Suboxone is a Schedule III controlled substance with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. It is less addictive than other opioids like heroin or oxycodone, but still addictive.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a prescription medication used to treat addiction to prescription or illicit opioids. The two main ingredients in Suboxone are buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine, a mild opioid, is a partial opioid agonist that binds to opioid receptors in the brain but does not activate them fully. This helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings for opioids. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids. This helps to prevent people from misusing Suboxone and to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. If you or a loved one struggle with Suboxone addiction, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.
What is Suboxone Abuse?
Suboxone abuse may involve taking larger doses than prescribed, using it without a prescription, or altering the form of the medication (such as crushing it for injection) to achieve a more intense effect.
Some people may misuse Suboxone as a way to self-treat opioid withdrawal or to experience a mild euphoria.
Abusing Suboxone may have serious consequences, including increased risk of overdose, respiratory depression, and dependence. It's important for individuals prescribed Suboxone to take the medication exactly as directed by their healthcare provider and to communicate openly about any concerns or challenges they may be facing in their recovery journey.
How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted To Suboxone?
It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get addicted to suboxone if it is being misused.
What Are Some Suboxone Abuse Signs?
One Suboxone abuse sign is taking a higher dosage of Suboxone than prescribed or using it more frequently than directed. Such behavior could indicate an attempt to achieve a euphoric effect or to self-medicate for underlying issues.
Another red flag for Suboxone abuse is obtaining the medication without a prescription or from sources other than a legitimate healthcare provider. Additionally, if someone is snorting or crushing Suboxone in an effort to enhance its effects, this method of administration may result in a more rapid onset of effects but is not in accordance with the prescribed use. Mixing Suboxone with other substances, especially central nervous system depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines, is not only dangerous but also indicative of substance abuse.
Other signs of Suboxone abuse may include:
- Isolation and changes in behavior
- Continued use despite negative consequences (like legal problems or loss of a job)
- Seeking multiple prescriptions and “doctor shopping”
What Are Some Suboxone Abuse Symptoms?
Some abuse symptoms of Suboxone include:
- Slurred speech
- Impaired coordination
- Inability to focus
- Itching
- Cravings
- Diarrhea
- Shaking
- Muscle pain
- Flu-like symptoms
How Does Suboxone Make You Feel?
Here are some common ways that Suboxone makes you feel:
Reduction in Cravings: Suboxone contains Buprenorphine, which is a partial opioid agonist. This means it activates opioid receptors in the brain, but to a lesser extent than full opioids. By doing so, it can help reduce cravings for stronger opioids, such as heroin.
Stabilization of Mood: Suboxone may contribute to a more stabilized mood by providing a consistent level of opioid receptor activation. This is in contrast to the mood swings associated with the highs and lows of opioid use.
Normalization of Functioning: Many people report that Suboxone allows them to function more normally in their daily lives. It can help individuals focus on work, relationships, and other aspects of life without the constant preoccupation with obtaining and using opioids.
Can You Get High on Suboxone?
Yes, a person can get high on Suboxone, but it is a more “mellow” high than other opiate drugs. As over 2.5 million Americans struggle with substance abuse disorders related to both prescription and illegal opioid drugs, Suboxone has replaced methadone as the medicine of choice for medicine-assisted opioid withdrawal. So, while one can get high on Suboxone, and some people do abuse it, its main purpose is to help people wean themselves off of opioids in a safe and measured way without the normal highs and lows of opioid withdrawal.
Another benefit of Suboxone is that buprenorphine, an ingredient in Suboxone, has a low abuse rate due to its “ceiling effect,” which means that once a person takes it enough, it no longer has an effect on them. Naloxone, on the other hand, works only if opioids are present in the body. It counteracts the depressing effects of opioids on the lungs and nervous system, so if someone is having trouble breathing, naloxone will enable them to breathe. Naloxone has a low abuse rate.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Suboxone?
These are the long-term effects of Suboxone:
Physical Dependence:
Long-term use of Suboxone can lead to physical dependence, and discontinuing the medication may result in withdrawal symptoms. Tapering the dose under medical supervision is often recommended when discontinuation is planned.
Tolerance:
Tolerance may develop over time, requiring adjustments in the dosage for the same therapeutic effect.
Cognitive Effects:
Some individuals report cognitive effects such as difficulty concentrating or memory issues. However, these effects can vary among users.
Liver Function:
Suboxone contains naloxone, which can affect liver function in rare cases. Regular monitoring of liver enzymes is typically recommended during long-term use.
Dental Issues:
Opioids, including Buprenorphine in Suboxone, can sometimes cause dry mouth as a side effect. Dry mouth can contribute to dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease, as saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids and helping to prevent bacterial overgrowth.
Hormonal Changes:
Opioids, including buprenorphine in Suboxone, may influence hormone levels, potentially impacting the endocrine system. This can result in issues like a reduction in sex drive for both men and women and an inability to perform sexually (for men.) This is not present in all users and may not be a common occurrence. Most people who use Suboxone to manage opioid withdrawal prefer to stay on the medicine to keep them off of opioids.
Psychological Impact:
Long-term use of Suboxone may have psychological effects, and some individuals may struggle with feelings of stigma or dependency.
Interaction with Other Medications:
Suboxone can interact with other medications, and its use should be carefully monitored if other medications are prescribed.
What Are Some Suboxone Abuse Statistics?
A study conducted by the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health from 2015 - 2019 revealed that nearly 75% of U.S. adults who reported using buprenorphine in 2019 had not misused the drug in the preceding 12 months. To break that down, this means that approximately 1.7 million individuals reported using buprenorphine as prescribed during that period, contrasting with 700,000 individuals who admitted to misusing the medication. Notably, despite an increase in the number of patients undergoing buprenorphine treatment, the proportion of individuals with opioid use disorder misusing buprenorphine showed a declining trend over the study duration.
Among adults with opioid use disorder, the main reason for recent misuse of buprenorphine (an ingredient in Suboxone) was feeling "hooked" on opioids (27.3%), indicating using buprenorphine without a prescription to ease cravings and withdrawal symptoms linked to opioid use disorder. Another significant reason was using it "to relieve physical pain" (20.5%). Moreover, adults in drug use treatment were less likely to misuse buprenorphine compared to those not in treatment. These findings highlight the crucial importance of expanding access to buprenorphine treatment, as it could help decrease misuse. Additionally, it is necessary to create and implement strategies for continuously monitoring and reducing buprenorphine misuse.
What is the Suboxone Addiction Treatment?
Medical Detoxification: In cases of physical dependence on Suboxone, a supervised medical detoxification may be necessary. This involves gradually tapering the dosage of Suboxone to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Medical supervision is crucial to manage any complications and ensure a safe detox process.
Counseling and Therapy: Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, are often integral components of addiction treatment. These therapies help individuals understand and modify the thoughts, behaviors, and triggers associated with substance use.
Support Groups: Participation in support groups, such as 12-step programs or group therapy, can provide a sense of community and understanding. Peer support is valuable in the recovery process, and these groups offer a platform for individuals to share their experiences and learn from others.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT may be considered for individuals with opioid use disorder, including Suboxone addiction. MAT involves the use of medications, such as buprenorphine (a component of Suboxone), to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This approach is often combined with counseling and behavioral therapies.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: If there are co-occurring mental health disorders, addressing these issues is essential for a comprehensive recovery. Integrated treatment that addresses both substance use and mental health concerns is often more effective.
Inpatient or Outpatient Rehabilitation Programs: The level of care needed varies among individuals. Some may benefit from inpatient rehabilitation programs that provide a structured and supervised environment, while others may find success with outpatient programs that allow them to receive treatment while maintaining their typical daily schedule. This will not work for addicts who are in an environment that is not conducive to recovery.
Lifestyle Changes and Aftercare: Building a healthy and supportive lifestyle is crucial for maintaining long-term recovery. This may involve making positive changes in diet, exercise, and daily routines. Aftercare plans, including ongoing counseling and support group participation, help individuals navigate the challenges of staying substance-free.
If you or a loved one struggle with Suboxone addiction, know that there is hope. At Avenues Recovery, we offer a supportive environment, highly qualified addiction counselors, and personalized treatment plans to enable you to reach recovery. Together we will fight your addiction and enable you to be in charge of your life again. We have helped thousands of people turn their lives around, and we can help you too. Reach out to us at Avenues Recovery to experience superior guidance on your path to recovery. Take your first step today towards a brighter, healthier and addiction-free future.