Suboxone, also known as Subutex, is a prescription medication that helps ease withdrawal symptoms associated with an addiction to opiate based drugs. Suboxone is effective in aiding opiate addicts to discourage drug use, as well as helping users cope with severe withdrawal symptoms associated with long term opiate abuse. Suboxone works on any opiate based drug addiction including heroin, oxycontin, codeine, vicodin, percocet and morphine.
Suboxone is so effective at treating long term opiate addictions because it works to discourages drug abuse through a rigorous detoxification, while also providing the necessary after care services like a sober living environment and outpatient therapy that will help the addict maneuver back into a drug free life.
Why Suboxone works
Suboxone is the first ever approved opioid treatment specifically designed for battling opiate withdrawal and dependency. Suboxone has been proven to be very effective in treating even some of the most virulent opiate addictions. Suboxone is so effective because of it’s two active ingredients Buprenorphine and Naxalone. Buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist that gives off similar, but significantly reduced effects compared to full opiates like heroin and oxycontin. By providing a partial opiate sensation, this helps to dramatically reduce withdrawal symptoms that are usually associated with long term opiate abuse.
Naxalone is added to the drug to help people from diverting the medication and from using it inappropriately. Naxalone works by blocking the effects of other opioids in your system and works as a detox mechanism in aiding the body toward a path to recovery. Naxolone will not affect the actions of the active ingredient buprenorphine if taken under the tongue, but will block any effects of buprenorphine if suboxone is injected and lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
How Suboxone is Administered
Suboxone is usually administered in an outpatient professional setting and provides a more anonymous alternative to seeking treatment at a hospital. Suboxone will be administered over a specific duration of time directed by your physician and your reaction to the medication. To be most effective, suboxone is usually combined with other drug rehab and drug detox programs including behavioral therapy, support groups, and individual drug counseling.
It is important to remember that Suboxone is not for occasional, or as needed use, but needs to be taken for the complete duration of your treatment. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you stop taking suboxone abruptly. Always consult with a licensed physician before taking Suboxone.
