When a person regularly uses heroin, they may develop tolerance and physical dependence on it. When tolerance and dependence occur, the body adapts to the presence of heroin and cannot function without it, leading to painful withdrawal symptoms if the person abruptly stops or quits using heroin. Heroin withdrawal symptoms begin within hours of stopping use, which is one of the reasons why it is so difficult to stop abusing this drug. Fortunately, there are several medications available to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms, such as Suboxone®. Although it is an opioid and has a potential for misuse, including Suboxone® abuse or addiction, Suboxone® and heroin do not have the same potency or risks.

Suboxone® is a prescription medication composed of buprenorphine and naloxone. It is used to treat people in the early stages of recovery from heroin and other opioids. While Suboxone® can be used to detox in an outpatient setting, it is important to consider inpatient medical detox when quitting heroin use. Medical detox programs will provide around-the-clock monitoring, medications for your specific case, and psychological support to help you through this challenging period.

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What Does Suboxone® Do Exactly?

Suboxone® is a combination of two drugs, buprenorphine and naloxone, which decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and reduce opioid dependence long term. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that interacts with the same opioid receptors as heroin. It can cause similar effects to other opioids, including pain reduction and euphoria, but the effects are much weaker. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opiates to prevent an opioid overdose. It also acts to decrease the euphoric effects of buprenorphine. Together, these medications make it more difficult to abuse a substance.

Suboxone® is a dissolvable film or tablet that can be prescribed at a medical detox center or by your doctor. A medical practitioner will start the person on the highest dose and slowly wean them off as time goes on. It is possible to misuse Suboxone®, but it is less likely to happen if used as directed.

However, as with other medications, Suboxone® does not come free from risks, particularly if a person deviates from their prescribed guidelines. While death from respiratory depression is rare with Suboxone®, it is possible if it is used with other substances that slow down breathing, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol, or benzodiazepines. Some common Suboxone® side effects include:

  • Insomnia.
  • Sweating.
  • Headaches.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Swelling of the arms and legs.
  • Constipation.
  • Mouth or tongue numbness, burning, and redness with oral dissolvable film Suboxone®.

 

Is Suboxone® the Same as Methadone?

Methadone and Suboxone® are both effective medications used to treat opioid addiction; however, they differ in how they work on the brain, their addiction potential, and how they are prescribed. Methadone acts as a full opioid agonist, which means it fully activates the brain’s opioid receptor, which can be more suitable for those with severe dependence. In contrast, Suboxone® is a partial opioid agonist and contains Naloxone, which reduces the risk of overdose. Additionally, methadone has a higher addiction potential.

Another difference is how these medications are prescribed. Methadone treatment is highly regulated, requiring daily visits to a certified clinic. Suboxone®, however, has more flexibility; it can be prescribed in various settings, picked up at your local pharmacy, and suitable for outpatient use. Also, because Suboxone® attaches more strongly to opioid receptors, it can cause withdrawal symptoms if taken too soon after taking opioids. Typically, people should wait 12 to 24 hours after their last opioid dose before starting Suboxone®, while methadone can be taken soon after the last opioid intake.

 

 

heroin and suboxone, withdrawal symptoms treatment, heroin detox programs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Is the Ceiling Effect of Suboxone®?

Suboxone®, like all opioids, does cause some sedation and feelings of euphoria. Full opioid drugs’ euphoric effect continues to rise at higher and higher doses, eventually leading to too much sedation and respiratory depression, which can result in an overdose. As a partial opioid, Suboxone® has a “ceiling effect,” which means that it will produce a certain degree of euphoria and pain relief, but these effects will plateau at higher doses. This means that the person using Suboxone® will not continue to get more “high” or experience a more sedative effect. The “ceiling effect” reduces the risk of overdose and the potential for misuse. The “ceiling effect” is a result of Suboxone® only partially activating the opioid receptors in the brain. Let’s compare buprenorphine vs. Suboxone®. Unlike taking buprenorphine alone, the naloxone in Suboxone® is an opioid antagonist or “blocker,” which discourages the person from using other opioids because they will not get the euphoric effect.

 

What Are the Good Effects of Suboxone®?

Suboxone® offers a significant advantage by effectively alleviating withdrawal symptoms, which is often the most challenging aspect of detoxification. It also blocks other opioids from binding to the receptors, which can help prevent relapses. While there are various medications available for treating heroin dependency and easing withdrawal symptoms, Suboxone® has some added benefits. Some of the most significant benefits of Suboxone® include:

  • It is generally less habit-forming in comparison to other medications, such as methadone.
  • Suboxone® helps to facilitate a more comfortable experience during heroin withdrawal, which sets the stage for successful long-term recovery. By alleviating or even eliminating withdrawal symptoms,  Suboxone® and heroin addiction treatment can reduce intense heroin cravings.
  • Treatment using Suboxone® can be done in an outpatient setting, allowing people to detox at home while maintaining their work, school, and personal responsibilities instead of committing to an inpatient detox program.
  • Suboxone® has a calming effect and pain-relieving properties, which can reduce the stress felt during the withdrawal and recovery process.
  • When combined with evidence-based therapy methods, Suboxone® can be part of a well-rounded treatment program that can be adjusted as you progress through recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

As with any other medication, each person’s situation is unique, and Suboxone® may not be the ideal choice for everyone. Medical detox at a treatment center can offer personalized medication options, around-the-clock care, and support needed to navigate the withdrawal process safely.  

 

Safely Overcome Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms with WhiteSands Medical Detox

Heroin and opioid addiction are some of the most difficult substance use disorders to overcome, particularly due to the uncomfortable and severe withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, psychological addiction to heroin can also make the recovery journey challenging. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer comprehensive medical detoxification under the supervision of licensed professionals who can assist you in overcoming the physical and psychological effects of heroin addiction. While Suboxone® and heroin addiction treatment as a way of alleviating heroin withdrawal can be beneficial, it may not be the best choice for every person.  With medical detox, patients will be monitored 24/7 and given a combination of controlled medication to ensure they receive the right treatment while they safely and comfortably come off heroin.

WhiteSands offers inpatient detox at our Fort Myers and Plant City locations in Florida. Patients receive care from a team of specialists, including addictionologists, psychiatrists, and board-certified nurses. Medical detox provides the most comfort during withdrawal possible, allowing you to begin individual and group therapy sessions. Once detox is complete, patients can enter one of our rehabilitation programs with the guidance of their team of specialists. We offer inpatient care and various outpatient programs to fit your needs.

If you are struggling with heroin abuse or addiction, the road to recovery is possible, and WhiteSands Treatment is here to walk the road of recovery with you. Please do not hesitate to call us today at 877-855-3470 to speak to one of our intake specialists.

 

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

Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.