Suboxone is a medication that is used to treat opioid addiction. It contains buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, meaning it binds to opioid receptors in the brain but doesn’t produce as strong an effect as a full agonist like heroin or oxycodone. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that is added to Suboxone to deter intravenous abuse.
How Does United States Of America Suboxone Work?
When a person takes Suboxone as prescribed, the buprenorphine mimics the effects of other opioids while blocking or mitigating the effects of illegally used opioids. This helps reduce cravings and prevents the onset of withdrawal symptoms. Any attempt to manage pain or get high from other illicit opioids is blocked by the buprenorphine. The inclusion of naloxone prevents the medication from being dissolved and injected without precipitating withdrawal since naloxone is not well absorbed under the tongue or in the digestive tract.
How Widely Is Suboxone Used?
Suboxone has become one of the most widely used medications for treating opioid addiction in the United States. According to the most recent data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than 400,000 people receive buprenorphine office-based treatment for opioid addiction annually in this country. Its availability in prescription form has helped expand access to treatment compared to methadone which usually requires visiting a specialty clinic daily.
Who Can Prescribe Suboxone?
The Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000 allowed certain physicians to prescribe Schedule III, IV, and V medications for opioid addiction without obtaining a separate license. To prescribe buprenorphine, doctors must complete an 8-hour training course and obtain a waiver from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Qualifying practitioners include medical doctors, osteopathic physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. According to federal regulations, buprenorphine prescribers are limited to a maximum of 30 patients in the first year and 100 patients thereafter.
Who Is Eligible For Suboxone Treatment?
To be considered for Suboxone treatment, patients must be opioid dependent for at least one year or have made two attempts at treatment within the past two years. They also need to experience moderate to severe opioid withdrawal symptoms. A physical exam will check for any medical conditions that could complicate treatment. Psychological and social factors are evaluated as well to assess each person’s level of addiction and potential support system. Urine drug screens are used regularly during therapy to verify they remain abstinent from illicit drugs.
Common Concerns And Considerations
One of the top concerns from treatment providers is the risk of diversion, or Suboxone tablets being illegally distributed or misused. Safety measures include prescribing films that are difficult to tamper with and watching for inconsistent urine drug testing results. Some individuals experience withdrawal symptoms upon stopping Suboxone too quickly. A gradual tapering schedule helps minimize discomfort. Pregnancy is also a major factor since neonatal abstinence syndrome can occur if the mother uses opioids during pregnancy. Close monitoring is essential in such cases.
The cost of Suboxone treatment remains a barrier for many without insurance. A monthly prescription can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. There are attempts to make the medication more affordable through government programs, but access issues persist in rural areas and underserved communities. Coexisting mental health problems commonly seen with addiction further complicates recovery if not appropriately addressed. Relapse is unfortunately common and requires assessing triggers and making adjustments to the treatment regimen.
The while not a quick or easy solution, Suboxone maintenance has proven highly effective at reducing illicit opioid use when taken as part of a comprehensive treatment program involving counseling, social support, and lifestyle modifications. Studies have found it reduces mortality rates, criminal behavior, and risks of infectious diseases spread through unsafe injection practices. Long-term success correlates with patients remaining in therapy for at least one year. With expertise and commitment to an integrated treatment approach, Suboxone offers hope for many to achieve and sustain remission from opioid dependence. Greater expansion of evidence-based medication-assisted interventions could help turn the tide on the devastating nationwide epidemic.
About Author – Vaagisha Singh
Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups. LinkedIn