How Does Suboxone Work and Why Do Opioid Addicts Need it?
“Suboxone” is the brand-name for Buprenorphine and Naloxone. There are now multiple generic versions of Suboxone available by prescription from a doctor who obtains an X-DEA license or “X-Waiver” as it is often referred. It is this “XDEA Waiver” that allows them to prescribe Suboxone. This is also reason most general practitioners do not prescribe Suboxone.
Buprenorphine is a partial agonist. Meaning, it partially covers the opioid receptors in the brain which brings relief from painful opioid withdrawal.
Naloxone is an opioid blocker that helps curb cravings and can block the effects of opioid usage.
Buprenorphine and Naloxone together represent what most people call “Suboxone”.
Suboxone is used as part of a medically-assisted treatment program (ie: MAT) for overcoming opioid addiction.
The medicine (Suboxone) is administered to virtually eliminate withdrawals and cravings. Private (and sometimes group) therapy is used to help the person understand their addictive behaviors as well as understand the triggers and often traumas that lead to their abusing opioid drugs.
The two biggest benefits of Suboxone is its ability to virtually eliminate withdrawals and cravings as well as blocking potential opioid use. Suboxone does all of this without making the person feel “high” or euphoric. Many people refer to Suboxone as a miracle drug because it has saved countless lives, families, careers and more.
Unlike Methadone, Suboxone is typically taken subliminally (under the tongue) once or twice daily and is typically prescribed on a monthly basis after a patient is stable. Monthly clinic visits and now Suboxon
e by telemedicine appointment with a doctor and therapist (one visit) are typically all that’s required.
Methadone is taken daily which requires daily clinic visits.
According to many people, Suboxone is easier to taper off of than Methadone due to its chemical makeup.
Why Opioid Addicts Need Suboxone
That means that someone with an opioid addiction can begin a Suboxone treatment program, quit taking their opioid of choice (heroin, oxycodone, OxyContin, Hydrocodone, etc) and virtually eliminate withdrawals and cravings. They can return to living a normal life, as if they did not have an addiction issue.
Due to Suboxone’s long half-life, it does NOT need to be taken every few hours to avoid withdrawals. In fact, once in effect Suboxone users can miss a once or twice daily does often without experiencing withdrawals and cravings.
