Suboxone Addiction?
Suboxone is a prescription-only medication that combines two FDA-approved drugs that are effective at providing relief to those in recovery from opioids like heroin, fentanyl, and prescription pain medications. However, Suboxone also carries a potential for abuse, and those using it must also be aware of these risks because Suboxone misuse can lead to addiction.
Here is a closer look at Suboxone, what it is, and how to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse and withdrawal.
What Is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a beneficial medication for those managing an addiction to opioids like heroin, fentanyl, morphine, or prescription painkillers. Suboxone contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, which blocks the user from getting “high” or experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they cease opioid use. Additionally, naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Suboxone can help people remain in treatment and decrease their risk of relapse. It also appears to be safer than methadone for those who are pregnant.
How Does Suboxone Addiction Happen?
Suboxone (also known by its generic name, Buprenorphine) is not a complete opioid agonist. When someone is in recovery from opiates or prescription opioids, buprenorphine prohibits withdrawal symptoms from occurring. Although this medication has a “ceiling effect” that prohibits an intense “high,” people who take large doses can still achieve a small “high.”
When discussing Suboxone and addiction, it’s essential to differentiate the difference between actual dependence and long-term use for addiction management. Those who need medications like buprenorphine or Suboxone are more vulnerable to addiction. However, people rarely feel compelled to take more than necessary. Still, the possibility of addiction exists for anything that is even mildly pleasurable, including Suboxone. If someone abuses Suboxone, they can become addicted to it over time.
Can You Get Off Opioids Without Suboxone?
Several effective treatments are available for opioid addiction, including behavioral and pharmacological interventions. These approaches work extremely well when used together. If you are prescribed Suboxone for heroin or fentanyl addiction and wish to stop taking it, consult a medical professional first. Stopping Suboxone “cold turkey” can send you into withdrawal, which may increase your desire to use opiates.
If you struggle with heroin and fentanyl, other options are available for treatment that does not involve Suboxone. For example, taking naltrexone by itself is an option since it is an opiate blocker. Another medication available is methadone. However, because methadone is similar to Suboxone, it may not be a preferable option for you. Additional alternatives can include:
- Group or individual therapy
- Behavioral treatment
- Family counseling
- 12-Step groups
- Residential treatment programs
Of these alternatives to Suboxone, residential treatment is often the best option that will provide you with the medical treatment and support necessary to lead you toward long-term recovery.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
The Physical Symptoms of Suboxone Misuse
The symptoms of taking too much Suboxone are the side effects you may feel when using this medication. If you use too much Suboxone, you intensify these physical symptoms:
- Loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper stomach
- Nausea
- Extreme drowsiness
- Racing heart
- Blurred vision
- Shallow breathing
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Difficulties thinking or concentrating
Suboxone interacts with the body similarly to heroin and other opioids. Although meant to help people manage opioid addiction, Suboxone is still addictive. If you misuse Suboxone over an extended period, you may develop a substance use disorder.
The Signs of a Substance Use Disorder
Suboxone is intended for temporary use only. However, some physicians unaware of substance abuse treatment protocol may provide their patients with a long-term prescription to help them detox from opioids, which can increase the patient’s likelihood of developing a substance use disorder (addiction). If you misuse Suboxone (by taking more than intended or for longer periods than prescribed), there is a chance that you could become addicted to Suboxone. The following are signs and behaviors associated with a substance use disorder (addiction):
- An inability to control use, using more than intended, and being unable to stop.
- Continued use despite negative consequences or health issues.
- Having difficulty maintaining relationships and responsibilities.
- Craving Suboxone and spending large amounts of time obtaining and using it.
- Giving up favorite activities or hobbies to use.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, when you try to cut down use or stop.
Those struggling with Suboxone use often lie about the amount they are taking. Additionally, they may “doctor shop” to obtain new prescriptions from different physicians or pharmacies.
The Dangers and Risks Associated With Suboxone Addiction
Suboxone interacts similarly with your body as other opioids do. The primary risk associated with Suboxone addiction is that you may relapse into full opioid addiction again. Addiction is a chronic disease, and with each relapse, it becomes more difficult to recover. Therefore, it’s important only to take Suboxone as directed and to fully participate in every part of your recovery plan to minimize your risk of relapse.
What Is Suboxone Withdrawal?
Suboxone withdrawal may occur shortly after you quit using the medication. The intensity and duration of the symptoms depend on the individual. Usually, they last for a few weeks and gradually diminish over time. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Fever or chills
- Muscle aches and pains
- Sweating
- Depression or anxiety
- Cravings
- Irritability
- Inability to concentrate
- Insomnia
Although these are typical symptoms, everyone’s experience is unique once withdrawal begins. For these reasons, medically supervised detox is an advisable way to manage your symptoms safely.
Suboxone Addiction Treatment
If you think you may be struggling with Suboxone addiction, there is help available. You can successfully overcome Suboxone addiction through medication and professional treatment through Vogue Recovery Center. Generally, Suboxone addiction treatment is similar to other opioid addiction treatment programs. The goals of treatment include:
- Medically supervised detox
- Residential or outpatient treatment
- Developing healthier communication, stress management, and conflict resolution skills
- Addressing other co-occurring mental health issues
- Identifying triggers for use
- Forming a solid personal support network
While in treatment, you will connect with counselors and peers to help guide you through the beginning of the recovery process. As you progress through the addiction treatment program, you will receive customized care as you learn how to build a foundation for successful, long-term recovery.
You don’t have to suffer anymore. Call Vogue Recovery Center today to get the help you need. Our locations in Las Vegas and Phoenix offer a full continuum of care to help you achieve sobriety and live a life of freedom.
Medically Reviewed by Kelsey Jones, MS, LPC
