Have you ever wondered about the many treatments that are available in treating opiate addiction? Suboxone is a prominent drug on the market that is intended to treat opiate addiction.
Its ingredients are a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a typical opioid medication and naloxone will block out the effects of the opioid medication.
This can include relief of pain and the feelings that trigger opioid abuse in the first place.
It should be noted that Suboxone is not intended to be used as a pain medication. It’s specifically targeted for those afflicted with opiate addictions and should not be used for other purposes.
We’re going to deep dive into the incentives of using Suboxone, the risk factors, proper way to take it, and much more.
If you’d like to learn more, be sure to coordinate with your local Suboxone detox in Atlanta, GA.
Is Suboxone Addictive?
Like with most medications or other forms of remedies, there is a risk factor if you’re not taking the medication properly, and yes, there can be an addictive component to this like with any other substance.
Suboxone has the ability to stop or slow down your breathing completely, and it can be habit-forming. Misuse of the medication can lead to death, overdose, and addiction.
Fatal side effects will only ever occur if you are mixing the medicine with alcohol or any drugs that impair your breathing and cause drowsiness.
“Intoxication from Suboxone does not occur if a patient is opioid dependent. The misuse can be addressed with increased monitoring, urine drug testing, and film/pill counts”, which was a finding and direct statement made by Dr. Jennifer R. Velander of The Ochsner Journal.
Peer-reviewed journals and coordination with Suboxone treatment centers in Atlanta, GA, are two resources that will provide you with a plethora of information, so that you can make informed decisions when taking certain drugs for opiate addiction.
Before You Take The Medicine
It’s not advisable to take Suboxone if you are allergic to naloxone or buprenorphine.
To ensure that the medicine will be safe to take, make your doctor wary if you’ve experienced the following symptoms:
- Issues with breathing or sleep apnea
- Trouble urinating or issues with your prostate
- A form of liver or kidney disease
- A curvature of the spine that is impacting your breathing
- Issues with your gallbladder, thyroid, or adrenal glands
- Head injuries, seizures, or brain tumors
- Alcohol and drug addiction
For women who are pregnant, there is a chance that your newborn will become dependent on this drug. Withdrawal symptoms could appear after the baby is born.
Babies that are relying on opioids could be that way for many weeks.
You should also advise your doctor if you’re breastfeeding while using Suboxone.
The Right Way To Take Suboxone
Be diligent when taking Suboxone. Don’t deviate from the recommended doses that your doctor has prescribed for you.
Never use this medication in larger amounts or longer than when your treatment is supposed to conclude.
If you are developing a dependency on this medicine, feel free to coordinate with your doctor to air these grievances.
Before ingesting the medicine, be sure to take it with water to keep your mouth moist. This will make it easier for the film to dissolve.
When the film is dissolving, don’t chew or swallow it because the medicine will not work properly.
Additionally, don’t share the medicine with another person, especially for those who have a history of abusing drugs or have addictive personalities.
Store the medication in an area where no else will have easy access to it. Any attempt to resell this medication is against the law, and is in fact punishable.
All of the doctors that you see regularly should be fully aware of the medication you are taking, especially if it’s something as vital as Suboxone.
Understanding Suboxone Treatment
Unlocking the Power of Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone treatment is a powerful solution for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. This innovative approach combines two key components: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine acts as a partial opioid agonist, engaging brain receptors similarly to opioids but with reduced intensity. On the other hand, naloxone serves as an opioid antagonist, counteracting the effects of opioids.
The combination of these medications makes Suboxone an optimal choice for combating opioid addiction. By alleviating withdrawal symptoms and cravings while deterring misuse or abuse through its sublingual tablet form, Suboxone offers a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Selecting the Right Treatment Provider
Choosing a suitable treatment provider is paramount when considering Suboxone treatment. Here are some essential factors to consider:
- Certification and Experience: Ensure your chosen provider possesses proper certification and experience in administering Suboxone treatment to receive top-notch care from experts well-versed in addiction recovery intricacies.
- Comprehensive Approach: Opt for providers offering holistic treatment plans encompassing counseling, therapy, support services alongside medication-assisted treatments like Suboxone.
- Individualized Care: Seek out providers tailoring their approach based on your unique needs for personalized support throughout your recovery journey since each individual’s path varies significantly.
Preparing for Suboxone Treatment
Before embarking on Suboxone treatment, take necessary steps to prepare yourself mentally and physically:
- Consultation with Healthcare Professionals: Schedule consultations with healthcare professionals specializing in addiction medicine or substance abuse disorders to explore options regarding medication-assisted treatments like Suboxone.
- Medical Evaluation: Undergo thorough medical evaluations assessing overall health suitability for Suboxone treatment through blood tests, physical examinations, and discussions about medical history.
- Mental Health Assessment: Address underlying mental health conditions coexisting with addictions by identifying issues guiding appropriate planning.
- Medication Review: Provide a detailed list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to ensure no potential interactions between other medications.
What to Expect During Treatment
During your Suboxone treatment, it is important to understand what to expect:
- The Induction Phase: The initial phase involves starting at low doses until reaching the optimal dosage for relief without causing sedation or intoxication.
- The Stabilization Phase: Once the correct dosage is determined, the focus is on maintaining stability by consistently taking the prescribed amount as directed by the healthcare provider.
- The Maintenance Phase: In this phase, you continue taking the prescribed dose while actively participating in counseling and therapy sessions aimed at addressing underlying issues contributing to addiction.
Possible side effects may include constipation, nausea, headache, insomnia, and sweating. However, these side effects typically subside as the body adjusts to the medication. If severe side effects occur or persist beyond a few days, consult your healthcare provider immediately for further guidance on managing them effectively.
Post-Treatment Care and Maintenance
After completing your Suboxone treatment, post-treatment care and maintenance are crucial for long-term success in overcoming opioid addiction. Here are some important steps to follow:
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are key to monitoring your progress, adjusting dosages if necessary, and addressing any concerns or side effects.
- Continuous Care: Sustaining sobriety requires ongoing support beyond the initial treatment phase. Engage in therapy, counseling, and support groups to develop coping strategies, manage triggers, and prevent relapse.
- Lifestyle Changes: Embrace healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, stress management techniques, and positive social connections to support your recovery.
- Building a Support System: Surround yourself with a strong support system of loved ones who understand and champion your recovery journey.
- Self-Care Practices: Prioritize self-care by incorporating relaxation methods, engaging in activities that bring you joy, and reflecting on personal growth.
Remember, recovery is an ongoing process that requires dedication to your treatment plan and transparent communication with healthcare providers. By actively participating and seeking support, you can achieve lasting recovery and reclaim control of your life.
How to Begin Suboxone Treatment
Embarking on Suboxone treatment for opioid addiction requires careful planning and decisive action. Here are the essential steps to take:
- Consult with addiction specialists before starting Suboxone treatment to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
- Choose a certified provider experienced in prescribing Suboxone for expert care. Schedule your appointment promptly as providers may have waitlists.
- Gather medical records detailing your substance abuse history and be transparent about your drug use during consultations.
- Follow medication instructions closely and engage in counseling sessions to address underlying causes of addiction.
- Attend regular follow-up appointments for dosage adjustments and support, and make lifestyle changes to support recovery efforts.
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare provider, as misuse can lead to dependence and other serious side effects. Consult with a doctor for proper guidance.
Suboxone Detox Norcross & Atlanta, GA
It’s your job as a patient who is actively using Suboxone, to be mindful of how you use it and where it’s stored. As previously mentioned, don’t use the medication for other purposes than what it was prescribed for!
For more information on Suboxone, you can contact our team at Southeast Addiction, which is a Suboxone treatment center in Norcross & Atlanta, GA.
We will work with you in treating opiate addictions, and will advise you of the appropriate protocols to follow, when taking a form of treatment like Suboxone.
Always remember to coordinate with your healthcare provider to see what else can be done to accommodate your personal battle in curbing your opiate addiction and utilizing the appropriate doses for treatment.
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