them fearful to let anyone know that they have an addiction that they need help to overcome.

If you are battling an addiction to drugs, it’s possible to discreetly get the help that you need. Trying to overcome the addiction cold turkey can be dangerous and difficult to do on your own. When you are ready to get help for your addiction, use the following guide to learn how to discreetly get the help that you need in a safe and welcoming environment.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Many people feel like they were weak, or something was wrong with them for them to become addicted to drugs. This isn’t the case, though. Some people become addicted to drugs accidentally. They may have been in an accident or gone through a surgery that required them to have to take pain medications. Over time, the body builds up a tolerance to any medication. This often requires people to take more of it or to take it more frequently, while can lead to an addiction.

Don’t be ashamed if you have become addicted to a medication accidentally. The best thing you can do is talk to your doctor openly and honestly about what you are going through. He or she can help you by referring you to a rehabilitation center where you can get professional help to battle your addiction.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Once you have a referral from your doctor, you can contact your insurance company to find out what coverage is available to you. Most people don’t know that their health insurance often includes recovery care. There are restrictions as to which centers you can go to, what steps need to be taken in order to get approval for the care and stipulations about how much you will have to pay for the care out of pocket though. The agent can help you determine exactly what your cost will be for the care so that you can plan accordingly.

Improve Your Chances of Long Term Success

When you go to a professional rehabilitation center, there are medications that can be given to you to minimize your cravings for the drugs and help to minimize your withdrawal symptoms, as well. Suboxone is a commonly prescribed drug used to help overcome an addiction to opioids. Some people assume that suboxone is just trading one drug for another drug, but that isn’t the case.
Suboxone is designed to be taken over an extended period of time. It helps to minimize the risks of relapse because it blocks your draw to the opioids that you have been craving.

Treatment Can be Anonymous

Many people are fearful to get help for their addiction because they are fearful that having other people find out will ruin their life. They think that people will assume that they are untrustworthy, weak and lazy. It’s important to know that you can go to treatment without anyone knowing about it. If you have a job where you have acquired a lot of leave time or are in between jobs, you can go to the rehabilitation center without anyone knowing about it.

If you have a job that you don’t want to lose but need to take time away from in order to do the treatment you need, you are protected by the FMLA. The Family and Medical Leave Act ensures that your employer cannot fire you for getting help with your addiction. You do have to let them know that you are going in for treatment, though, but they cannot hold it against you.

There Are Many Facets to Rehabilitation Treatment

Some people are naive when it comes to drug rehabilitation treatment. They assume that they can go into the center, take some medication and come out within a week or two and create an amazing life for themselves quickly and easily. That isn’t the case. Nearly 40% of all addicts who try to get clean end up relapsing because they don’t take the time to treat their addiction from every angle.

Not only do you need to beat the physical addiction you have to the drugs, but you also need to overcome your mental addiction. Whether you realize it or not, you are addicted to the way that the drugs make you feel. Going to counseling while you are in the treatment center and when you get out helps you to battle the mental addiction that you have. You need to be willing to face the truth about your addiction and find productive ways to handle temptations and hardships when they arise.

Ongoing Treatment Improves the Chances of Success

Your battle really starts when you get out of the treatment center. Triggers and temptations will surround you constantly. It’s best to ensure that you don’t go around the things that make you want to use drugs or remind you of how it felt to use the drugs or there is a good chance that you could end up relapsing. Most centers recommend that you go for regular, outpatient treatment to ensure that you stay committed to your sobriety. There are group meetings that you can go to on a regular basis. You’ll hear stories from other recovering addicts and be able to get the encouragement you need to stay on the right path. The meetings are secure, and all information shared within the meetings isn’t shared with anyone after the meeting is over. This ensures that you feel free to talk about any and everything that you need to talk about to stay clean.

You don’t need to wait for intervention or for everyone around you to figure out that you have an addiction to get help. You can take control of your life at any moment and get things back on track so that you can have the most productive life possible right away.

 

Sources
[1] Family and Medical Leave Act – Wage and Hour Division (WHD). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/

[2] Information about Medication-Assisted Treatment. (2019, February 14). Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/informationbydrugclass/ucm600092.htm

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

Suboxone is only Half of the Fight

Suboxone is only Half of the Fight

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Many people in active addiction make the mistake of thinking that they can recover from their addiction by simply taking Suboxone, but that isn’t the case. Taking Suboxone can help with the physical addiction that they have to the drug, but there is so much more that must be addressed in order for someone to achieve sobriety for the long run. The following guide walks you through the some other aspects of recovery that have to be addressed during someone’s journey to sobriety.

Have Peace of Mind During Suboxone Treatment

Detoxing can be a very scary experience for someone with an addiction. The body goes through significant changes in a very short period of time. Even though Suboxone can help minimize the physical withdrawal symptoms that you experience, you may still experience some effects. Suboxone must be taken properly. When you initially start taking Suboxone, it’s a good idea to go to a treatment facility to ensure that you can be monitored throughout the treatment process.

Since detoxing can be physically taxing, being monitored by medical professionals allows you to have peace of mind. You can know that your health is being properly monitored so that you can fully focus on your recovery. Believe it or not, having peace of mind can make the recovery process easier.

Understanding the Root of Your Addiction

In order for someone to recover from addiction, they need to know why they started using drugs and what their triggers are. There are many different reasons why people use drugs. Some people never knew they could become addicted and began using drugs after an accident or injury. Taking prescription pain medications often leads to addiction because people take the drug more often than prescribed or take more of it than they are supposed to take, and end up becoming addicted to it.

Other people become addicted to drugs because they use it to numb emotional or psychological issues. When you are in recovery, you’ll narrow down your drug triggers and the source of your addiction. This allows you to know what issues you need to avoid in the future to better your chances of being able to stay sober once you have completed treatment.

Learn How to Handle an Emotional Addiction to Drugs

Its common for people to use drugs to numb themselves emotionally. In order to stay sober once they recover from addiction. You will learn how to handle your emotions properly. Going to counseling while you are on Suboxone provides you with the opportunity to have the emotional addiction treated properly.

A psychologist can provide you with advice on how to handle emotional issues you may be facing in a constructive way. They can help establish a plan for how you can overcome guilt, anger, or even depression in a healthy way. Counseling may be enough for you to handle your emotions well, but there are times when treatment through medications is also needed. A psychologist can prescribe you medications to help regulate your emotions. They can monitor how the medications help you and narrow down the different options that are available to you. It often takes trial and error to find the right medications for an individual.

Mental Addiction to Drugs Needs to be Mastered

There are some people who use drugs to self-medicate through a trauma or mental issue. Some people know that they have a mental condition and will seek medication to deal with it. Some people are unaware of their mental issues or disorder. Using medications to treat anxiety, schizophrenia, OCD, and other mental disorders is common. When you use Suboxone to stop using drugs, you need to seek professional help so you can be properly diagnosed for any medical condition you have. Being properly treated and medicated for any ongoing condition helps improves your chances of staying sober and drug-free down the road. Even though it feels as though you may have a strong grasp of your emotional or mental condition when you stop using drugs, that doesn’t mean you’ll maintain control when craziness arises in life.

Monitor Your Health Regularly

It’s important to have a doctor monitor your health after you use Suboxone and are recovering from your addiction. Health issues that may not have been noticeable before may become apparent. There are also physical repercussions that come with using drugs for an extended period of time. The sooner physical issues are discovered, the better your chances of being able to have the issues treated, and avoid relapsing and self-medicating.

Talk About Your Experience and Temptations

Once you are addicted to drugs you are always susceptible to addiction. Many people think once they use Suboxone to stop using drugs they never have to worry about using drugs again. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. You will be tempted to use again. To deal with those temptations to use again, joining an addiction recovery group makes sobriety easier. You can discuss issues that arise in your life, get advice from others who have recovered from addiction, and be held accountable to help increase your odds of staying drug-free and sober.

Be sure to be open and honest about what you are going through. It can be tempting to close down and not share what you have been through because you fear being judged. Everyone in the group has been addicted to something throughout their life. They aren’t going to judge you for the things that you did in your past or the struggles that you are currently going through. To get the most help you can, you have to be willing to open up and be honest with people in the group.

Suboxone can serve as a crucial element when it comes to achieving sobriety but using it in conjunction with other treatment options is key. You need to heal your mind and body to stay sober for the long run. Take the time to find a treatment facility that offers the care that suits your needs and makes you feel comfortable. You need to trust and feel safe with the people who are helping you.