There is a great deal of attention focused on methods of treating the national health crisis of opioid addiction. Understanding what is Suboxone provides insight into its use as a strategy during recovery. In fact, using Suboxone is bringing renewed hope to those whose children and other family members are affected by substance use disorder. It’s the cornerstone of treatment when a person receives care in a suboxone addiction treatment center.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that’s been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in the treatment of a substance use disorder when opioids are involved. Suboxone is a combination of naloxone and buprenorphine.
Naloxone is a type of drug that is commonly used to counteract the effects of taking narcotics. It’s been used successfully countless times by first responders, police officers, and family members to reverse the life-threatening depression of both the person’s respiratory and central nervous systems. It’s Naloxone that’s been handed out to community members and that’s available in pharmacies across the United States in hopes of being able to stem the incidences of opioid overdose.
Buprenorphine, on the other hand, is used to help counter the symptoms of opiate withdrawal. These are often so distressing — both mentally and physically — that the person feels powerless to overcome them on their own. They often feel that there is no other choice than to use the opiates that they’re addicted to in order to find relief.
When Is Suboxone Used?
In addition to knowing what is Suboxone, it’s important to know when is this combination drug used. It’s especially vital if you are searching for a drug treatment center for yourself or for a loved one and there is a substance use disorder involved.
Suboxone is often used as part of a treatment regime called medication-assisted treatment. It’s used with other proven techniques including lifestyle changes, counseling, peer support, and more. It’s important to note that using Suboxone is just one crucial part of an overall treatment plan for substance use disorder.
What You Need To Know About Suboxone
Like any other medication, it’s important that you follow the doctor’s instructions precisely and use Suboxone only as directed. You will have a thorough assessment that includes your medical history and other factors before a treatment plan is developed. The medical staff needs to know if you have any of following conditions or if you’ve ever had them in the past:
- Breathing or lung problems
- Hallucinations
- Stomach conditions
- Enlarged prostate
- Curvature of the spine that makes it difficult to breathe
- Thyroid, liver, lung, or kidney disease
- Head injury
- Gallbladder disease
- Difficulty with urination
- Adrenal problems
Your doctor also needs to know if you are taking narcotic painkillers, antidepressants, sleeping pills, sedatives, and/or tranquilizers. You should not take these types of medicines at the same time that you are also taking Suboxone.
Because Suboxone can be habit-forming, it’s important that you don’t take more than your doctor prescribed. Giving Suboxone away or selling it is against the law. It could also be dangerous to the other person who is ingesting it.
Before you stop taking Suboxone, you should talk to your medical team. There is a chance that you could experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking this medicine too quickly and without guidance.
If you have additional questions about what is Suboxone, Oceanfront Recovery Center offers a wealth of information, support, and resources for those who are experiencing substance use disorder. We’re certified by the Joint Commission and the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. We also offer the following services and amenities:
- Two residential programs
- Yoga
- Partial hospitalization program
- Co-occurring rehab program
- Anger management
For more information, call us today at 877.296.7477 and speak with one of our support staff members.
