BUPRENORPHINE/NALOXONE
Suboxone is a prescription medicine that contains the active ingredients buprenorphine and naloxone. It is a mixed opiate agonist-antagonist. It combines an opiate – buprenorphine, with naloxone – an opiate antagonist. Naloxone is included as an abuse deterrent. Suboxone is used to treat adults who are dependent on (addicted to) opiates (either prescription or illegal) because it helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid cessation. Most patients on Suboxone medication assisted treatment report feeling very stable, normal, and having a clear mind which allows them to able to make positive choices on a daily basis and thereby return to a life of integrity. When Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is used in conjunction with other forms of support and recovery, it is very effective in helping those struggling with opioid addiction recover and gain back their lives.
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) has become widely used as a replacement for methadone because it can be prescribed by doctors in their offices.
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) is a medication assisted treatment approved by the FDA for the treatment of dependencies such as heroin addiction and dependence on prescription opiate medicines.
How it Works:
Opioids cling to the brain receptors that produce euphoria (getting high), reduce pain and cause respiratory depression/arrest. Different opioids hit the same receptors in different manners. In general, using higher doses of opioids produces greater effects. Thereby trying to get high can stop your breathing! Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) binds to the same opiate receptors but produces less euphoria and less respiratory depression than many other drugs. As a result Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) tends to fill the receptors and reduce opiate cravings while producing less euphoria and respiratory depression than other opioids. The receptors are full with opioids but without the euphoric effects received from other opiate drugs. Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) treatment can manage cravings and provide you with an opportunity to arrest your opioid addiction – a fatal disease!
How do I know if Suboxone is right for me?
Suboxone can be effective medication to help people struggling with an opioid addiction. Suboxone will help you overcome your opioid addiction when used in conjunction with a professional medical provider and other treatment options. The best way to know if Suboxone is right for you is to contact us and setup a time to meet with our professional staff who will perform a consultation and determine if Suboxone is the correct opioid addiction treatment for you.
Can I become addicted to Suboxone?
Suboxone is a very potent medication that is possible to develop an addiction to if misused. When used under supervision of a medication assisted treatment program and Doctor, Suboxone addiction treatment is safe and very effective. Suboxone contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine triggers the same parts of the brain that other opioids like heroin & prescription pain medications but without all of the negative effects typically associated with getting high. Because of this, Suboxone can help restore normal daily function so you can get through your day without the typical withdrawal symptoms usually experienced.
How long will I need to be on Suboxone?
Every individual is different and the length of treatment will depend on many factors that you and your medical professional will discuss. Suboxone has been proven to be safe and very effective in both long and short-term use so there is no concern regarding length of treatment. What is important to remember is that you will be able to return to a functional daily routine without the negative side effects associated with tapering and withdrawal. Dosage and length of treatment is very dependent upon your personal situation and needs.
You will setup a consultation to speak with one of our opioid addiction medical professionals who will assess your current situation and create a custom Suboxone treatment plan just for you and will also determine if it is the correct treatment for you. Depending on your situation you might be on a short or long-term plan. When it comes to start tapering off your Doctor will adjust dosage on a schedule to slowly taper off and in some cases use of Vivitrol is introduced to help you transition off completely.
What is Vivitrol?
Vivitrol (depo-naltrexone) is a monthly injectable medication that is intended exclusively for the treatment of opioid addiction. It is clinically proven to greatly reduce the chance of relapse. If you are suffering from an opioid addiction, Vivitrol can only be used after detoxification has occurred and not before. Vivitrol can also be used in patients who have completely tapered off of Suboxone to significantly prevent the possibility of relapse.
The sole purpose of Vivitrol is to reduce the cravings for opioids by clinging to receptors in the brain that are associated with drug cravings.
Our helpful opioid addiction treatment team will discuss and help you determine if and when it is necessary to use Vivitrol. Please contact us now to setup your consultation so you can regain control of your life and end your opioid addiction.