Frequently Asked Questions About Suboxone®

Suboxone® is known as a safe and effective medication that can help individuals who are grappling with an opioid addiction. If you have become dependent on one or more opioids, incorporating Suboxone® into a comprehensive plan at a medication assisted treatment program can help you put your abuse to an end without struggling with cravings or painful withdrawal symptoms. The best way to determine if Suboxone® is the right medication for you is to speak to your physician who can evaluate your needs and recommend the appropriate treatment for you.

Yes. Suboxone® is a powerful medication that can lead to dependency and tolerance if it is abused. If taken as prescribed, Suboxone® is safe and effective. Comprised of two primary ingredients (buprenorphine and naloxone), Suboxone® is able to stimulate the same receptors in the brain that other opioids do all without creating the same uncoordinated high. As a result, buprenorphine is able to help you stay focused on your daily goals and accomplish them.

The period of time that you will need to be on Suboxone® will be a decision that you and your doctor will make. Extensive research has proven that Suboxone® is safe to use both long- and short-term. Some people take Suboxone® for long periods of time, while others only take it for a little while before tapering off. Suboxone® is beneficial in the sense that it stops drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms so that individuals can maintain mental clarity so they can continue working, going to school, engaging in therapy, and so on. Suboxone®’s effectiveness does not lessen over time, which means that you can keep using it as long as you need.

Like most medications, Suboxone® can cause interactions. Therefore, you should always tell your physician what medications you are on before starting a Suboxone®. This medication can cause powerful effects when combined with other opioids such as oxycodone, codeine, hydrocodone, and heroin. It also causes negative effects when combined with alcohol. Those who are taking Suboxone® should not take sleeping pills, narcotic painkillers, or sedatives, and should not drink alcohol. In regards to all other medications, please speak with your physician to determine what is safe and what is not.

Just because Suboxone® is approved for long-term use that does not mean that an individual has to remain on Suboxone® for the rest of his or her life. If you and your physician decide that Suboxone® is no longer the medication for you, or if you have reached a point in your treatment where you are ready to stop using medications, you can begin to taper off of Suboxone® with small doses until your system is completely cleared. At that point, you can either switch medications or stay medication-free.

The treatment provided at Comprehensive Treatment Centers is individualized to meet the needs of each patient. As a part of these plans, individuals can obtain medication, therapy, and other services that are deemed appropriate for them. Since a patient’s care will be based on his or her needs, the cost can vary. To talk about the price of care, contact an intake specialist today.