Addiction has a powerful grip on the body, and it rewires the mind to create intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, many people with opioid addiction find it hard to stop this habit. This explains why most addiction treatment centers recommend Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT) to help addicts with their sobriety journey. One commonly used drug is Suboxone, an FDA-approved drug with two main ingredients, buprenorphine and naloxone, which helps recovering addicts manage their withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Read on to learn more about this medication and how it works.
Crucial Information About the Drug
Buprenorphine is the main active ingredient in Suboxone, and its primary purpose is to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Buprenorphine is also known as a partial opioid agonist, which means that when it gets into the brain, it will find and engage the same receptors of opioids. However, it will have a relatively lower activity level. This medicine provides a reliable treatment for substance abuse issues since it helps lessen cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms without causing intense euphoria associated with full opioid agonists.
Naloxone is used to block the effects of the opioid drug if someone attempts to misuse the Suboxone medication. The purpose of this substance is to discourage misuse. If someone tries to overuse Suboxone, the naloxone will precipitate withdrawal symptoms, making it less appealing for recreational use. Therefore, it offers addicts a protection layer against the possibility of relapse.
Pain-Blocking Receptors
Using opioids binds the pain-blocking receptors and induces euphoria and pain relief that reinforces the continued use of the drugs. One effective way to break the cycle of addiction is to mute the pain-blocking receptors, which can be achieved by using Suboxone. The medication helps addicts reduce the activation of these receptors, which in turn helps to diminish cravings and lessen the withdrawal symptoms.
The drug works by blocking the brain signals that cause withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, it makes it easier for addicts to taper off opioids while in therapy as they try to address the root cause of the addictions. Limiting the overstimulation of the receptors is a crucial step in achieving recovery, as it helps individuals regain control over their lives and reduce their dependence on drugs.
Maintenance Addiction Treatment
Depending on the condition of the addict, Suboxone can be used as both short-term and long-term maintenance treatments. In a short time, these medications help to bridge addicts through the acute phase of opioid withdrawal and cravings. It helps relieve intense symptoms, allowing individuals to engage in active treatment. This stage usually lasts a few weeks to a month, depending on the addict’s condition.
Patients sometimes need long-term Suboxone maintenance to help stabilize their body from addiction and prevent relapsing. Generally, prolonged use of the medications helps manage cravings, reducing the risk of patients returning to opioids. In such cases, the use of the medicine might extend for years and sometimes, even indefinitely, depending on the individual’s recovery process.
While Suboxone is an excellent medication for addicts who have difficulty with withdrawal symptoms, it should not be taken without the supervision of a healthcare provider. Additionally, patients should know that each person is different, and a prescription that might work for one person might not work for another. That is why it is prudent to consult the experts who will tailor the medication to their specific needs.
