Suboxone
Suboxone is a medication used for reversing the effects of opioid drugs. It is often prescribed by doctors or rehabilitation centers. Unlike other medications used to treat opioid addiction and withdrawal, Suboxone is safer because its addiction potential is lower – so, it is preferred in treatment plans.
But despite increased safety, Suboxone can still have side effects and may lead to addiction. Both people who get it on prescription or without prescription can become addicted. What makes things worse is the fact that quitting is often hard to do without help from a professional.
Whether you developed an addiction to Suboxone or you know someone who did, you should know where you can get help for it, but also how long you can expect the withdrawal and recovery to last. We can help people experiencing Suboxone addiction or withdrawal, so you can call on us.
Understanding Suboxone
Suboxone is a prescription medication given to individuals who are addicted to opioid drugs or experiencing withdrawal from opioids. It contains Buprenorphine and Naloxone. Buprenorphine has the power to block opiate receptors, but also reduce someone’s drug cravings. On the other hand, Naloxone can reverse opioid effects.
Naloxone is administered either in tablet form or as an oral film. The latter can simply be placed between the gums and cheek or under the tongue, where it dissolves.
The medication has only been approved for medical use in 2002 by the Food and Drug Administration. Now, it is preferred instead of Methadone because the addiction potential is not that high for Suboxone. Suboxone does not provide the high effect that is often obtained when consuming other drugs or when using a higher amount of methadone.
Suboxone is a Schedule III prescription drug, which means that while it is accepted for medical purposes, it may result in addiction and abuse.
Suboxone Abuse
An individual who uses Suboxone for extended periods risks becoming dependent. When addiction has formed, it is mainly because the body has developed a tolerance to the medication. The normal dose is no longer enough – therefore, the symptoms the user is chasing after will no longer appear, so they keep using higher amounts more frequently.
Compared to other prescription drugs like Methadone, Suboxone is less addictive, but it can still lead to psychological and physical dependence. The chances are higher in people with substance abuse histories. Also, while individuals who are prescribed Suboxone are typically less likely to abuse it compared to those who use it illegally, a dependence may form even under prescription.
Suboxone abuse can be dangerous for the medication user. It can result in numerous unpleasant side effects that are risky and may even be deadly. Higher risk exists in people who mix Suboxone with benzodiazepines, opioids, or alcohol.
What Are The Addiction Symptoms of Suboxone?
It is important to be able to tell the symptoms of a Suboxone addiction. Similar to using methadone, it is not too likely to see symptoms when you use the medication according to the prescription, abusing the Suboxone will most likely lead to some side effects.
Some common symptoms of a Suboxone addiction include:
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Bad coordination, weakness, or limpness
- Shallow breathing
- Thinking issues
- Nausea
- Itching
- Drowsiness
- Pounding heartbeat
- Appetite loss
- Upper stomach pain
Going Through Suboxone Withdrawal
Suboxone addicts are prone to experiencing withdrawal if they try to quit, especially when they have been abusing the drug for a very long time. This is due to the fact that their body built a tolerance to the drug and also started to expect it frequently. Unfortunately, withdrawal sometimes leads to relapse as the symptoms are too uncomfortable and painful.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms for Suboxone include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Muscle or body aches
- Depression
- Digestive distress
- Lethargy
- Irritability
- Chills
- Cravings
- Difficulties concentrating
- Fever
- Sweating
Timeline of Suboxone Withdrawal
After going through a Suboxone addiction, people who quit the substance will start experiencing withdrawal symptoms. It will not take long for them to appear. In fact, most physical symptoms occur in the first 72 hours after quitting Suboxone.
Afterward, the symptoms will start to slowly go away. They will decrease to simple body pain and aches after one week. Apart from that, the person may also suffer from mood swings and insomnia.
Once the first two weeks are over, the person will start experiencing depression. It is going to be the biggest symptom at this stage, and it may usually last for a while.
Then, after a month, the individual may be feeling better compared to the previous weeks, but they may still experience depression, as well as intense cravings. This is also the stage where people are most likely to relapse.
Can You Overdose on Suboxone?
Suboxone overdoses occur when someone uses Suboxone in higher-than-recommended amounts. They use a dose that is too high for their body, so they start experiencing severe side effects.
Overdoses can be extremely dangerous, even going as far as becoming deadly in some situations. For this reason, everyone should avoid consuming Suboxone in high amounts and especially avoid using it without a prescription.
Suboxone overdose symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Upset stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Burning tongue
- Breathing difficulties
- Coma
Real Deal Can Help
If you want to get rid of your Suboxone addiction, then all you have to do is reach out to Real Deal. We pride ourselves in helping people quit their addiction so that they can go back into the world with a new attitude and without craving the substance again. Our amazing detoxification program will help you eliminate the drug from your body while managing potential withdrawal symptoms.
Meanwhile, our therapy program will help you find better coping mechanisms while treating potential issues like anxiety, depression, and others. This way, you can successfully escape addiction.
If you think you may have developed a Suboxone addiction, don’t wait any longer. Reach out to our rehabilitation center right now and start working towards recovery! We’re here for you!