What is Suboxone?

So, what is Suboxone, how does it work, and can you receive treatment for Suboxone addiction?

The facts about drug addiction and the treatment process for drug addiction are largely a mystery to the vast majority of people across the country. Many people with addictions do not fully understand the process they went through in developing an addiction, why they feel the way they do, and how addiction is both physical and mental in nature. As such, many people, even those in addiction treatment cannot answer a simple question. What is suboxone? Without understanding suboxone treatment and the benefits that it can have for many people going through addiction treatment and recovery, as well as suboxone side effects that can occur, a person may find themselves not getting the best possible treatment and care for their addiction.

What Is Suboxone?

“What is suboxone?” is a question that many people ask when it comes to addiction treatment. The problem is that so many people that ask, “what is suboxone?” are those who should have been informed about this drug long ago. Suboxone is a prescription drug that is designed to help a person overcome and recover from an addiction to heroin or other opiate drugs. This medication is actually made from the combination of two drugs in one. Those two drugs that comprise suboxone are buprenorphine and naloxone.

How Does Suboxone Work?

Buprenorphine is an opioid drug while the naloxone is an opioid antagonist, meaning that it counters the effects of opioids. When these two drugs are combined as they are in suboxone, the brain and body will essentially get that sense of having consumed an opioid drug, but just barely, because of the accompanying antagonist. Taking this medication tricks the systems in the body that respond biochemically to opioid drugs so that it begins to perform certain internal processes reducing some the withdrawal symptoms a person may experience when they stop using the opioid they are addicted to. However, the naloxone prevents the full effect of that drug from taking place which is why the drug works so well in addiction treatment.

Who Gets Suboxone Treatment?

With so many opiate addicts asking, “what is suboxone?”, it is understandable that there may be some confusion about who gets suboxone treatment. Generally speaking, anyone with an opiate addiction could benefit from suboxone treatment. However, the only people that are able to put this addiction treatment to use are those that seek out addiction recovery programs that include medical care. Medical detox programs often use suboxone and other medications to help manage the detox process and make it more gradual. This reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms and can especially help with cravings.

Is Suboxone Only Used In Detox?

Suboxone is an addiction recovery treatment option that is most often used during the detox process. However, it can also be used beyond detox as well. Some doctors will also prescribe suboxone in the long-term as a relapse prevention technique. If a person has been through addiction treatment in the past and suffered relapse, for example, long-term suboxone treatment can be a helpful in helping to prevent such issues from becoming a constant cycle and pattern.

What Are the Suboxone Side Effects?

Because suboxone is a drug, there are some suboxone side effects to be aware of. Some people that use suboxone may experience headaches, drowsiness, stomach discomfort, mental fogginess, or dizziness. However, for the most part, especially in comparison to heroin or other opiates, the side effects are minimal. The only problem is that a person could theoretically develop an addiction to suboxone if they overuse or misuse it. This can be prevented though through careful continued medical care and prescription monitoring.

Now that you can answer the question, “What is suboxone?” you can better decide if this is a treatment that will work for you in your addiction treatment program and recovery.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.