How Suboxone Blocks the Effects of Opiates 

What Is Suboxone?

Suboxone, a methadone alternative, is an opioid agonist administered to patients who are struggling with opioid abuse and dependence. The medication is considered a combination drug made of buprenorphine (a partial agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist).  

How Does Suboxone Work?

The drug works in recovery by mimicking the impact of opioids. Suboxone works by supplying the brain with a manageable dose that mimics an opioid’s effects just enough to provide the brain with a small amount not to experience withdrawal. The drug produces a euphoric feeling similar to that experienced by opioids but is much weaker. 

It is not advised that patients continue to use Suboxone after a certain number of months as the body can build a tolerance to it and put the individual at risk of dependency. Based on specific patient factors, such as the length of their drug abuse, medical history, weight, and metabolism, the appropriate dose will be prescribed. 

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Prescription Pain Management Drugs  

Since overcoming an opioid addiction comes with intense withdrawal symptoms, Suboxone works to mitigate those symptoms so the individual can focus on their recovery. When the individual has more of a clear mind and does not experience withdrawal’s psychological and mental side effects, they are much more receptive to healing. 

Suboxone replicates similar effects of opioids by lessening the drug’s desire and urge by blocking receptors in the brain. Opioid painkillers are often prescribed to patients who are experiencing intense pain. The most commonly abused opioids are: 

• Hydrocodone 
• Oxycodone 
• Morphine 
• Codeine 

Unfortunately, the misuse and abuse of these habit-forming and addictive drugs have contributed to today’s opioid epidemic. To overcome opioid addiction, treatment is required. 

How Long Does Suboxone Block The Effects of Opiates?

There are several stages involved in the use of Suboxone. These stages include: 

• Induction: This is the first stage and begins between 12 and 24-hours after the individual has last used drugs. This time is when the individual will be at risk of experiencing intense withdrawal symptoms if they do not receive the Suboxone promptly. 
• Stabilization: Suboxone will be given to patients during the stabilization stage when they no longer experience withdrawal and do not have urges, cravings, or desire to use. 
• Maintenance: During this stage, the individual is entirely free of opioids and is given a small but steady Suboxone dose until they are tapered off. 

The benefits of Suboxone are that it can be prescribed to patients directly through their physician, so they do not need to go to a designated facility to get their prescriptions. This availability makes it much easier for recovering addicts to obtain their medications, which will help them better transition into everyday life post-treatment. The difference between Suboxone and other opioid-tapering drugs is that it has a ‘ceiling,’ meaning the individual does not need to take an increased dose or more of the medication over time. 

Opioid Addiction Treatment at WhiteSands

When drug addicts need medically-assisted treatment to overcome opioid addiction, at WhiteSands, we think Suboxone, an alternative to methadone, offers more effectiveness and carries less dependency than its drug counterparts. We believe so much in the use of Suboxone; all our facilities in Florida feature Suboxone Clinics so patients can enroll in programs catered explicitly to using this medication as a way to combat the withdrawal symptoms opioids produce safely.

Suboxone in opioid addiction has proven to reduce cravings, mitigate withdrawal symptoms, and reduce relapse rates. The patient can self-administer Suboxone, making it easier to get the dose they need during a transition.

There are countless benefits to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for recovery in the case of opioid addiction, namely being able to wean off opioids using a less addictive medication effectively. If you or someone close to you struggles with opioid addiction, an intake specialist at WhiteSands Treatment can help you make the first step toward recovery. Our specialists will conduct a patient assessment to determine if you are the right candidate for MAT. From here, a treatment plan will be constructed. Contact us today and regain control of your life.  

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.