What Is Suboxone Used For?

Suboxone treatment is a prescription medication provided to individuals who are dealing with opioid dependence and addiction, whether from prescribed or illegal use and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for that purpose. Suboxone contains two different medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. The buprenorphine component, which makes up 80 percent of the medication, is the active ingredient, while naloxone is included as a safety measure and makes up the remaining 20 percent.

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist-antagonist. As such, buprenorphine has many of the same mechanisms as other opioids but blocks the other opioids from attaching to opioid receptors in your brain so that they have no effect if taken when the individual is using buprenorphine. In this way, buprenorphine satisfies the neurological cravings one experiences with opioid addiction without producing a euphoric effect, effectively satisfying a need without being addictive or causing withdrawal symptoms.

In contrast, naloxone is purely an opioid antagonist often used for reversing the effects of an overdose. However, in suboxone, naloxone is used to prevent the misuse of the medication. The proper use of suboxone is sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (between the cheek and gums). When taken in a prescribed way, the naloxone portion of Suboxone remains inactive. However, if Suboxone is injected in an attempt to trigger a euphoric effect, it activates the naloxone component, which blocks the buprenorphine and produces powerful withdrawal symptoms.

Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid addiction and dependence, offering several key benefits that support individuals in their recovery journey. It combines two active ingredients—buprenorphine and naloxone—working together to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while helping to prevent misuse.

One of the main benefits of Suboxone is its ability to reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms without causing the intense euphoria typically associated with opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers. Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser degree than full opioids, helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms without causing a “high.” This makes it easier for individuals to break the cycle of addiction and stay focused on their recovery.

Another significant advantage of Suboxone is its lower risk of abuse. Naloxone, the second active ingredient, is included to prevent misuse of the medication. If Suboxone is taken as prescribed, naloxone remains inactive. However, if the medication is misused by injection, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids, reducing the potential for misuse and overdose. This combination provides a safer option compared to other medications used in opioid addiction treatment.

Suboxone is also highly effective as a long-term maintenance treatment, as it can be taken once a day, either as a tablet or film that dissolves under the tongue. This reduces the burden of daily opioid use and helps individuals stabilize their lives. As part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapy and counseling, Suboxone offers significant support for those looking to regain control over their addiction. Under the care of Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, at Ascension Solutions Treatment, Suboxone is part of a holistic, personalized approach to addiction recovery, helping patients achieve lasting sobriety and improved overall well-being.

Suboxone typically begins to work within 30 to 60 minutes after it is taken. The buprenorphine component of Suboxone starts to bind to opioid receptors in the brain almost immediately, helping to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings for opioids. Most individuals will begin to feel some relief from withdrawal and a reduction in cravings within the first hour of taking the medication. This is particularly beneficial for those in the early stages of recovery, where withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, and irritability can be overwhelming. The full therapeutic effect of Suboxone, including its ability to block the effects of opioids and maintain stable cravings over time, generally peaks after about 2 to 4 hours. While the immediate relief from cravings and withdrawal symptoms is felt quickly, Suboxone’s effects last for approximately 24 hours, which is why it is typically taken once a day.

The long-acting nature of the medication helps ensure that individuals remain stable throughout the day, without the need for repeated doses. It is important to note that Suboxone should only be started once an individual has experienced moderate opioid withdrawal. Taking Suboxone too soon after opioid use can lead to precipitated withdrawal, a temporary worsening of withdrawal symptoms. To avoid this, it is recommended that patients wait at least 12 to 24 hours after using short-acting opioids (like heroin) or 24 to 48 hours after long-acting opioids (like methadone) before starting Suboxone.

Suboxone’s effectiveness is enhanced when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and therapy. Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, at Ascension Solutions Treatment, ensures that each patient receives personalized care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of opioid addiction. The combined approach of Suboxone and therapeutic support helps individuals stay on track, reduce relapse risk, and improve their long-term recovery prospects. Dr. Hall and his team provide continuous monitoring and guidance, empowering patients to regain control of their lives and achieve lasting sobriety.

If you are seeking a Suboxone clinic in Asheville, NC, or Peachtree Corners, GA, Ascension Solutions Treatment Clinic offers a compassionate and professional approach to opioid addiction treatment. Our clinic is committed to providing comprehensive care through evidence-based therapies, including Suboxone, which is proven to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings for individuals struggling with opioid dependence. Led by Dr. Jonathan Hall, our experienced team of addiction specialists works closely with each patient to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and recovery goals. We strive to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where patients can receive the support and guidance they need to begin their journey to recovery.

We adopt a holistic approach to addiction treatment at Ascension Solutions Treatment Clinic, focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery. Dr. Hall and our staff understand the complexities of opioid addiction and are dedicated to helping patients achieve long-term success. Our team offers not just Suboxone therapy, but also counseling and ongoing support to ensure that each individual receives the tools they need for lasting recovery. Whether you’re struggling with opioid addiction for the first time or seeking continued support, we offer a welcoming and professional environment to help guide you through every step of your healing process.

Dr. Jonathan Hall, MD, uses Suboxone as a key component in his comprehensive approach to treating opioid addiction at Ascension Solutions Treatment. Suboxone combines buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist, to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the euphoric effects of opioids. Dr. Hall customizes each treatment plan to meet the individual needs of his patients, ensuring they receive the appropriate dose and ongoing support throughout their recovery journey. By using Suboxone, Dr. Hall helps patients stabilize their condition, making it easier for them to focus on the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction.

In addition to Suboxone therapy, Dr. Hall incorporates counseling, behavioral therapy, and continuous monitoring to create a well-rounded treatment plan. He understands that opioid addiction is a multifaceted condition, and that lasting recovery requires addressing both the physical dependence and the underlying emotional triggers. With Suboxone as a foundational treatment, Dr. Hall empowers his patients to regain control of their lives, reduce the risk of relapse, and work towards long-term sobriety. His patient-centered approach ensures that each individual receives the care and resources necessary for a successful recovery.

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.