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When it comes to opioid recovery, having the right tools can make a profound difference. One such tool is the medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone, commonly known as Suboxone. This prescription medication has a very specific purpose: to help individuals safely navigate the challenging phase of detox and to stabilize them in ongoing recovery.
You may be asking, “What is Suboxone used for?” and how it’s used in medical detox. Below, Dr. Jason Powers shares a brief guide on how this medication functions and when it’s used. We also include what evidence and official guidelines say about its place in treatment.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication that contains two ingredients: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist, which means it activates the brain’s opioid receptors but only partially, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the full effects of other opioids. Naloxone is an opiate blocker, or antagonist, that is included to discourage misuse.
When Suboxone is taken as prescribed, typically under the tongue, the naloxone remains inactive and simply passes through the body. However, if someone tries to inject it, the naloxone becomes active and blocks the effects of buprenorphine, essentially preventing the medication from producing any opioid-like effects. This combination helps ensure the medication is used safely and effectively as part of treatment.
What is Suboxone Used For?
Suboxone is used in several stages of treatment for opioid use disorder. One of its most common applications is in medical detox. When a person stops using opioids, whether it’s heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers, or other substances like Kratom, they can experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Suboxone helps lessen the intensity of these symptoms, making detox more manageable and reducing the likelihood of early relapse. The presence of naloxone in the medication also helps ensure that it’s used safely during this critical phase.
How It’s Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment and Medication-Assisted Recovery
So what is Suboxone used for? Beyond detox, Suboxone is also used in medication-assisted treatment and medication-assisted recovery. Many individuals continue taking buprenorphine in some form for an extended period as part of their long-term recovery plan. This approach has been supported by clinical evidence and is often referred to as a harm-reduction strategy. Rather than viewing it as replacing one substance with another, it is a way to reduce the negative effects of opioid use.
Suboxone can decrease the likelihood of relapse, reduce recidivism, and enable people to regain control over their lives. It provides greater stability and creates space for counseling, support, and behavioral therapies that are essential to long-term recovery. It is better than the alternative. Evidence shows that it is a harm-reduction technique that decreases the number of negative or harmful experiences by switching to this agent, reduces recidivism, and enables a person to lead a full life, which is what we want in recovery anyway.
What You Should Know about Suboxone
While Suboxone is considered a safe and effective medication when used correctly, there are several important precautions to be aware of during treatment. One of the most critical is timing. If Suboxone is started too soon, before a person is in full opioid withdrawal, it can trigger what’s known as precipitated withdrawal. This occurs when buprenorphine rapidly displaces full opioids from the brain’s receptors, causing a sudden and intense onset of withdrawal symptoms.
It’s also important not to mix Suboxone with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines, as this can increase the risk of sedation and overdose. Injecting Suboxone activates the naloxone component, which blocks buprenorphine’s effects and can cause immediate withdrawal.
For this reason, it should always be taken under the guidance of a medical professional, particularly during detox. Additionally, like any medication used in addiction treatment, Suboxone should be part of a broader, comprehensive treatment plan that includes counseling and peer support. While it can help manage physical symptoms, lasting recovery often requires addressing the emotional and behavioral aspects of addiction.
Need Help With Opioid Addiction Treatment? We’re Here for You
If you or someone you love is struggling with opioid use, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team at Positive Recovery Centers provides professional, compassionate care to help you safely take the next steps toward recovery. Whether you’re just beginning to seek help or you’re ready to start treatment, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Call today at 877-476-2743 to speak with someone who understands what you’re going through and can help you get started. Curious about our addiction treatment services and the positive psychology approach to recovery? Visit our website to learn more!