5 Myths About the Use of Suboxone to Treat Opioid Addiction

How the Use of Suboxone Can Aide Treatment for Addiction

As the opioid crisis has grown in the U.S. over the years, the need for medication assisted treatment has also increased dramatically. Millions of Americans suffer from opioid use disorder, which makes treating opioid addiction extremely important. 

Abusing opioids like heroin and fentanyl has resulted in enormous suffering, but a new class of medicines can blunt the impact of addiction and provide hope to users and their families. One of the most promising of these medications is called Suboxone, and it is the go-to drug in many successful rehab centers. When used appropriately, Suboxone can be a powerful ally on the road to recovery, but there are still some pervasive myths about its use.

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.

What Is Suboxone and How Does it Work?

Suboxone is one of the most promising allies in the fight against opioid use disorder. Like Methadone, another medication used to treat addiction, Suboxone works on the brain’s pleasure centers, preventing the euphoria that would otherwise accompany the misuse of street drugs like heroin and prescription opioid medications like Oxycontin.

Suboxone is a combination medication comprised of two components, buprenorphine, and naloxone. Taken together, these two components are at the heart of medication assisted treatment, or MAT, for the treatment of opioid use disorder. Studies have already shown that Suboxone is very effective at treating opioid use disorder, and it has become a vital part of addiction recovery for many people.

Unlike Methadone, Suboxone carries very little risk for addiction and overdose.  While Methadone was the MAT drug of choice for decades, it is classed as a Schedule II substance in the US meaning it has a high potential for abuse.  Suboxone, by comparison, is a Schedule III drug, indicating it has a moderate to low potential for dependence.

If someone you care about has been suffering from opioid use disorder, there is help available. Call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today, reach out for assistance and ask about how Suboxone can support recovery and possibly even save their life.

Common Myths About Using Medication to Treat Addiction

There are some harmful myths about Suboxone and other treatments for opioid use disorder, and those myths can be dangerous to addicts and their families. Whether you are new to addiction recovery or taking another shot at treatment, it is essential to know the truth. 

Here are some of the most pervasive and demonstrably false beliefs about Suboxone:

1. Suboxone is easily abused: While every substance, including ones as seemingly innocuous as caffeine, can be misused, Suboxone is actually one of the least likely to be abused. The chemical structure of Suboxone makes it difficult to abuse, especially compared to Suboxone’s predecessor, Methadone which can be highly addictive.
2. If you are taking Suboxone, you are not really in recovery: This falsehood is one of the most harmful myths and is still believed by many people. The truth is that Suboxone is a vital part of addiction recovery, and taking it exactly as prescribed is perfectly normal. You would never say that a person with diabetes who relies on insulin is not receiving proper treatment, and the same is true of the prescription medication Suboxone.
3. Suboxone carries the same risk of overdoes as heroin and prescription opioid medications: This one is definitely not true, yet many people still believe it. Compared to the most commonly abused opioids, the risk of overdoes on Suboxone is extremely low, so you should not be afraid to incorporate it into your overall treatment plan.
4. You should only take Suboxone for a short time: It is easy to treat everyone who suffers from opioid use disorder the same, but the truth is that every addict is different, and every path to addiction recovery is unique. The right length of time to take Suboxone is as long as it takes, so let your own experience be your guide.
5. Suboxone is only effective if it is used in conjunction with therapy: While therapy is always advised for those suffering from opioid use disorder, the power of Suboxone means it can be useful even when used on its own. Since everyone is different, it is essential to talk to your counselors about your best long-term addiction recovery options.

Opioid use disorder is a severe and potentially deadly disease that should be taken very seriously. And like other potentially life-threatening illnesses, opioid use disorder demands serious treatment. Suboxone can be part of a powerful and highly effective treatment plan for those suffering from the disease, so don’t believe the misconceptions, myths, and untruths. Find the facts, rely on the proven treatment you need, and start getting better today.

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.