Suboxone Clinic

When it comes to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction, you may have heard of one medication brand name more than any other: Suboxone. But what is it, and how does it work? Is it the only option for MAT, and is it necessary for every patient to fight opioid addiction? Here are four essential facts about Suboxone, according to the addiction treatment team at Keys To Tranquility:

1. Suboxone Blocks the “Opioid Effect”: Suboxone is an opioid antagonist, which is the opposite of opioid agonists such as heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. Opioid agonists activate a pain-blocking receptor in the brain, altering perceptions of pain and releasing endorphins that mimic pleasure. This is known as the “opioid effect.” Suboxone negates the effects of any opioid by preventing them from activating those pain receptors. This helps to manage cravings and reduce symptoms of withdrawal.

2. Suboxone is Less Habit-Forming Than Methadone: Since the early 2000s, addiction treatment specialists have preferred to prescribe Suboxone instead of its MAT predecessor, methadone. Suboxone was developed with a far lower risk of dependency than that of methadone. Additionally, the side-effects of Suboxone are usually less severe and tend to be physical instead of mental.

3. Suboxone Comes in Two Forms: Suboxone is designed to be easy for patients in recovery to take. It comes in two forms: a tablet and a sublingual film, both of which dissolve in the mouth. Essentially, both of these methods offer the same results. However, tablets are sometimes less expensive than the film, and some patients feel they are more discreet. On the other hand, some patients prefer the film due to their ability to taper their dose in smaller and smaller increments when their recovery goals involve weaning off the medication entirely. This practice should never be done without guidance from a doctor.

4. Suboxone is Just One Part of Recovery: While medication-assisted treatment is an amazing option for helping patients beat addiction, it shouldn’t be the only element of your recovery plan. A complete MAT plan combines a carefully-monitored medication regimen with substance abuse counseling and regular primary care to keep your mind and body in fighting health. For some patients in recovery, Suboxone is not the right choice of medication. Some patients don’t even benefit from medication assistance at all. Every journey is unique, and addiction treatment specialists at Keys To Tranquility are there to help patients make educated decisions every step of the way.