The opioid addiction in the U.S., claims the lives of thousands each year with more than five people dying every day from opioid overdoses in Arizona. One of the most promising treatments for fentanyl and other opioids is Suboxone.
Dr. Heavens has helping people with addictions for many years, and prescribing Suboxone for over 5 years. At Heavens Urgent Care we have been helping people and families with medication-assisted treatment for opioids including fentanyl and other pain medications in the clinic and via telemedicine.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication used for the treatment of people suffering from narcotic addictions. It combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Together, these ingredients work to ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings without producing the intense high associated with opioid misuse.
- Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist. This means that it binds to the same receptors in the brain as other opioids (like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers) but activates them less intensely. It helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Naloxone is an opioid antagonist. If Suboxone is misused, for instance, injected rather than taken as prescribed, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids and can induce withdrawal, discouraging misuse.
Suboxone was approved by the FDA in 2002 as part of an effort to provide safer, more effective treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD). It marked a shift in addiction treatment, moving away from abstinence-only models toward medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
MAT is now recognized as the gold standard for opioid addiction treatment, as it combines medication like Suboxone with counseling and behavioral therapies. Since its introduction, Suboxone has helped thousands of individuals stabilize their lives and reduce the risk of overdose and relapse.
Who needs Suboxone?
Suboxone is prescribed to individuals who are addicted to prescription opioids, heroin, and other opioid drugs.
People who need Suboxone typically experience:
- Dependence on opioids: When people attempt to stop using opioids, they often experience severe withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, muscle pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
- Cravings for opioids: These intense urges can lead individuals back into a cycle of addiction.
- Risk of relapse: Quitting opioids “cold turkey” without medical supervision has a high relapse rate and increases the risk of overdose, especially when tolerance levels decrease.
The opioid epidemic in the U.S. has led to a public health crisis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 people died of drug overdoses in 2022, with opioids responsible for about 75% of those deaths.
Opioid addiction is a chronic condition, and just like other chronic illnesses, it often requires long-term treatment. Suboxone offers several key benefits for those suffering from opioid addiction:
- Reduced withdrawal symptoms: One of the major challenges in opioid recovery is managing withdrawal. Buprenorphine in Suboxone helps ease these symptoms, making it easier for patients to focus on recovery.
- Decreased cravings: Suboxone helps reduce cravings for opioids, which are a major driver of relapse.
- Lower risk of misuse: The inclusion of naloxone deters misuse. If someone attempts to inject the drug, naloxone blocks the euphoric effects, potentially triggering withdrawal symptoms instead.
- Increased treatment retention: Research shows that people on MAT, including Suboxone, are more likely to stay in treatment compared to those who attempt to quit opioids on their own. The longer someone remains in treatment, the better their chances of long-term recovery.
- Reduced risk of overdose: Suboxone helps stabilize opioid levels in the brain and reduces the risk of fatal overdose, especially for individuals who are at high risk for relapse.
Numerous studies have highlighted the efficacy of Suboxone as part of medication-assisted treatment. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), patients treated with MAT have a 50% reduction in mortality compared to those who do not receive treatment.
Another key study published in The Lancet found that individuals receiving buprenorphine-based treatments like Suboxone were significantly more likely to remain in treatment and avoid relapse compared to those who received placebo or no treatment.
Addressing Misconceptions
Despite its success, there are still many misconceptions about Suboxone and MAT.
One common concern is that it simply replaces one addiction with another. However, the medical community recognizes that buprenorphine’s partial agonist effects make it far safer and less addictive than full opioid agonists.
Suboxone is a tool to manage addiction, not perpetuate it.
It’s also important to understand that Suboxone is most effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapies. This holistic approach addresses the underlying causes of addiction and provides patients with the skills and support they need to maintain sobriety.
Suboxone has proven to be a game-changer in the fight against opioid addiction. By reducing cravings, easing withdrawal symptoms, and lowering the risk of misuse and overdose, it gives patients a fighting chance to break free from the cycle of opioid dependence.
As we continue to battle the opioid epidemic, it’s vital that we provide access to effective treatments like Suboxone. If you’re struggling with opioid addiction or know someone who is, seek help from a healthcare provider like Heavens Urgent Care.
Walk-ins are always welcome, but we recommend setting up an in-person appointment for a consultation. If you live outside of the Apache Junction area, seek help with us via telemedicine.
Don’t wait. Together, we can take steps toward a healthier future, one where addiction is treated with the same care and concern as any other chronic illness.
