What Are the Benefits of Suboxone?

Suboxone is a medication primarily used to treat opioid addiction. It combines two active ingredients—buprenorphine and naloxone—to help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings associated with opioid dependence. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist, which means it activates opioid receptors in the brain, but to a lesser extent than full opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. This helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings without producing the intense “high” that can lead to abuse. Naloxone, which opposes the effects of opioids, is added to avoid misuse of the medication. If Suboxone is taken as prescribed, naloxone remains inactive, but if it is misused by injection, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids, reducing the potential for overdose.

Suboxone is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid use disorder (OUD), which typically includes counseling and therapy. It is effective in helping individuals stabilize their lives and break the cycle of addiction by reducing the physical and psychological need to use opioids. The medication is typically administered as a film or tablet that dissolves under the tongue, making it easy to use without the need for injections or other invasive methods.

One of the benefits of Suboxone is that it can be taken on an outpatient basis, making it a more accessible and less restrictive option compared to inpatient detox programs. It is commonly used in both the early stages of recovery to manage withdrawal symptoms and as a longer-term maintenance therapy to prevent relapse. When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, Suboxone can be a crucial tool in helping individuals regain control over their lives and maintain long-term sobriety. Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, at Ascension Solutions Treatment Center, specializes in providing Suboxone treatment and personalized care for individuals battling opioid addiction.

Suboxone treatment is one of the most effective options for treating opioid addiction. Opioid addiction often leads to overdoses that result in death. Because suboxone clinics treat opioid addiction as a disease, they provide cutting-edge and highly effective treatment.

Combined with counseling and behavioral therapy, Suboxone alters brain chemistry and prevents cravings. Suboxone replaces opioids and reduces withdrawal symptoms and euphoric effects. Depending on the severity of opioid disorders, continuous care may be the best treatment option. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to develop an appropriate treatment plan for the patient. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also used to help patients alter their mindsets during the recovery process.

Treatment with Suboxone decreases cravings and withdrawal symptoms and has a high success rate for treating opiate addiction. The drug discourages misuse and will not cause any substance intoxication delirium, so those using suboxone as treatment are more likely to stick with the program. This medication works by filling opioid receptors in the brain but does not produce the same euphoria as opioids. This process eventually involves reducing suboxone dosage to be completely drug-free.

Suboxone begins to work within 20-60 minutes of taking the first dose. It should take around 100 minutes for the medication to reach its peak effect after you have taken the first dose. To start, the first day of treatment typically begins with just buprenorphine or a low dose of Suboxone. The dosage may be increased until withdrawal symptoms are effectively reduced. The dose of the medication may be increased gradually approximately (every 2 hours), depending on your tolerance to withdrawal symptoms. By the end of the first day, most people are feeling better.

On day two and subsequent days, a single dose of 16 mg/4 mg is usually recommended. Suboxone’s effects can last for 28-37 hours (about 1 and a half days) after it is dissolved. Therefore, you can go an entire day without taking another dose if you take the correct amount. Suboxone treatment can last for days, months, or even years. In some cases, Suboxone treatment is indefinite because it is more effective when used long-term. In general, it is recommended that you continue the medication if it is beneficial and does not cause any complications.

At Ascension Solutions Treatment Center, Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, ensures that each patient’s treatment with Suboxone is closely monitored and tailored to their specific needs. His approach combines medical expertise with compassionate care to help individuals transition through the withdrawal process safely and effectively. With the right support and treatment plan, Suboxone can be a crucial step toward overcoming opioid dependence and achieving long-term recovery.

Suboxone is typically taken as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for opioid addiction, and timing its use correctly is crucial for its effectiveness. The best time to start taking Suboxone is after the individual has experienced some withdrawal symptoms from opioids but before they are in severe withdrawal. It is recommended to wait at least 12 to 24 hours after the last use of short-acting opioids (like heroin or painkillers) or 24 to 48 hours after the last use of long-acting opioids (like methadone) before starting Suboxone. This timing helps ensure that the person is in mild to moderate withdrawal, allowing Suboxone to ease those symptoms effectively without triggering precipitated withdrawal, which can occur if the medication is taken too soon.

The reason for waiting is that Suboxone contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, which can displace opioids from the brain’s receptors if taken too early, causing withdrawal symptoms to worsen. This is why it’s important to be under the supervision of a healthcare provider when starting Suboxone. Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, at Ascension Solutions Treatment Center, provides personalized guidance on the appropriate timing and dosing of Suboxone to minimize discomfort and maximize effectiveness during the transition from opioid use.

Once Suboxone treatment begins, it is typically taken once a day, as a film or tablet that dissolves under the tongue. The dose may be adjusted over time based on the individual’s response to treatment. It is essential for patients to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and not take Suboxone in combination with other opioids, as this can lead to serious complications. Dr. Hall ensures that each patient receives the necessary support and education to safely incorporate Suboxone into their recovery plan.

Choosing Suboxone treatment with Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, offers several key benefits for individuals recovering from opioid addiction. Dr. Hall’s extensive experience in addiction medicine allows him to provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Suboxone, which combines buprenorphine and naloxone, helps reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making the recovery process more manageable and less overwhelming. Under Dr. Hall’s guidance, patients receive ongoing support to ensure their treatment is effective and to prevent relapse, enhancing the overall success of their recovery journey.

Dr. Hall’s approach to Suboxone treatment goes beyond just medication management. He emphasizes a comprehensive recovery plan that includes counseling, therapy, and continuous monitoring to address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of addiction. This holistic approach ensures that patients not only stabilize their condition but also gain the tools they need to build a lasting foundation for sobriety. With Dr. Hall’s expertise and dedication, patients can feel confident that they are receiving the highest standard of care throughout their recovery process.

Do not hesitate to contact us today or request an appointment online. We are conveniently located in Peachtree Corners GA and Asheville NC. 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.