Patient's Guide to Suboxone: Undergoing Comprehensive MAT

Opioid addiction has been a health crisis in the US, especially after the pandemic in 2020. While illicit drugs have always been an issue, even prescription opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc, are being misused. In such a state, Suboxone emerges as a lifesaving tool. While the path toward recovery may seem challenging, it is not impossible to deal with opioid use disorder (OUD) when medications like Suboxone are available. 

It is part of a comprehensive treatment, i.e., medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT is essentially a combination of therapy and medication. Its purpose is to address both physical and psychological withdrawal. Suboxone is one of the most common medications used in MAT. This guide will help you understand what Suboxone is, how it works, and what to expect during treatment.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a combination of two ingredients, i.e., buprenorphine and naloxone. When dispensed sublingually, buprenorphine is the main active ingredient while naloxone is not. However, naloxone is added to the medication to deter its misuse via injections. In the following section, we’ll explain how the two ingredients work:

Buprenorphine: This is a partial opioid agonist, which means that it acts on the opioid receptors of the brain and satiates its needs without producing intense rush or euphoria. It helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to stop using opioids.

Naloxone: Naloxone, on the other hand, is an opioid antagonist. This means that it blocks the effects of opioids. Naloxone is added to Suboxone to prevent misuse. If someone tries to inject Suboxone, naloxone will block the euphoric effects of opioids, discouraging misuse.

How Does Suboxone Work?

The main ingredient of Suboxone is buprenorphine. It is a partial agonist, meaning that it works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain. Because buprenorphine is only a partial agonist, it activates these receptors but not to the same extent as full opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. This helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing significant euphoria or respiratory depression. The risk of overdose or addiction to Suboxone is very low when it is taken as per a doctor’s prescription. Naloxone is added to make it safer and to discourage misuse, making buprenorphine/naloxone a safe and effective combination.

Benefits of Suboxone

There are many benefits to administering Suboxone. It is even successful as monotherapy but when combined with therapies, its efficacy increases even more. Some benefits are listed below.

• One of the biggest challenges in overcoming opioid addiction is dealing with intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone helps to alleviate these, making the process of quitting more manageable.
• Because of the way Suboxone is formulated, it has a lower potential for abuse compared to other opioids.
• Suboxone allows individuals to focus on their recovery by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms and improving their daily functioning.
• Suboxone can support long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse

Initiation of Suboxone Treatment

If you and your healthcare provider decide that Suboxone is the right treatment for you, here's what you can expect:

Diagnosis and Screening

Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the severity of opioid dependence. The initial consultation includes checking medical history, and any other factors that might affect your treatment. This phase can also be done via online Suboxone doctors. Allowing patients to access treatment conveniently from their homes and receive the necessary support through virtual consultations.

Initiating the treatment

During this phase, patients start taking Suboxone under medical supervision. This phase usually begins once one is experiencing mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms. Your provider will monitor you closely to adjust the dose as needed.

Stabilization Phase

Once your dose is adjusted to a level that effectively reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms, you enter the stabilization phase. This phase focuses on maintaining the correct dose and continuing to monitor your progress.

Medication Management

This is a maintenance phase that includes taking Suboxone as prescribed. The goal is to keep your cravings and withdrawal symptoms under control while you work on your recovery through counseling and other support services.

Tapering Off

Some individuals may eventually decide to taper off Suboxone under medical supervision. This process should be gradual and carefully monitored to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.

Coupling Suboxone and Medications

Suboxone is most effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies. These therapies help address the underlying causes of addiction and develop coping strategies to prevent relapse. Some common types of therapy include:

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling, as the name suggests, includes working one-on-one with a therapist to explore personal issues, set recovery goals, and develop coping skills.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is one of the most effective ways of participating in group sessions with others who are also in recovery. Group therapy provides support, reduces feelings of isolation, and allows individuals to share their experiences and learn from others.

Family Therapy

Involving family members in the recovery process can help improve communication, rebuild trust, and address any family issues that may contribute to addiction. It can also be a great way of improving communication and breaking the cycle of addiction. 

Potential Side Effects of Suboxone

Like any medication, Suboxone can cause side effects, though it is usually a well-tolerated one. Some common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Fatigue

Most side effects are mild and tend to improve over time. If you experience severe side effects or allergic reactions, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Ensuring Safety

While Suboxone is safe, the risk of relapsing is always there. It can urge individuals to mix or misuse even prescription medications like Suboxone. Some ways to ensure your safety are discussed below.

Follow Prescriptions Carefully

Always take Suboxone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust your dose or stop taking it without consulting your provider.

Avoid Alcohol and Other Drugs

Combining Suboxone with alcohol or other drugs can be dangerous and increase the risk of severe side effects or overdose.

Attend Regular Checkups

Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are important for monitoring your progress and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Takeaway

Suboxone is a very powerful and effective way to overcome opioid use disorder which would otherwise be very difficult to combat. Its safety mostly depends on the practices of the patients because intrinsically, the medication is only designed to help individuals. If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, consider talking to a healthcare provider about whether Suboxone might be the right choice. Remember, seeking help is the first step toward a healthier, addiction-free life. Ensuring that you follow the treatment properly is paramount because that is the way to breaking-free from OUD.