Suboxone

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an estimated 2.5 million adults in the United States reported having an opioid use disorder (OUD) in 2021. However, on average, only 55.2 percent of those who need treatment for OUD received it.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a holistic treatment approach that treats an individual’s symptoms while also targeting the root cause of addiction. It combines professionally managed medications, like Suboxone, with counseling and psychotherapy. Studies have shown MAT to be highly effective in treating substance use disorders.

Navigating substance use disorders and addiction can be challenging, but professional approaches such as MAT can help restore balance and peace in your life. Continue reading below to learn about medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone.

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone is a prescription medication that is commonly used in medication-assisted treatment. This brand-name medication combines two active ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone.

When an individual uses substances, especially opioids, they interact with the brain in unique ways. Opioids attach to specific receptors in the brain, which are known as opioid receptors. When used as a prescription medication, opioids can block the brain from sending certain signals, helping to treat pain. However, opioids can also be misused.

When binding to the receptors in the brain, opioids and some other substances can also trigger the brain’s reward system. This causes the brain to release a feel-good chemical known as dopamine, which can produce euphoric effects. Because of this, opioids can become addictive.

Suboxone works by changing how opioids can bind to these receptors, as well as how the brain responds.

Buprenorphine, one of the active ingredients of this medication, binds to the brain’s receptors. However, unlike other opioids, buprenorphine only activates the receptors partially. This helps reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms while minimizing any euphoric effects.

Naloxone, on the other hand, competes with any opioids in the system. It can reverse or even completely block the effects of opioid binding and fully activating receptors in the brain. This helps prevent any euphoric effects in the case of relapse during treatment. Naloxone is also available alone under the brand name Narcan, where it can be used to reverse opioid overdoses.

As a result, by utilizing these two active ingredients, Suboxone can help treat both the symptoms of substance use disorders and withdrawal. Most often, it is paired with counseling and talk therapies to help target the root causes of addiction as well.

What Is Suboxone Used To Treat?

When prescribed as a part of medication-assisted treatment, Suboxone is used to treat opioid use disorder. Because of how it reacts with the brain, this medication is only useful for opioid addiction, not other types of substance use disorders.

There are several types of opioids that Suboxone may be used for. It can be beneficial for treating addiction to both natural and synthetic opioids, including those such as:

• Fentanyl
• Heroin
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone.

When combined with other resources such as counseling and behavioral therapies, Suboxone can be helpful throughout the entirety of OUD recovery.

During the early stages of recovery, and at times when the risk of relapse is higher, Suboxone reduces the impact that opioids can have on the body. As the patient continues to work through recovery, Suboxone can also minimize the effects of withdrawal.

Opioid Use Disorder and Withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal can be difficult to navigate, and it can make seeking the care you need more challenging. The symptoms occur when the body reacts to the absence of opioids. Because opioids alter brain chemistry, when the brain and body revert to natural levels, the symptoms that occur as a result can be unpleasant. Common opioid withdrawal symptoms include:

• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Muscle aches
• Sweating
• Insomnia
• Dilated pupils
• Abdominal cramping
• Gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting
• Cardiovascular symptoms like high blood pressure
• Psychological symptoms like depression

According to one 2023 study, nearly 1 in 6 patients with OUD leave care before the end of their treatment, a statistic that has increased in recent years. In many cases, these patients leave treatment early due to the severity of withdrawal.

As a result, medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone can help make treatment more accessible for those with opioid-use disorder. By reducing the physical and psychological symptoms of withdrawal, MAT helps individuals receive the care they need to restore balance and health in their lives.

How Is Suboxone Administered?

Suboxone comes in two forms, a tablet and a film, both of which are placed in the mouth to dissolve. The most common types of Suboxone tablet and film are administered sublingually, or under the tongue. However, there is also a buccal Suboxone film, which is instead placed against the cheek to dissolve.

Overall, both forms of Suboxone are the same, and which form is administered often depends on the individual. Talking to your healthcare provider about your individual needs and preferences can help ensure the right form of Suboxone is prescribed for you.

What Are The Side Effects Of Suboxone?

There are many benefits to using Suboxone for the treatment of substance use disorder. However, despite how helpful this medication can be, some individuals may experience side effects with Suboxone.

Some of the most common side effects of Suboxone include:

• Headache
• Nause
• Vomiting
• Changes in sleep schedule
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Problems with concentration.

Less commonly, Suboxone may also cause cardiovascular side effects. This can include heart palpitations or changes in blood pressure.

It’s important to note that not everyone who takes Suboxone as a part of MAT will experience side effects.

If experiencing side effects, individuals can contact their healthcare provider for advice on managing symptoms and switching medications if needed. Some individuals may benefit from taking buprenorphine without naloxone or other available medications.

MAT and Suboxone Frequently Asked Questions

In recent years, medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone has become a cornerstone in treating substance use disorders and opioid addiction. Although some individuals may experience side effects, overall, Suboxone offers a wide range of benefits and can be a helpful step in overcoming the challenges associated with addiction, including withdrawal.

Whether you’re considering medication-assisted treatment for yourself or a loved one, understanding the entire scope of this approach can be overwhelming at first. Below, explore some of the most frequently asked questions about MAT and Suboxone to discover if this is the right approach for your recovery journey.

Is There A Danger Of Addiction With Suboxone?

Yes, there is a chance of addiction when taking Suboxone.

Despite the benefits of Suboxone for treating opioid use disorder, there are some risks to take into account. This includes the risk of becoming addicted to Suboxone, specifically the buprenorphine used in this medication.

Buprenorphine is known as an opioid partial agonist. This means that it interacts with the brain in the same way as other opioids, although to a lesser degree. This quality is what makes it useful as a treatment for opioid addiction and withdrawal. At the same time, this similar reaction can also produce mild reactions similar to that of opioids when abused, although misuse of Suboxone is uncommon.

However, the risk of becoming addicted to Suboxone is low, especially when used as prescribed. The body can become physically dependent on this medication, especially with long-term use, but tapering the dose at the end of treatment can help with this.

How Long Does Treatment With Suboxone Last?

No two people experience substance use disorder and addiction the same way. As a result, treatment approaches and longevity vary from person to person. Several factors can contribute to how long Suboxone treatment lasts, including:

• The severity of OUD
• Comorbid or underlying conditions, including other mental health disorders
• Personal preferences
• Side effects

For some people, treatment with Suboxone only lasts for a few weeks. However, for others, treatment can last for a year or longer.

It’s important to never stop taking Suboxone without first speaking to a professional. Ending Suboxone treatment is a slow process that requires a tapered dose, and professional guidance is necessary during this transition.

Does Insurance Cover Suboxone Treatment?

Many of the medications used in medication-assisted treatment are often covered by insurance. This includes Suboxone. Most public healthcare plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, provide at least partial coverage for Suboxone. In many instances, patients can receive full coverage. However, not every insurance plan may do so, and the out-of-pocket costs can still vary.

There are several factors that can affect not only whether Suboxone is covered under an individual’s insurance but also how much coverage is provided. Some of these factors include:

• Your specific healthcare plan
• Deductibles
• Copays
• Prior authorization requirements.

The best way to learn about insurance coverage for Suboxone and other substance use disorder care options is to reach out to your insurance company for more information. For those without full coverage or insurance, Suboxone can also be purchased out-of-pocket, although the costs for this prescription can be hefty.

If you or a loved one need Suboxone and don’t have insurance, speak to your healthcare provider for additional information on financial assistance for medication or Suboxone alternatives.