Different medications can be used to alleviate withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing substance use. One option that may be very helpful in some cases in suboxone treatment.
Withdrawal symptoms can be intense. They can lead to serious mental and physical health issues if not handled correctly. Appropriate treatments at the beginning of your recovery journey can reduce your withdrawal severity and put you on a path toward success.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is an opioid derivative. This medication has two main components: buprenorphine and naloxone. It is commonly prescribed to help people manage withdrawal symptoms.
This medication has proven especially helpful for opioid use disorder. It may be prescribed alongside other medications to reduce withdrawal severity during detox.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Suboxone is commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings, making it easier to focus on changing behaviors that feed your addiction.
To achieve the best results from MAT, counseling and other forms of therapy should be used in addition to the prescribed medications.
Benefits of Suboxone Treatment
Using Suboxone is not a cure for addiction. However, if Suboxone is right for you, it may help jumpstart your progress in recovery.
Understanding the various benefits that are involved with this medication can help you and your treatment team determine if this approach is right for you.
Reduced Cravings
When beginning your recovery journey, you will likely experience significant withdrawal symptoms. One common withdrawal symptom is the experience of cravings.
While Suboxone does not eliminate cravings, it can reduce them to a manageable level. Knowing that the symptoms of withdrawal could be worsened without this medication, you may feel more motivated to maintain your sobriety this time to avoid feeling the full withdrawal effects in the future.
A Positive Start in Recovery
Many individuals quit recovery early on due to the severity of their withdrawal symptoms. It can be incredibly difficult to overcome the effects of withdrawal from substance use.
Having the assistance of this medication may be enough to help set you up on the right track to success in recovery. Creating a positive start to your journey may help you stay motivated to continue. A positive start can make a lasting difference in your long-term ability to maintain sobriety.
Safe and Effective Use of Suboxone
Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist. This means it does not activate the brain as actual opioids do. For example, it does not produce the euphoric “high” that can make you want more of the substance. However, it can still be very effective for temporary pain relief.
Because this medication does not have long-term withdrawal effects, it is a safe method for detoxing from certain forms of substance use. It works to help individuals overcome the initial shock of treatment. This medication can also set you up for success from the beginning of your recovery journey at Dream Recovery.
While using this medication is safe under medical supervision, it is important to be aware of the limitations involved with taking it. Never use more of this medication than prescribed. Do check in frequently with your treatment team. If you have questions or concerns regarding the safety of Suboxone, reach out to the staff at Dream Recovery.
Limitations of Suboxone Use
Suboxone is only meant to be a temporary solution. Dependence on this medication tends to be less likely than with other addictive substances. However, there is still a potential to develop a dependency.
It is important to only take Suboxone under the proper care of a physician. This can ensure you are utilizing the medication appropriately.
Suboxone Side Effects
The following side effects are also significant to be aware of when taking Suboxone:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty with sleep
- Confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Rashes and itching
- Nausea
- Lack of energy
While these side effects do not always occur, there is potential for them to happen. Keep in mind that some of the side effects you experience while taking this medication may be symptoms of withdrawal, not effects from Suboxone.
It can be difficult to tell if the side effects are from detoxing or from the use of Suboxone itself. Therefore, it is essential to stay in contact with your medical provider while taking Suboxone. Communicating with your medical team can also help you avoid swapping addictions.
Suboxone Maintenance
Since suboxone is not intended to be a long-term solution, there is no need to continue taking this medication indefinitely. If you experience heightened self-awareness and confidence in resisting cravings while on this medication, it is important to retain those skills. For example, while taking Suboxone, you will likely become more mindful of the impact substances have had on your daily life.
You may start to identify some coping mechanisms you can employ to combat withdrawal effects. Drawing upon the knowledge acquired during Suboxone use can set you up for long-term success in your recovery journey. Utilize the skills you have been able to gain throughout the time of using Suboxone and apply them to other aspects of your recovery. This action will help to set you up for success with your long-term recovery abilities.
Suboxone is a very beneficial medication that may help you overcome withdrawal effects as you detox from certain kinds of substance use. The temporary use of this medication can reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms to ease the stress of beginning treatment. While there are various benefits with the use of this medication, there are also some limitations to be aware of to ensure you do not develop a dependence on Suboxone. Talk about the use of Suboxone with our treatment team to determine if this medication is the right approach for you. To learn more about suboxone treatment and maintenance and how it can influence your success in recovery, reach out to Dream Recovery at (657) 216-7218.
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