Suboxone Treatment Specialist in Peachtree Corners GA

Suboxone is a prescription drug that is typically taken to aid people struggling with opioid addiction, and more specifically, is effective at preventing opioid withdrawal symptoms, stabilizing a person’s use of opioids, and preventing relapse and potential overdose. Suboxone can help lead to an improvement in quality of life for many people struggling with any of the plethoras of opioid addiction issues. Common treatment plans surrounding opioid abuse will commonly see forms of counseling or therapy in tandem with the medication. While Suboxone is only FDA-approved for opioid-related issues, it has been seeing off-label prescriptions for chronic pain management. However, this is typically only in special circumstances where a doctor sees Suboxone as a potential solution to a more difficult problem.

Because the method that which Suboxone is administered is new to many people, it is seen as odd. While it does tend to throw people off initially, it is a simple and harmless process. Suboxone tablets are taken sublingually, meaning that it is placed underneath the tongue. In addition, the tablet is left there until it completely dissolves, which will vary in time, but typically takes anywhere from 2-10 minutes. Understandably, this may be uncomfortable for some people, however, it remains important to not chew or swallow the tablet as testing has shown that this can reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Depending on the individual, one may need to take a higher dosage, which may mean that there are two or more tablets underneath the tongue at once as this is preferred to taking tablets one after another. Finally, people need to avoid eating and drinking for at least 15 minutes after the drug is fully dissolved as this will also help ensure that the medication works effectively.

Suboxone is generally used to combat opioid addiction symptoms, however, there are occasions when it is prescribed off-label. The term ‘off-label’ is used to describe a medicine practice where a medication is prescribed for a situation that it was not initially intended for by the FDA. This occurrence is allowed as the FDA approves the safety of medications, but not the practice of medicine itself, which is left to a doctor’s discretion. Specifically, Suboxone is most commonly prescribed off-label to treat chronic pain. This is because it contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, meaning that it binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, however, its effect is weaker and has a significantly lower chance of drug abuse. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist and another active ingredient in Suboxone, helps further prevent the potential for misuse of the drug. Most circumstances in which it is recommended by a doctor include the following: An individual in need of pain management but has a history of opioid abuse; An individual who has not responded well to other forms of medication. In general, however, people are significantly less likely to see Suboxone used for anything other than managing opioid withdrawal symptoms or cravings.

The active ingredients in Suboxone allow it to function as an effective treatment option for individuals experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms, or difficulty managing opioid use. The first ingredient, buprenorphine, binds to the same receptors in the body and brain that opioids do and is known as a partial opioid agonist. While binding to the same receptors, it produces a weaker effect than standard opioids, which allows the body to ease itself during a withdrawal, and alleviate discomfort without the risk of drug abuse or addiction. With the help of the second active ingredient, naloxone, an opioid antagonist, the effect of outside opioids is blocked, further helping reduce potential relapse. These two ingredients work in tandem to not only provide aid for withdrawals but relapse as well, making Suboxone an effective treatment option for many people. Even with the upside of Suboxone in mind, it remains important to speak with a doctor for more personalized treatment, especially on the topic of opioids.
 
Specialized and quality care is available at Ascension Solutions Treatment Clinic. We serve patients from Peachtree Corners GA, Asheville NC, Swannanoa NC, Johns Creek GA, Woodfin NC, Biltmore Forest NC, Fairview NC, Roswell GA, Dunwoody GA, Pittsburg GA, Western North Carolina, and the surrounding areas.