Understanding the Risks and Benefits of Suboxone
Whenever you’re being treated with prescription medication addiction, it’s essential to educate yourself on all the treatment options at your disposal, including the role Suboxone can provide during the process. If you’re contemplating taking part in either a medical detox program or a Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) program involving Suboxone, understanding the advantages should be one of your first steps. Be sure to ask your detox or drug rehab counselor as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with Suboxone, how it will benefit you, does Suboxone get you high, and any possible risk involved before you start treatment.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is the brand name for a combination of Buprenorphine and Naloxone, which was specifically developed to assist with treating opioid addiction. It comes in a tablet and a sublingual film, both of which dissolve in your mouth.
When used during Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) that can be part of a detox program or an aftercare outpatient regimen, Suboxone should only be a portion of the process. It is necessary for people entering recovery to receive counseling and therapy, too. Finding a comprehensive program that addresses the physical, mental, and emotional effects of drug addiction can be a key to being successful in recovery over the long term.
Suboxone vs. Methadone
Methadone has been one of the go-to medications used in the treatment of opioid addiction for many decades. There are references to Methadone clinics in both society and popular culture regularly to this day. Although Methadone treatment was successful for many people who have taken part in programs to wean themselves off heroin or other opioids, there were some shortcomings. These were addressed when Suboxone was developed.
Suboxone was created with a specific chemical makeup to reduce both cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Methadone clinics only used the simple strategy of slightly reducing the dosage a person was given each time they were administered the drug so that these same reactions to detoxing did not occur. Methadone is only used as part of certified opioid treatment programs. Suboxone can be prescribed by your doctor.
Can Suboxone be Abused to Get High?
Many addicts wonder does Suboxone get you high and although Suboxone can be abused to get high, the potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose is far less than that of other drugs like Methadone. The high a person gets if they abuse Suboxone is very mild and comes on very slowly. Additionally, the Naloxone component of Suboxone helps to safeguard against the possibility of overdose. Naloxone blocks the depressant effects of opioids on the lungs and central nervous system, so stopping breathing (a significant cause of death in overdose) is not an issue.
Suboxone Side Effects
Like any other medication, side effects are part of the equation, and a risk-benefit analysis must be weighed up. Not everyone will experience side effects, and in most cases, they will be mild. If you do experience Suboxone side effects during drug rehab treatment, inform your medical practitioner immediately. A different dosage may be needed, or else an alternate form of treatment may be better for you. Here are some of the Suboxone side effects people have experienced:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Sweating
- Numb mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness and fainting
- Problems with concentration
- Irregular heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Blurry vision
- Back pain
- Drowsiness
At Muse Treatment Center in Los Angeles, we rely on Suboxone as part of our medically assisted treatment program for opioid addiction. There’s never a reason to try and fight addiction on your own. Call us today to learn more about our detox, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare programs. If you or a loved one struggles with any addiction, we can get you started on the road to recovery. Call (800) 426-1818 today.
