Is Suboxone Addictive? Symptoms of Suboxone Addiction. How is Suboxone Used to Treat Addiction?

How Addictive is Suboxone?

Suboxone has the potential for addiction, but its addiction potential is generally lower compared to full opioid agonists like heroin or oxycodone. This is due to Suboxone’s unique formulation, which contains buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

Is Suboxone addicting? Here are the factors influencing Suboxone’s addiction potential:

• Buprenorphine’s Partial Agonist Effect: Buprenorphine in Suboxone activates opioid receptors in the brain but to a lesser degree than full agonists. This can reduce the euphoric effects and cravings associated with opioids.
• Naloxone’s Presence: Naloxone, if injected or misused, can precipitate withdrawal symptoms in opioid-dependent individuals. This discourages misuse via injection.
• Tolerance and Dependence: Like any opioid, continued use of Suboxone can lead to tolerance and physical dependence, where the body adapts to its presence. However, these effects tend to be milder compared to more potent opioids.
• Reduced Abuse Potential: Suboxone is often used as a harm-reduction strategy in addiction treatment. Its formulation makes it less likely to be abused in high doses.
• Supervised Use: Suboxone is typically administered under medical supervision in addiction treatment programs, reducing the likelihood of misuse.

How is Suboxone Used to Treat Addiction

Suboxone is a medication primarily used to treat opioid addiction, including addiction to heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. It contains two active ingredients: buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, and naloxone, an opioid antagonist. Suboxone is prescribed as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment program and is used in the following ways:

1. Opioid Withdrawal Management:

• Induction: Suboxone is often initiated during the early stages of opioid withdrawal. It helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it more manageable for individuals to transition from opioids.
• Stabilization: Once a patient has successfully transitioned to Suboxone and stabilized on an appropriate dose, withdrawal symptoms are effectively controlled, allowing them to function without needing the opioid they were addicted to.

2. Long-Term Maintenance:

• Maintenance Therapy: Suboxone can be used as a maintenance therapy for an extended period, even indefinitely, for individuals with opioid use disorder. It helps prevent relapse by reducing cravings and blocking the euphoric effects of other opioids.

3. Harm Reduction:

• Reduced Risk of Overdose: Since Suboxone contains naloxone, it discourages misuse. If individuals attempt to inject or misuse it, naloxone can precipitate withdrawal, reducing the risk of overdose.

Learn More:

• Can You Overdose on Suboxone?
• How Long Does Suboxone Stay in Your System?
• Suboxone Detox
• Subutex vs Suboxone, Differences and Effects
• Is It Safe To Mix Suboxone and Alcohol?

3 percent

As of 2017, only about 35,064 of the 800,000 physicians in the United States (3%) have the credentials to prescribe buprenorphine for addiction.

Source: NIH

1.9 million

1.9 million had an opioid use disorder related to prescription pain relievers.

Source: NIH

• Cravings and Compulsive Use
  • Solid and persistent cravings for Suboxone.
  • Compulsive use, with difficulty controlling intake.
• Tolerance and Dependence
  • Developing tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect.
  • Experiencing physical dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms when not using.
• Concealing Use
  • Hiding Suboxone use or providing false information.
  • Visiting multiple doctors or clinics to obtain extra prescriptions.
• Mood and Behavior Changes
  • Mood swings, irritability, and altered behavior.
  • Increased isolation or erratic behavior.
• Neglecting Responsibilities
  • Prioritizing Suboxone use over daily responsibilities.
  • Neglecting work, school, and family obligations.

• Continued Use Despite Consequences
  • Persisting in Suboxone misuse despite adverse consequences.
  • Ignoring health issues or damaged relationships.
• Failed Attempts to Quit
  • Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to quit or reduce Suboxone use.
  • Relapse often follows withdrawal attempts.
• Financial and Legal Problems
  • Financial difficulties due to excessive spending on Suboxone.
  • Legal issues arise from illicitly obtaining Suboxone or engaging in criminal activities.
• Isolation and Secrecy
  • Increasing isolation from friends and family to conceal addiction.
  • Isolating oneself to use Suboxone without scrutiny.
• Physical and Health Changes
  • Physical health problems, such as respiratory or heart issues, are due to misuse.
  • Neglect of self-care, nutrition, and hygiene among addicted individuals.

• Buprenorphine’s Partial Agonist: Buprenorphine, the primary component of Suboxone, is a partial opioid agonist. It activates the same receptors in the brain as full opioids but to a lesser extent. This means it can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms without producing the intense euphoria associated with more potent opioids.
• Naloxone’s Role: Naloxone, the second ingredient, is an opioid antagonist. While inactive when Suboxone is taken as directed, naloxone becomes active if the medication is injected or misused. Its purpose is to precipitate opioid withdrawal, discouraging misuse via injection.
• Tolerance and Dependence: Like any opioid, long-term use of Suboxone can develop tolerance and physical dependence. However, these effects tend to be milder compared to full opioids.

We Level Up’s Suboxone Addiction Treatment

At We Level Up, we understand the profound impact of Suboxone addiction and are dedicated to providing comprehensive treatment and support for individuals seeking recovery from Suboxone dependence. Our Suboxone addiction treatment program is meticulously designed to address the unique challenges posed by this medication.

Services of Our Suboxone Addiction Treatment

• Personalized Care: We recognize that each individual’s journey to recovery is unique. Our treatment plans are customized to meet each person’s needs and goals.
• Medical Supervision: Suboxone withdrawal can be physically challenging. Our experienced medical staff provides round-the-clock supervision to ensure safety and comfort during detoxification.
• Evidence-Based Therapies: Our treatment approaches are firmly rooted in evidence-based therapies that have proven effective in addiction recovery. These may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual counseling, and group therapy.
• Dual Diagnosis Support: Many individuals with Suboxone addiction also grapple with co-occurring mental health disorders. We offer dual diagnosis treatment to address addiction and underlying mental health issues simultaneously.
• Holistic Approaches: We believe in treating the whole person, not just the addiction. Holistic therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, and art therapy are seamlessly integrated into our programs to promote overall well-being.