Suboxone Addiction
What is Suboxone Addiction?
Suboxone is a medication that contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser degree than full opioid agonists like heroin or Oxycodone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist, which means it blocks the effects of opioids. Suboxone is used to treat opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but it can also be addictive itself. People who take Suboxone for an extended period of time can become physically dependent on the medication, and may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it abruptly.
Recognizing an Suboxone Addiction
Recognizing an addiction to Suboxone can be difficult because the medication is prescribed for the treatment of opioid addiction, and it is often taken as directed by a healthcare provider. However, there are some signs that may indicate an addiction to Suboxone:
Taking more Suboxone than prescribed: If an individual is taking more Suboxone than what is prescribed by their healthcare provider, it may indicate that they have developed a tolerance and are seeking a stronger effect.
Taking Suboxone for non-medical reasons: If an individual is taking Suboxone for reasons other than to treat opioid addiction, such as to get high or to manage stress, it may indicate an addiction.
Difficulty stopping or reducing the use of Suboxone: If an individual has trouble stopping or reducing their use of Suboxone despite their best efforts, it may indicate that they have developed an addiction.
Withdrawal symptoms: If an individual experiences withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, insomnia, and muscle aches when they stop taking Suboxone, it may indicate that they have become physically dependent on the medication.
Neglecting important responsibilities: If an individual is neglecting important responsibilities such as work, school, or family obligations due to their use of Suboxone, it may indicate an addiction.
It is always recommended to talk with a healthcare provider if you suspect someone has an addiction to Suboxone, or if you suspect you have an addiction, seek professional help immediately.
Suboxone Addiction Treatment Programs
Treatment for Suboxone addiction typically involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and behavioral therapy.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): This involves the use of medications, such as Suboxone, to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The goal is to stabilize the individual and make it easier for them to participate in therapy. Other medications like methadone, naltrexone can also be used in MAT.
Behavioral therapy: This includes individual and group therapy sessions that focus on addressing the underlying causes of addiction and teaching individuals how to cope with triggers and stressors. Behavioral therapy can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and contingency management (CM).
Tapering: Gradually reducing the dosage of Suboxone over time is the recommended way to stop taking it. It’s important to do this under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as stopping Suboxone abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The healthcare professional may also suggest alternative medications to ease the withdrawal symptoms.
Rehabilitation: Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation centers can provide a safe and structured environment for individuals to detox, attend therapy, and learn about addiction recovery.
Support groups: Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide individuals with a sense of community and an opportunity to share their experiences and learn from others in recovery.