Navigation: Long-Term Benefits of Suboxone, Potential Long-Term Risks, Can You Get Addicted to Suboxone?, How to Take Suboxone, Treatment for Suboxone Addiction
Suboxone is a prescription medication primarily used to treat opioid addiction. Thanks to its effectiveness in helping patients overcome opioid dependence, it has gained widespread recognition.
This medication is actually a combination of two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids. However, it produces less of a euphoric effect and therefore has a lower risk of overdose. [1]
Meanwhile naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it can block the effects of opioids and even reverse opioid overdose if taken in sufficient doses.
When taken as prescribed, Suboxone helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for addicted individuals to overcome opioid dependence. Keep in mind that Suboxone is not for use as a pain medication. [1]
However, like any medication, it’s crucial to understand both its short-term benefits and potential long-term effects. In this
Long-Term Benefits of Suboxone
Suboxone plays a crucial role in supporting sustained recovery from opioid addiction.
One key aspect of this drug is its ability to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, making it easier for recovering individuals to abstain from opioid use. By binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids but with less potency, buprenorphine helps stabilize brain chemistry without producing the same euphoric effects.
Because of this stabilizing effect, patients are able to focus on their recovery without the distraction of opioids. Thanks to Suboxone, they don’t have to worry about dangerous withdrawal symptoms and overwhelming cravings.
Suboxone treatment is often integrated with comprehensive therapy and support programs. Counseling, behavioral therapies, and support groups provide all the essential tools for addressing the psychological aspects of addiction. After all, the effects of substance abuse are not just physical.
This combination addresses addiction as a complex and multifaceted issue, increasing the likelihood of long-term success in recovery.
In fact, Suboxone’s benefits are most evident when the patient has sufficient time for treatment. Patients who undergo buprenorphine treatment for at least a year are more likely to complete a treatment program. [2]
Improved Quality of Life
Aside from its stabilizing effect and ability to support sustained recovery, Suboxone can also contribute to certain improvements in various aspects of a patient’s life. It can help improve their physical health, mental health, and social functioning.
By allowing patients to regain control over their lives, Suboxone helps patients focus their energy on things that make life worth living. They can rebuild their relationships, pursue employment or education opportunities, find new passions, and engage in hobbies that they can enjoy.
Suboxone also provides a level of predictability and consistency in a person’s life. Opioid addiction tends to bring chaos into a person’s life, and this medication helps stabilize their situation.
By following a prescribed dosing schedule under medical supervision, recovering individuals can establish a routine and regain a sense of control.
This predictability can also be instrumental in rebuilding trust with loved ones, maintaining employment, and keeping up with other responsibilities. Patients can even feel empowered to make long-term plans and start investing in their future.
Reduced Risk of Overdose
One of the deadliest aspects of opioid use disorder (OUD) is the risk of overdose. Opioid overdose symptoms can manifest in various ways depending on different factors. However, there are some common symptoms to watch out for.
For example, some people may exhibit symptoms such as pinpoint pupils, slowed or shallow breathing, and extreme drowsiness. As the overdose progresses, symptoms can escalate to include respiratory depression, blue or purple lips or nails due to lack of oxygen, cold or clammy skin, weak pulse, vomiting, and unconsciousness.
In severe cases, opioid overdose can lead to coma, permanent brain damage, or even death if not promptly treated with medical intervention.
The good news is that engaging in Suboxone treatment can significantly reduce the risk of opioid overdose. By blocking the effects of other opioids and reducing cravings, Suboxone makes it so that patients are less likely to seek out and use other opioids, thereby lowering their risk of overdosing on illicit opioids. [3]
The presence of naloxone in Suboxone also serves as a safety mechanism. If someone on Suboxone were to try to misuse opioids by injecting or snorting them, the naloxone component would become active and block the effects of the opioids.
This can deter people from attempting to use other opioids while on Suboxone treatment, as they would not experience the desired high. They may even experience withdrawal if they try to override the naloxone blockade.
Potential Long-Term Risks
Unfortunately, prolonged use of Suboxone can also lead to certain adverse effects, such as the development of tolerance.
Tolerance is when a person requires higher doses of a certain drug just to achieve the same therapeutic effects. In most cases, tolerance increases the risk of misuse because people want to keep benefiting from a substance, whether it’s a prescription medication or an illicit drug.
If a person becomes tolerant towards Suboxone, healthcare professionals may have to make adjustments to the treatment plan to maintain effectiveness.
It is therefore important for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients on Suboxone to address tolerance issues promptly and adjust treatment strategies as needed to ensure long-term success in recovery.
Aside from tolerance, Suboxone can also cause mild to serious side effects such as headaches, anxiety, insomnia, sweating, depression, nausea, weakness, constipation, back pain, and burning mouth syndrome, among others. [4]
Side effects may go away within a few days or after a couple of weeks. If you want some tips on dealing with these side effects, consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
Physical Dependence
Like other opioids, long-term use of Suboxone can lead to physical dependence. This is where the body adapts to the presence of the medication, to the point where it requires it to function normally.
This dependence may result in withdrawal symptoms if Suboxone is discontinued abruptly, highlighting the importance of gradual tapering under medical supervision. Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, insomnia, muscle aches, and anxiety. [4]
While Suboxone itself is designed to help patients taper off opioids by mitigating withdrawal symptoms and cravings, extended use can lead to dependence on the medication itself.
Psychological Effects
While Suboxone is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience psychological side effects when taking it. Examples include anxiety, depression, and mood swings, particularly during the early stages of treatment.
Other patients experience emotional blunting or a dulled affect while taking this medication. This impacts both their mood and emotional responsiveness.
Monitoring for these effects and providing appropriate support is essential to ensure the patient’s well-being. Individuals undergoing Suboxone treatment should receive comprehensive support and monitoring to address any psychological effects experienced during treatment.
Long-Term Safety
Suboxone has been shown to be safe and effective for long-term use in the treatment of opioid addiction. With that said, continued research is needed to fully understand its potential long-term effects on various organ systems, including the liver, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.
There may be concerns about the impact of long-term buprenorphine use on cognitive function, mood, and hormonal balance, although research in these areas is ongoing.
It’s worth noting that serious side effects from Suboxone are not common, but they can still occur. Examples of serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, breathing problems, coma, liver damage, hormone problems, dental problems, and severe withdrawal symptoms. [4]
Can You Get Addicted to Suboxone?
The short answer is yes, you can get addicted to Suboxone despite being used as treatment for opioid dependence and addiction. This is especially true if Suboxone is not used as prescribed.
Suboxone itself is an addiction-forming narcotic drug, so abusing it will come with the consequence of drug dependence and addiction. [5]
Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Buprenorphine, though a partial agonist, can still lead to physical dependence and tolerance.
Misuse of Suboxone, such as taking larger doses than prescribed or using it without a doctor’s supervision, can increase the likelihood of addiction.
Additionally, abruptly stopping Suboxone after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, further reinforcing its potential for addiction. Therefore, it’s essential for those using Suboxone as part of addiction treatment to closely follow their doctor’s instructions and regularly reassess their treatment plan.
How to Take Suboxone
When taken correctly, Suboxone helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing patients to focus on their recovery journey. Taking it as instructed will ensure its effectiveness and minimize potential risks. [1]
Typically, Suboxone comes in the form of sublingual film or tablets. To take Suboxone sublingually, place the film or tablet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve completely. Do not chew, swallow, or crush the medication, as this can affect its absorption and effectiveness.
Never use Suboxone in larger doses or more frequently than prescribed. Avoid eating or drinking anything until the film or tablet has completely dissolved, which usually takes a few minutes. [1]
It’s important to adhere to the prescribed dosage and frequency to prevent withdrawal symptoms or potential overdose.
If you want to stop taking Suboxone, you need to consult your doctor first in order to avoid the risk of withdrawal. Always communicate openly with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns or side effects that you encounter while taking Suboxone.
Treatment for Suboxone Addiction
Treatment for Suboxone addiction typically involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical dependence on the medication and the psychological aspects of addiction.
One common strategy is to gradually taper off Suboxone under medical supervision to minimize withdrawal symptoms. This tapering process may be accompanied by medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, such as clonidine or certain antidepressants.
In addition to medication-assisted treatment (MAT), therapy plays a crucial role in overcoming Suboxone addiction. Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, can help addicted individuals identify and change the thought patterns that contribute to their addiction.
Meanwhile, counseling and support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, provide valuable peer support and guidance throughout the recovery process.
Medical professionals may also recommend alternative medications or therapies to address any underlying issues contributing to the addiction, such as co-occurring mental health disorders.
It’s essential for patients seeking treatment for Suboxone addiction to engage in a comprehensive treatment program tailored to their specific needs, which may include a combination of medication, therapy, and support services to achieve long-term recovery.
In conclusion, Suboxone is a valuable tool in the treatment of opioid addiction, offering significant benefits in terms of sustained recovery
However, it poses its own set of risks, especially if misused or taken for a long time. If you or someone you love is struggling with Suboxone addiction or any other type of substance use disorder, look for a rehab near you and learn more about the different treatment programs that are available. Get started on the road to recovery today.
Sources:
[1]: https://www.drugs.com/suboxone.html
[2]: https://www.workithealth.com/blog/suboxone-buprenorphine-treatment-long-term-benefits/
[3]: https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/buprenorphine-naltrexone-vivitrol-overdose-risk/
[4]: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325827#side-effects
[5]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/suboxone/addictive
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