- Adderall
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Chronic Relapse
- Cocaine
- Codependency
- Compulsive Hoarding
- Crack Cocaine
- Crystal Meth
- Dual Diagnosis
- Eating Disorder
- Ecstasy
- Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- Gender Specific Issues
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Inhalants
- Ketamine (Special K)
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- OxyContin
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Process Addiction
- Ritalin and Concerta
- Sex and Love Addiction
- Steroids
- Suboxone
- Synthetic Cannabis
- Trauma
- Valium
- Video Game Addiction
- Xanax
Suboxone
Suboxone is used in the treatment of opiate addictions, and is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opiate derivative and is similar to others such as morphine. However, its effects are not as intense and as such may be easier to stop taking. The purpose of the addition of Naloxone is to block the effects of opioids.
Suboxone is administered sublingually and dissolves in about fifteen minutes. If it is chewed or sucked, its has no therapeutic benefit. If is injected, the naloxone blocks the effects of the buprenorphine and is followed by the onset of withdrawal symptoms similar to opioid addiction. Proper use does not impede the benefits of the buprenorphine.
Suboxone is replacing methadone as the preferred medical treatment for opiate addictions and is the first narcotic that can be prescribed by physicians for the treatment of opiate dependence. The addition of naloxone is designed to prevent intravenous abuse while reducing the symptoms of dependence. Adults and adolescents older than sixteen who have agreed to treatment are the primary candidates.
Procedure
The success rate of Suboxone treatment has been high (30 to 70 percent success rate) in ideal candidates – older addicts who are now working and want stability and sobriety. Generally, the individual may have had multiple relapses following detoxification and therapy, but now wants to break from the addiction cycle. Those who have participated appear to adjust quickly to Suboxone, because in addition to controlling cravings and withdrawal, it temporarily blocks the euphoric effects of any opiate, and the chance of relapse is diminished.
Suboxone is not generally used for detoxification, but it may be. Its usual application is for maintenance. Detoxification occurs first, and then the patient begins treatment with Suboxone. The patient is gradually introduced to the drug, and dosage increases until the optimal amount is reached. Most treatment programs last six months. As therapy progresses, and the patient learns how to properly self-administer the drug, the patient needs to visit the doctor on limited basis and Suboxone can be prescribed on a take home basis. During this time, recovering addicts cease use of the drug, and move into drug-free recovery.
Despite the presence of naloxone, the risk for abuse still exists. Because it is an opioid, dependence on the drug, and fatal overdoses are possible, albeit greatly reduced.