Medication for addiction treatment (MAT) programs help people across the U.S. recover from opioid addiction every day. However, you may wonder, “Can you misuse suboxone?” Suboxone is a brand name of a buprenorphine/naloxone medication. Other brand names include Sublocade, Brixadi, and Subutex. While it serves a useful purpose, it’s important to watch out for early warning signs for suboxone abuse.
MAT like suboxone saves lives and helps people finish recovery programs. But they can be misused. Knowing the signs of suboxone misuse can help you know when to seek extra support from an opioid treatment program.
If you or someone you love is ready to learn more about how medication assisted treatment can help, call BrightView now. Our outpatient treatment programs nationwide provide medically assisted drug treatment with suboxone and other medications. Find out if suboxone is the right treatment option for you. Call us now at 888.501.9865 to speak with our intake specialists and start treatment today.
What Is Suboxone for Opioid Treatment?
Before suboxone, methadone was the most common medication for opioid recovery. Suboxone works similarly but decreases the risk of patient overdose. Suboxone can reduce opioid cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse.
Because opioids change a person’s brain chemistry, they are especially difficult to stop taking without medical intervention. Withdrawal, commonly called “dope sickness,” can last for months and cause post-acute withdrawal syndrome, also called PAWS. PAWS symptoms can reoccur, making it difficult for someone to stay sober, develop healthy habits, and avoid relapse.
Doctors have prescribed suboxone for the last 20 years to help patients finish recovery programs and stay sober. Additionally, the use of suboxone has contributed to a decrease in overdose deaths related to opioid use. Ongoing support and counseling are also vital components in helping individuals achieve long-term recovery.
Can You Abuse Suboxone?
Unfortunately, suboxone can be abused. Suboxone contains two medications. One works to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, while the other helps relieve pain and suppress the nervous system. Like opioids, the effects of suboxone can lead someone to take medication other than prescribed, which is considered substance misuse.
If someone in an opioid treatment program doesn’t receive sufficient mental healthcare, they may abuse suboxone as self-soothing for physical, mental, and emotional pain. Moreover, individuals may turn to suboxone misuse due to underlying stressors or unresolved trauma, further complicating their recovery journey.
Like opioids, stopping suboxone cold turkey can result in withdrawal symptoms. While these symptoms may resemble opioid withdrawal, they tend to be less intense and are easier to manage with or without medical support. It’s crucial for individuals to have a comprehensive support system in place to navigate the challenges of recovery effectively.
Warning Signs For Suboxone Abuse
While suboxone abuse is certainly a possibility, it’s crucial to keep in mind that suboxone is generally considered safer than both illicit opioids and certain prescription opioids. Suboxone is specifically designed to help individuals struggling with opioid dependence by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, like any medication, there is a risk of overdose and addiction if it is not used as intended.
Signs that may indicate suboxone abuse include:
- Taking suboxone in a manner different from what is prescribed, such as increasing the dose without medical supervision.
- Combining suboxone with other substances, including alcohol or other drugs, which can significantly heighten the risk of adverse effects.
- Obtaining multiple prescriptions from different doctors, also known as “doctor shopping,” in an attempt to secure more of the medication than is medically necessary.
These examples are just a few warning signs for suboxone abuse. It’s important to recognize that because suboxone can depress the nervous system, there is a genuine risk of overdose.
In cases of overdose, individuals may become incapacitated, unable to communicate or seek help, which can lead to life-threatening situations. Understanding these risks and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can help ensure that suboxone is used safely and effectively.
Start an Outpatient Opioid Treatment Program Today
Suboxone is a safe and effective approach to opioid abuse and addiction. While suboxone abuse is possible, an opioid treatment program can help prevent it and support every recovery step.
If you or someone you love is ready to learn whether suboxone is right for you, call BrightView today. With clinics in eight states, our outpatient treatment programs focus on accessible recovery. BrightView’s opioid treatment programs include the following:
- Medication management
- Addiction treatments
- Vivitrol treatments
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Telehealth therapy
- Drug rehab
- Alcohol rehab
- 24/7 phone support
- Same-day enrollment
To keep treatment accessible, we take walk-in appointments, Medicare, Medicaid, and uninsured patients. We have a program for you if you’re looking for a recovery treatment center that treats patients like people and addiction like a disease.
Get the Help You Need From BrightView
Don’t let opioids control your life. Pay attention to the warning signs for suboxone abuse. If you’re ready to learn more about addiction treatment, call us now at 888.501.9865 or use our online contact form get started today. The time to take your life back from addiction is now.
