Opioid addiction and dependency are pressing issues impacting countless lives worldwide. The path to recovery is daunting but achievable with the right guidance and treatment from medical consultants.
You are here which means that you or your close ones need the best treatments for opioid addiction and dependence. This is to inform you that, you don’t have to worry, and you are in the right place.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through understanding opioid addiction, the best treatments available, and how Suboxone and Buprenorphine can play pivotal roles in recovery!
Understanding Opioid Addiction and Dependency
● What are Opioids?
Opioids are defined as a class of drugs that include both prescription medications and illegal substances. They are often prescribed for pain relief but can be highly addictive due to their euphoric effects. Common opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and heroin.
● Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
Common symptoms of Opioid addiction include:
● Intense cravings for opioids
● Inability to control opioid use
● Withdrawal symptoms when not using opioids
● Neglecting responsibilities and relationships
● Continued use despite negative consequences
Statistics To Show The Growth Of Opioid Addiction Among People
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 2 million Americans abused opioids in 2018, and opioid overdoses accounted for nearly 47,000 deaths in the same year. The CDC reports that opioid-related deaths have quadrupled since 1999, highlighting the growing crisis.
The Best Treatment For Opioid Dependency
● Suboxone and Buprenorphine
Suboxone, a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone, is a medication commonly used in treating opioid dependency. When quitting opioids, this medicated substance helps lessen withdrawal symptoms both immediately and for a long time afterward. Suboxone dissolves in your mouth when inserted beneath your tongue (sublingual) or between your gums and cheek (buccal).
The 4 strengths of Suboxone are-
● Buprenorphine (2 mg) with naloxone (0.5 mg)
● 1 mg of naloxone and 4 mg of buprenorphine
● 2 mg of naloxone and 8 mg of buprenorphine
● 3 mg of naloxone and 12 mg of buprenorphine
Research indicates that this medication effectively lowers the abuse of opioids. Additionally, it works well to maintain patients receiving treatment for opioid dependency for a full 24 weeks. (The length of time patients stay in treatment is one factor used to evaluate the effectiveness of a medicine like suboxone.)
To be precise, Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing a high. Naloxone, on the other hand, prevents opioid misuse by blocking its effects.
● Medical Detoxification
Medical detoxification is also the most important process in opioid dependency treatment. Medical supervision is required to manage withdrawal symptoms safely. This process prepares the body for further treatment by cleansing it of opioids.
● Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Counseling and behavioral therapy are combined with medications like Suboxone to treat opioid addiction. This approach addresses the “whole patient” and is highly effective in treating opioid use disorder. Common medications to treat opioid addiction include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
The purpose of each medication includes-
● Methadone: Reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings by acting on the same brain receptors as opioids without producing a high.
● Buprenorphine: Alleviates withdrawal symptoms and cravings with a lower risk of misuse
● Naltrexone: Blocks the effects of opioids, preventing any pleasurable sensations.
Behavioral Therapies
Behavioral therapies are essential in changing attitudes and behaviors related to drug use and developing healthier life skills. Effective behavioral therapies include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and change negative thought patterns.
Contingency Management: Reinforces sobriety with positive reinforcement.
Top Suboxone Uses
Prescription medications like Suboxone are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to address specific medical disorders. Off-label prescriptions for suboxone may also be given for other illnesses. When a medicine with FDA approval is prescribed for a use other than that for which it is approved, this is known as off-label medication usage.
● Suboxone For Opioids- The FDA has authorized suboxone for the treatment of opioid dependency, often known as opioid use disorder. Treatment recommendations for opioid dependency include suboxone, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Lessening the withdrawal symptoms that may happen when opioid usage is cut back or discontinued, aids in the treatment of opioid dependency.
● Suboxone For Withdrawal- Suboxone can ease withdrawal symptoms, making the detoxification process more manageable. By alleviating symptoms, individuals are more likely to continue with their treatment plans. Hence there might be times when these are prescribed off-level. Detoxification, which helps with alcohol addiction, is also a short-term, inpatient program. For opioids, it is different as it demands a long-term treatment plan.
● Suboxone For Depression- In some cases, Suboxone has been shown to have a positive impact on depression, particularly in individuals with opioid use disorder. It contains Buprenorphine that treats depression or similar issues By stabilizing brain chemistry, it can improve mood and overall mental health.
How does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target, but without producing the same euphoric effects. Buprenorphine activates these receptors partially, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while Naloxone blocks any additional opioid effects.
● Buprenorphine Role :
Buprenorphine plays a critical role in treating opioid dependency. As a partial opioid agonist, it provides relief from withdrawal symptoms and cravings without the high, reducing the risk of misuse and dependency.
● Naloxone’s Role :
Suboxone contains naloxone only as a precaution against drug abuse. (Misuse is the term for using a medication otherwise than as directed.) One type of opioid antagonist is naloxone. It so prevents the effects of opioid medications. Injecting Suboxone when opioid dependent might result in potentially harmful withdrawal symptoms from the naloxone. This is because it causes an instantaneous withdrawal by blocking the effects of opioids. However, using the Suboxone film reduces the likelihood of experiencing this withdrawal. This is because a film administers naloxone to the body at a lower dose than an injection.
● Treatment Phase Initial Phase :
The initial phase of treatment focuses on safely managing withdrawal symptoms and stabilizing the patient. This often involves medical detoxification and starting medications like Suboxone.
Maintenance Phase:
The maintenance phase aims to sustain recovery through ongoing medication, counseling, and behavioral therapies. This phase helps individuals rebuild their lives and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Tapering Phase:
In the tapering phase, the dosage of Suboxone or Buprenorphine is gradually reduced under medical supervision. The goal is to eventually discontinue the medication while maintaining sobriety.
Dosage of Suboxone for treating opioid dependence?
Your doctor’s recommended dose of Suboxone will vary depending on several factors:
● the type and period of your opioid dependence,
● the therapy phase you’re in, and
● any additional illnesses you may be experiencing
Your doctor will usually start you on a low dosage and gradually increase it until you find the level that works best for you. In the end, they will recommend the lowest dosage that still yields the intended result.
Drug Forms & Strengths
Only an oral film that may be inserted into the cheek (buccal) or under the tongue (sublingual) is available for suboxone. There are four advantages to it:
● Buprenorphine (2 mg) with naloxone (0.5 mg)
● 1 mg of naloxone and 4 mg of buprenorphine
● 2 mg of naloxone and 8 mg of buprenorphine
● 3 mg of naloxone and 12 mg of buprenorphine
A generic version of suboxone is also offered in various forms. These come in the form of sublingual tablets and films.
Dosage For Opioid Treatment
It is FDA-approved to treat opioid dependency with Suboxone. There are two stages to treating opioid dependence: induction and maintenance.
Induction Therapy –
Suboxone induction therapy is administered at a clinic or doctor’s office. If you are addicted to short-acting opioids like heroin, codeine, morphine, or oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone), Suboxone is only recommended for induction therapy. During the induction phase of treatment, you should utilize Suboxone oral film beneath your tongue. Applying it to your cheek increases the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. When you begin to experience mild opioid withdrawal symptoms, at least six hours after your last short-acting opioid usage, you should begin suboxone induction.
On 1 Day (Doctors Suggests)-
● On the first day, the maximum combined dosage is 2 mg of Naloxone and 8 mg of Buprenorphine.
On 2nd Day (Doctor’s Suggests)-
● Your doctor may provide an extra dose of 2 mg buprenorphine / 0.5 mg naloxone or 4 mg buprenorphine / 1 mg naloxone if your symptoms are not under control in addition to what you were given on day 1.
● In around two hours, your doctor will examine your symptoms once again. The doctors can suggest another Suboxone dosage if necessary.
Maintenance Therapy-
Your therapy will be continued throughout the maintenance phase at the Suboxone dosage that keeps you stable. Your demands and objectives will determine how long your maintenance treatment will last. It might linger for several weeks, months, or even over a year.
You can have weekly or monthly doctor’s appointments during this period.
Maximum Dosage (Suggested By Doctor)-
● During the maintenance phase, the maximum daily dosage is 32 mg of buprenorphine and 8 mg of naloxone.
Get Started With The Advice Of Dr. Dodson
Dr. Dodson and his team specialize in opioid dependency treatment, utilizing Suboxone and Buprenorphine. Their approach is based on evidence-based practices and interdisciplinary care coordination. Dr. Dodson’s mission is to maximize recovery, eliminate cravings, and improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with opioid dependency.
So connect with the experts for treating opioid dependency right now. Get connected with Dodson Pain Consultants.
Conclusion
Recovering from opioid addiction and dependency is a challenging but achievable journey. With the right treatment plan, including medical detoxification, MAT treatment for opioid addiction, behavioral therapies, and medications like Suboxone, individuals can overcome addiction and lead healthier, happier lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, seek help today and take the first step toward recovery