Suboxone is sometimes used to help people counteract the side effects of heroin, prescription painkillers, and other opioids. Yet suboxone does not provide a surefire solution to treat opioid addiction. To understand why this is the case, let’s take a look at five common myths surrounding the use of suboxone to treat opioid addiction.
- When suboxone is used for opioid addiction treatment, suboxone abuse is common.
The risk of suboxone abuse is minimal in contrast to other opioids. However, a person may still become dependent on suboxone if it is used during an opioid addiction treatment program.
Suboxone is no different from any other opioid in the sense that it can be abused by anyone, at any time. Comparatively, the euphoric effects associated with suboxone are generally less than those associated with heroin, oxycodone, and other types of opiates. In some instances, people will abuse suboxone in the hopes of beating an addiction to heroin or other types of opioids as well.
- It is easy to overdose on suboxone.
It is usually more difficult to overdose on suboxone in comparison to other opiates. Suboxone is a partial opiate receptor agonist, and there is a limit to how much suboxone activates opioid receptors in the brain.
Although overdosing on suboxone may be less common than overdosing on other types of opiates, it is important to note that a person may overdose on any opiate – even suboxone. If a person uses suboxone in conjunction with sedatives like benzodiazepines, for example, he or she may be more susceptible than ever before to an opiate overdose.
- Suboxone should be taken for opioid addiction for a set period of time.
Much in the same way that no two people are exactly alike, how suboxone is incorporated into an opioid addiction treatment program varies based on the individual.
The optimal opioid addiction treatment program is personalized based on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being, how long he or she has been dealing with an opioid addiction, the severity of his or her addiction, and other factors. By meeting with a doctor who understands all aspects of opioid addiction, an individual can get the support that he or she needs to overcome this addiction.
If a doctor determines suboxone may help an opioid addict, he or she may prescribe suboxone for use at the start of an opioid addiction treatment program. In certain instances, doctors will recommend suboxone use for continuing treatment and recovery, too.
Suboxone may be used to help an individual manage his or her opioid addiction withdrawal symptoms. But if a person experiences joint or muscle pain, irritability, insomnia, or other unwanted side effects due to suboxone use, he or she should consult with a doctor immediately. That way, this individual and his or her doctor can adjust an opioid addiction treatment program as needed.
- Suboxone is a long-term opioid addiction treatment.
Suboxone typically blocks the cravings for opiates for about 24 hours. Therefore, doctors may instruct opioid addiction treatment patients to take suboxone at the same time each day.
To date, there is no evidence that shows exactly how long suboxone should be used to help an opioid addict achieve the best-possible treatment results. If a person receives a suboxone prescription from a doctor, he or she should take suboxone as prescribed. This individual should also schedule regular doctor meetings to track his or her opioid addiction treatment results.
People who use suboxone for long-term opioid addiction treatment may be susceptible to various long-lasting issues. Paranoia is one of the most common long-term side effects associated with suboxone. Additionally, for those who are dealing with mental illness, suboxone may cause their symptoms to worsen over time.
- Suboxone alone can be used to treat opioid addiction.
Like any opiate, suboxone is unpredictable. Suboxone may help some people effectively control their opioid addiction withdrawal symptoms. Meanwhile, others may struggle to manage their opioid addiction, even if they use suboxone as part of an opioid treatment program.
For those who are considering suboxone as part of opioid addiction treatment, it is critical to weigh the pros and cons associated with the opioid. If a person understands how suboxone works, this individual may be better equipped than ever before to determine if it can be used to help him or her overcome an opioid addiction.
Ultimately, meeting with a doctor is key to treat an opioid addiction. A doctor will learn about a patient and develop a personalized treatment program based on the individual. He or she may prescribe suboxone in conjunction with therapy and other opioid addiction treatments. Plus, a doctor will monitor a patient’s progress.
The Bottom Line on Suboxone for Opioid Addiction Treatment
Opioid addiction is complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to address all opioid addictions, at all times. Doctors sometimes prescribe suboxone as part of an opioid addiction treatment program. But suboxone for opioid addiction offers no guarantees. In some cases, suboxone may actually cause paranoia and other long-term health issues for opioid addicts.
Today, ibogaine offers a viable alternative to treat opioid addiction without suboxone. Ibogaine therapy is designed to help individuals detox from high doses of opioids, as quickly as possible. It has also been shown to help mitigate up to 95% percent of withdrawal symptoms associated with buprenorphine detox.
If you or someone you know is currently dealing with an opioid addiction, Transcend Clinic can help. Please contact us today to find out more about our ibogaine treatment programs for opioid addiction.