Suboxone Abuse and Addiction Treatment Centers
Suboxone is a combination prescription medication used in the treatment of opioid (narcotic) addiction. This drug contains both buprenorphine and naloxone, with buprenorphine being the primary ingredient. Suboxone is a mixed agonist-antagonist opioid drug. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a pure opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of medicines and drugs like morphine and heroin. This means that while buprenorphine is partially an opioid with a low potential for abuse, the euphoric effects are less than those of a full agonist drug such as morphine. Suboxone is also the first drug listed under the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) to be made available by prescription for the treatment of opioid addiction. But there is still a need for high-quality, cost-effective Suboxone detox centers to help patients who are abusing the medication.
Suboxone is available in the following formulations:
- 2 mg/0.5 mg orange, rectangular sublingual film imprinted with “N2”
- 4 mg/1 mg orange, rectangular sublingual film imprinted with “N4”
- 8 mg/2 mg orange, rectangular sublingual film imprinted with “N8”
- 2 mg/0.5 mg, orange six-sided tablet imprinted with “N2”
- 8 mg/2 mg orange six-sided tablet imprinted with “N8”
- 2 mg/0.5 mg orange six-sided tablet imprinted with “B2”
- 8 mg/2 mg orange six-sided tablet imprinted with “BB”
- 4 mg/1 mg orange, rectangular sublingual film imprinted with “N4”
- 12 mg/3 mg orange, rectangular sublingual film imprinted “N12”
Drug Classification
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have recommended the following categorizations for the ingredients in Suboxone:
- Buprenorphine is a Schedule III controlled substance, which meets the criteria as having accepted medical use and a low potential for abuse.
- Naloxone is not a controlled substance in the United States. It is classified as a prescription medication. Due to widespread opioid addiction and overdose deaths, the laws in the United States have been relaxed to facilitate wider distribution and use of naloxone in order to save lives. In some states, naloxone can be prescribed by a physician or non-pharmacist professional without the need for the patient to first see a physician.
Use and Abuse
Suboxone is one of the most commonly prescribed treatment medications for those in recovery from opioid addiction. One of the primary reasons scientists suggested combining buprenorphine with naloxone was to prevent buprenorphine abuse. However, some users have been extracting the naloxone from Suboxone and using the resulting buprenorphine to get high, resulting in the need for Suboxone treatment centers that offer the counseling and therapy necessary to help patients reach a successful recovery. Although some medical experts believe that the increasing illicit use of Suboxone is primarily for the purpose of self-medication to prevent withdrawal symptoms, it has nonetheless become of special concern for drug-regulating government entities, partially because there is now an increasing need for detox from Suboxone. If the trend continues unabated, it may result in changes to make Suboxone even less accessible to the public.
Due to the expansive illicit use of this drug, it has acquired the following street names:
- Sub or subs
- Saboxin
- Sobos
- Stops
- Stop signs
- Oranges
- Box
- Bupe
Although Suboxone dependence and overdose is rare, it does occur. Habitual use of this drug can also lead to addiction. Signs of Suboxone abuse may include loss of interest in sex, emotional imbalance, and hair loss. Common effects of Suboxone addiction include but may not be limited to:
- Headaches
- Lightheaded or dizziness
- Increase in body temperature
- Redness of the face or neck
- Fever or chills
- Frequent coughing
- Hoarseness
- Sweating
Signs of an overdose of Suboxone may include:
- Visible confusion
- Blurred vision
- Respiratory depression or difficulty breathing
- Blue or pale lips, fingernails, and skin
- Pinpoint pupils
- Feeling tired, weak, and drowsy
- Nausea and vomiting
Because an overdose of Suboxone may cause serious respiratory complications similar to the effects of other opioids, it is possible for coma or death to occur if the condition is left untreated. Get immediate medical attention if any of the preceding overdose symptoms occur. Data also shows that deaths have occurred when Suboxone abuse is combined with the use of alcohol. It’s important to get help for Suboxone abuse if necessary and take steps toward a sober lifestyle.
Suboxone Treatment
Individuals who abuse this drug are typically also addicted to other opioids. A thorough physical and psychological evaluation will determine their overall health status and facilitate an accurate diagnosis so that an appropriate treatment program can be customized for the patient. This treatment should take place in a private, safe facility that offers individualized attention for each patient. It is not uncommon for this assessment to reveal the existence of comorbid conditions necessitating dual diagnosis treatment. The administration of Suboxone, under the direction of a physician, may also be a part of the treatment process. Suboxone was approved by the FDA as a treatment for opioid addiction in 2002. When used under the supervision of certified addiction physicians, Suboxone enables patients to withdraw from habitual narcotic use without painful or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
If you or a loved one have been abusing Suboxone or have developed an addiction to this drug, it can have the same devastating effects as any illicit narcotic and require help from Suboxone treatment centers. Call our drug rehab treatment center today at 877-855-3470, or fill out the form on this page to get help. Our qualified and compassionate representatives are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about Suboxone and our treatment services and options.