Drug and Alcohol - Opioid Addiction - Addiction Recovery

Subutex Treatment: Understanding How Subutex Helps Treat Opioid Addiction

What is Subutex Treatment?

Subutex Treatment can be a lifeline for those struggling with opioid addiction. Learn why this opioid can be a gateway to a new life in our blog.

Subutex is a prescription medication for managing and controlling opioid addiction and dependency. Narcotics that include heroin and morphine are the most prevalent form of drugs abused by most individuals in America.

As a result, people who seek treatment for discontinuing these drugs are often prescribed a course of Subutex.

Subutex By the Numbers:

More than 93000 individuals were declared dead owing to drug overdoses in America in 2020. Out of them, 75% of deaths were because of an opioid or its derivative. [NIDA]

What Is Subutex?

Subutex, also known by its generic name buprenorphine, is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain or opioid addiction. Buprenorphine works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as opioids such as heroin, fentanyl, and morphine, but with much less intensity. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while also providing some relief from pain. It is typically prescribed in a tablet or film form, and it can be taken by mouth, put under the tongue, or injected into a muscle.

Subutex treatment is not recommended for people with certain health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, due to potential interactions with other medications. It should also not be used during pregnancy because of its possible negative effects on the developing fetus. Talk to your doctor before taking Subutex to make sure it is right for you.

With proper use and supervision, Subutex can be a valuable tool in treating both pain and addiction.

What Are the Benefits of Subutex Treatment?

Subutex helps manage pain or opioid withdrawal in a variety of ways. It reduces cravings for opioids, which helps to decrease the likelihood of relapse. It also decreases withdrawal symptoms and relieves pain more effectively than other medications. Subutex is not habit-forming like some other opioid medications, making it a safer alternative for those with an addiction history or who want to avoid becoming dependent on opioids.

Subutex can be taken as needed for pain and can also be taken on a regular schedule to help manage addiction. It is an effective treatment option that gives individuals the opportunity to take control of their own health. Talk to your doctor about Subutex if you are considering it as a treatment option for yourself or a loved one.

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What Are the Side Effects of Subutex Treatment?

Like all medications, Subutex can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, and dizziness. More serious side effects such as confusion, changes in mood or behavior, seizures, and slowed breathing or heart rate should be reported to a doctor immediately. It is important to take Subutex exactly as prescribed by a doctor to minimize the risk of side effects.

Subutex can also interact negatively with certain other medications, including benzodiazepines and alcohol, so it is important to talk to your doctor about any medication or substance you are taking before taking Subutex. With proper use and supervision, Subutex can be an effective treatment option for those dealing with opioid addiction or pain.

Subutex Treatment: How Do You Take Subutex?

Subutex is typically prescribed in a tablet or film form and can be taken by mouth, put under the tongue, or injected into a muscle. It should always be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor to minimize the risk of side effects and maximize its effectiveness. Take it with food if you experience stomach upset. Do not drink alcohol while taking Subutex as it can interact negatively with the drug.

It is important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are taking before starting Subutex as it may interact with other drugs. Never take more or less than what is prescribed and never stop taking Subutex without speaking to your doctor first. With proper use and supervision, Subutex can be a valuable tool in managing pain or opioid addiction.

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What Are the Benefits and Risks of Subutex Treatment?

Subutex is an effective medication for managing pain or opioid addiction, but it is not without risks. It can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, and changes in mood or behavior. It also has potential interactions with other medications, including benzodiazepines and alcohol.

On the other hand, Subutex is less habit-forming than other opioid medications and can be an effective tool for managing both pain and addiction. With proper supervision, Subutex can be a safe and beneficial treatment option for those dealing with opioid addiction or chronic pain.

Subutex Is Often Called an Agonist. What Is an Agonist?

An agonist is a type of medication that binds to and activates receptors in the brain in order to produce a certain effect. In the case of Subutex, it binds to opioid receptors and produces an effect similar to opioids such as morphine or heroin but with much less intensity. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while still providing pain relief. Agonists such as Subutex are often used to treat opioid addiction.

By understanding what an agonist is and how it works, you can make an informed decision about whether or not Subutex is right for you. Talk to your doctor about Subutex if you think it might be a good treatment option for your pain or addiction. With proper care and supervision, Subutex can be a safe and effective way to manage both pain and opioid addiction.

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How Can I Find the Right Place for Subutex Treatment?

When looking for a drug rehab that offers Subutex, it is important to do your research. Start by asking friends or family members who have used this medication for a recommendation. You can also search online for a drug rehab in your area that specializes in medication-assisted treatment, opioid addiction, or pain management. It is important to find a rehab you trust and feel comfortable working with so that you can get the best possible care.

Once you have found the right drug rehab, make sure to communicate openly about your needs and concerns. Be prepared to provide a full medical history, including any medications or substances you currently take. Your doctor will be able to assess your individual situation and determine if Subutex treatment is the right treatment option for you.

By doing your research and communicating openly with your doctor, you can find the best possible care when it comes to managing pain or opioid addiction. With proper use and supervision, Subutex can be very effective at reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while providing relief from pain.

Subutex Treatment: Can I Take Subutex While Pregnant or Nursing?

Subutex should not be taken during pregnancy because of its possible negative effects on the developing fetus. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking Subutex. It is also not recommended for nursing mothers due to potential side effects in infants.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking Subutex. Your doctor will be able to assess your individual situation and determine if this medication is right for you. With the proper care and supervision, Subutex can be a safe and effective treatment option for those dealing with opioid addiction or pain.

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Subutex Treatment: Is Subutex Addictive?

Subutex is not addictive and does not provide the euphoric "high" other opioids create. However, it can cause physical dependence if taken for an extended period of time. Physical dependence occurs when the body becomes used to the presence of a medication, and withdrawal symptoms can occur when the drug is stopped suddenly.

To avoid physical dependence, it is important to take Subutex only as prescribed by a doctor and to follow a tapering schedule when discontinuing the medication. It is also important to talk to your doctor about any risks associated with Subutex before taking it.

Despite the risk of physical dependence, Subutex can be an effective way to manage both pain and opioid addiction when taken properly.

Subutex Treatment: Can You Overdose on Subutex?

Just like any other opioid, Subutex can be abused and overdosed on. Overdosing on this medication can lead to serious side effects such as respiratory depression, coma, or death. It is important to take Subutex only as prescribed by your doctor to minimize the risk of overdose and other side effects.

If you believe you or someone else might have consumed Subutex in large quantities and are on the verge of overdose, call the emergency number or 911 instantly. If you can drive, take the patient to the nearest hospital emergency department. You may require immediate medical assistance.

It is also recommended to always note down or carry emergency contacts. If you have ingested excessive amounts of Subutex, you can further check the medicine pamphlet or read the description on the package for potential side effects. 

Subutex Treatment: What Is Subutex Withdrawal Like?

Subutex withdrawal can be uncomfortable but is rarely life-threatening. Common symptoms of withdrawal include nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, and muscle aches. These symptoms usually start within 24-48 hours of the last dose and peak after 2-3 days before slowly declining over the course of a week or two.

It is important to talk to your doctor about a tapering schedule before discontinuing Subutex to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can also provide medication and other treatments to help with the discomfort of withdrawal. With proper care and supervision, Subutex withdrawal can be managed safely and effectively.

Subutex Treatment: What Is Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)?

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an evidence-based practice used to treat opioid addiction. It combines the use of medication such as Subutex with other forms of therapy in a holistic approach. The goal is to help patients achieve and maintain long-term recovery from their addiction.

Subutex works by reducing cravings for opioids while blocking the rewarding effects of the drug. This can help to reduce or prevent relapse and support sustained recovery. Other forms of therapy, such as individual counseling, group therapy, and 12-step programs can also be used to provide psychological support throughout treatment.

MAT is a safe and effective approach to treating opioid addiction when managed properly by a qualified professional.

Subutex Treatment: How Is Opioid Addiction Treated?

Addressing and controlling a substance use condition calls for treatment administration and therapy practices in a professional environment. Treatment in a competent drug rehab center entails security and assurance of correctly tapering off from a substance. If substance consumption is ceased suddenly, withdrawal symptoms emerge rapidly and more severely.

However, part of Subutex therapy is a guided tapering-off period, helping minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Drug rehab is among the most reliable methods to treat opioid addiction. Facilities across the country allow individuals to get the complete treatment and support needed to maintain a lifetime of sobriety. Although everybody’s experience in treatment is different, many go through the same steps:

Evaluation

Individuals start treatment by being evaluated by a group of specialists to identify the degree of their problem and the most effective way to deal with it. Throughout this period, the medical professionals can also determine whether any other fundamental concurrent illnesses require being treated.

Drug Detox

The next assessment is drug detoxification. This stage of the procedure should be undertaken with a medical practitioner's assistance to ensure that the withdrawal's effects are addressed appropriately. Among the withdrawal symptoms are the following:

Drug Treatment

After completing the detoxification procedure, individuals are advised to begin with additional programs and facilities that the medical group of experts determines. Based on the seriousness of the patient's dependency issues, various treatment alternatives in personal therapy, community groups, and other therapeutic interventions are recommended.

Inpatient Therapy

As the most severe form of therapy, inpatient hospitalization involves patients remaining in the facility 24 hours a day, seven days a week, under the direction of an entire group of healthcare professionals. This treatment is especially beneficial for those who do not feel safe in their typical situations and are afraid of experiencing setbacks if they do not receive suitable supervision. It is also thought to benefit those suffering from severe addiction.

Programs can normally run between thirty and forty-five days, based on what the medical team decides appropriate, but individuals can remain in treatment for extended periods.

Outpatient Treatment

An outpatient institution has one undeniable advantage: the participant can live with their family and is not compelled to participate in a live-in program. As a result, continuing schooling or working becomes more feasible.

In addition, the person can seek recovery without having to take an extended leave of absence or shut off social networking by scheduling/rescheduling weekly appointments throughout the evening hours or during the weekends.

Patients are recommended to enter aftercare programs and support groups after completing any one of the programs mentioned above. Patients can use the abilities that they learned in therapy to improve their lives when they return to the outside world during this period.

Concerning the degree of dependency, individuals may be advised to participate in 12-step fellowships or reside in a sober living home to avoid relapse.

Subutex Saves Lives. The Edge Treatment Center Proudly Utilizes MAT

Opioid addiction is among the most lethal forms of drug addiction there is. At best, it robs people of the lives they deserve, trapping them in an endless cycle of behaviors that only make the problem worse. At worst, opioid abuse results in fatal overdoses.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

Subutex can be the path to recovery for yourself or a loved one. With the availability of experienced counselors, professional therapists, and highly qualified clinicians, The Edge Treatment Center works hard to guarantee that everyone is prepared to build a new life for themselves free from opioid abuse. We proudly use evidence-based treatments like MAT to ensure our clients have the resources they need to live a life free from opioid abuse.

If you’d like to learn more about Subutex and why it’s so useful in helping people leave opioid abuse behind permanently, reach out to The Edge Treatment Center today.

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If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.

Written by

brian-mooreBrian Moore

Content Writer

Reviewed by

jeremy-arztJeremy Arzt

Chief Clinical Officer

Drug and Alcohol

Opioid Addiction

Addiction Recovery

September 21, 2023