Abuse of prescription medications has become an epidemic. The prescription drug Suboxone was introduced as an aid in the detoxification process of opiate and heroin addiction. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration approved Suboxone with high hopes of fighting heroin addiction. Suboxone has been known to successfully detox heroin addicts. Before the production of Suboxone, opiate and heroin addicts primarily detoxed cold turkey. The abrupt discontinuation of chronic opiate and heroin use is a physically and mentally harmful route to take. Suboxone consists of Buprenorphine and Narcan, an opiate based semi-synthetic narcotic. Suboxone is administered by placing it under the tongue to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Other varieties of this drug are known as Buprenex and Subutex. Since Suboxone contains opiates, it too is highly addictive. Ironically, what was conceived as a solution, just evolved into Suboxone addiction.
Identifying Addiction
Long-term use of Suboxone can lead to Suboxone addiction. If a Suboxone prescribed patient is taking more than prescribed, obtaining the drug by illegal means, or having obsessive thoughts about using, they may have developed a Suboxone dependency. If someone is unsure if they have developed a Suboxone addiction, the best indicator is, at this advice of their doctor, stop taking the medication. If they experience withdrawal symptoms from Suboxone, they have become addicted to Suboxone.
Suboxone Withdrawal Symptoms include:
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle Aches
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
Taking more than prescribed, obtaining it illegally or seeking the "high" effects are signs of Suboxone addiction and abuse. Suboxone addicts generally obtain the prescription by means of "doctor shopping", which is the process of seeking several doctors, especially those who specify in pain management and addiction therapy. Untreated Suboxone addiction can be physically and mentally harmful. There is a risk of overdosing. Long-term use of Suboxone will not only lead to addiction but also cause memory loss, constipation, dehydration and depression.
Treatment for Suboxone Addiction
Addiction is a disease of the mind and body. Treating opiate addiction by means of Suboxone only addresses the physical aspect. Suboxone addiction treatment, like all addictions, should be a therapeutic approach. A physician in a controlled environment should monitor the detox process off of Suboxone. Inpatient treatment can extend anywhere from five days to three months depending on the individual. A detox period of at least five days would only address the physical element of recovering from Suboxone addiction. It is highly recommended to extend treatment and build a healthy recovery. In treatment they can treat the mental dependency and behavioral health. The journey of recovery can be much easier and more affective with the help of an experienced staff and the ability to relate to peers on the same journey.
