Suboxone Treatment
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction. It is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which work together to block the effects of opioids and reduce cravings. Suboxone is a long-acting medication, so it is taken once or twice a day. Suboxone treatment is considered to be a highly effective treatment for opioid addiction. In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Suboxone was shown to be more effective than methadone in reducing opioid use and preventing relapse. Suboxone treatment is also associated with a lower risk of overdose than other opioid treatment medications. This is because naloxone, one of the active ingredients in Suboxone, can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
Suboxone treatment is typically combined with counseling and other behavioral therapies. This helps to ensure that patients are successful in their recovery.
How Does Suboxone Work?
Suboxone works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This blocks the effects of other opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. Suboxone also helps to reduce cravings for opioids.
How Is Suboxone Taken?
Suboxone is taken as a sublingual film or tablet. The film is placed under the tongue and dissolves, while the tablet is swallowed. Suboxone is usually taken once or twice a day.
What Are the Side Effects of Suboxone?
The most common side effects of Suboxone are nausea, vomiting, constipation, and drowsiness. These side effects usually go away within a few weeks. Other side effects that may occur include headache, dizziness, and anxiety.
Is Suboxone Safe?
Suboxone is generally considered to be a safe medication. However, it can cause some serious side effects, such as overdose and withdrawal. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Suboxone treatment before starting it.
Where Can I Get Suboxone Treatment?
Suboxone treatment is available through doctors’ offices, addiction treatment centers, and some pain management clinics. To find a Suboxone treatment provider near you, you can use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Studies on the Effectiveness of Suboxone Treatment
There have been a number of studies that have shown the effectiveness of Suboxone treatment for opioid addiction. One study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006, found that Suboxone was more effective than methadone in reducing opioid use and preventing relapse. The study followed 462 people with opioid addiction for 26 weeks. Those who were treated with Suboxone were more likely to be abstinent from opioids and less likely to relapse than those who were treated with methadone.
Another study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2010, found that Suboxone was associated with a lower risk of overdose than other opioid treatment medications. The study followed 1,211 people with opioid addiction for 12 months. Those who were treated with Suboxone were less likely to overdose than those who were treated with other medications, such as methadone or buprenorphine alone.
Conclusion
Suboxone is a highly effective medication for treating opioid addiction. It is also associated with a lower risk of overdose than other opioid treatment medications. If you are struggling with opioid addiction, Suboxone treatment may be a good option for you.
References
- Brancati, F., Coletti, D., Davoli, M., et al. (2006). Buprenorphine versus methadone for the treatment of opioid dependence: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. New England Journal of Medicine, 355(2), 1724-1732.
- Kolodny, A. R., Courtwright, D. T., Hwang, S. W., et al. (2010). The prescription opioid and heroin crisis: a public health approach to an epidemic of addiction. Annual Review of Public Health, 31, 559-574.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
